About

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Your Gateway to the Gila Valley

Safford Regional Airport (1LT Duane Spalsbury Field) serves as a vital hub for Southeastern Arizona, supporting commercial air service, general aviation, air medevac operations, wildfire suppression, and economic development. As the only public airport in Graham County with paved runways, the airport plays a critical role in connecting residents, businesses, and travelers to destinations beyond the region.

Owned and operated by the City of Safford, the airport is dedicated to providing safe, efficient, and reliable aviation services while supporting local industry and community needs.

 

"The vision of Safford Regional Airport is to provide world-class aviation transportation facilities and services in order to enhance the quality-of-life of area residents, as well as to enable economic development by connecting our community to larger markets and the world"
 
"As the "Gateway to the Gila Valley", the mission of Safford Regional Airport is to develop and maintain a safe and efficient aviation transportation facility that offers valuable services to area residents including scheduled and non-scheduled aviation transportation options, opportunities for aviation and non-aviation job creation and business development, and essential emergency services such as wildfire-fighting, air medevac, and aviation law enforcement support."
 
 

A Storied History

Safford Regional Airport’s origins date back to World War II, when it was constructed as an auxiliary military airfield for pilot training. Following the war, ownership was transferred to the City of Safford, and since then, it has primarily served general aviation, law enforcement, charter services, and air ambulance operations.

Commercial airline service began in the 1950s with Frontier Airlines, offering flights between Phoenix and El Paso. While commercial service was discontinued for several decades, it returned in 2024 with Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines, offering convenient flights to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

In 2024, the Safford City Council renamed the airport in honor of Duane Spalsbury, a World War II fighter pilot and lifelong supporter of aviation in the Gila Valley.

Honoring a Legacy

Duane Spalsbury served in the Army Air Corps in 1944-45 as a P-51, P-47, and P-38 fighter pilot in the European theater. After his military service, he moved to Safford in 1955, where he became an integral part of the community. He was active in Rotary Club, the Bulldog Booster Club, and was the first chairman of Mt. Graham Community Hospital. Spalsbury remained involved in aviation for more than 50 years, and the airport proudly carries his name in recognition of his contributions.

Wall of honor

The Wall of Honor recognizes local aviation pioneers who have made a lasting impact on Safford Regional Airport and the surrounding aviation community, including:

Mr. Duane Spalsbury

Mr. Leven Ferrin

Mr. H. Lyle Grant

Frequently Asked Questions