Posted on January 21st, 2025
Scottsdale Airport (SDL), located just nine miles north of Downtown Scottsdale, is a vital gateway for general aviation in Arizona. Known for its world-class corporate jet facilities, SDL serves a wide range of purposes, including corporate travel, leisure trips, medical flights, and other general aviation activities. While it operates as a reliever airport, it does not handle scheduled commercial flights, maintaining its focus on private and chartered aviation.
Scottsdale Airport is a significant revenue contributor to the state by providing employment opportunities. According to a 2022 Arizona Aviation Economic Impact Study, the airport created over $1 billion in economic benefits in FY 2019. Additionally, aviation activity at SDL supported 5,970 jobs with an income of $320 million.
The airport has a rich history and is owned and operated by the City of Scottsdale. It served as a primary flight training base for U.S. Army Air Forces aviation cadets during World War II. Following the war, the airport transitioned under the management of Arizona State Teachers College before being acquired by the City of Scottsdale in 1966.
In 2022, Scottsdale Airport recorded approximately 169,000 takeoffs and landings, showcasing its status as one of the busiest general aviation airports in the country.
Source: scottsdaleaz.gov
Scottsdale Airport is the only general aviation airport in the valley to offer U.S. Customs Clearance services, making it an ideal choice for international private flights. This capability allows private planes of all sizes to fly in and out efficiently, ensuring a seamless travel experience. The airport also features three premier Fixed Base Operators (FBOs), providing comprehensive services for private aircraft, including fueling, maintenance, and luxury passenger amenities. Additionally, the Aviation Business Center is a one-stop hub for all aviation needs, delivering top-tier support and convenience for pilots, passengers, and aircraft owners.
Spread across nearly 300 acres, Scottsdale Airport offers state-of-the-art facilities and exemplary flight operations, earning its place among the Top 50 airports ranked by pilots. These rankings reflect its commitment to safety, efficiency, and service quality, ensuring a seamless experience for aviators and travelers.
Whether you’re flying for business, leisure, or specialized missions, Scottsdale Airport stands out as a hub of excellence and a cornerstone of Arizona’s aviation landscape.
Scottsdale Airport has stationed three award-winning fixed-based operators (FBOs) that provide on-site services and amenities for crew and passengers. The FBOs are:
The services and amenities provided include:
The single runway at Scottsdale Airport accommodates various aircraft types, from small turboprops to large jets. It is 8,249 feet long and 100 feet wide. The 3/21 lies in the northeast/southwest direction; while runway 3 is used when an aircraft departs to the northeast or arrives from the southwest, runway 21 is usually used to depart to the southwest and from the northeast.
The airport offers many amenities to both passengers and crew. A private meeting room, executive lounge, on-site concierge services, pilot lounge, quiet rooms, and Wi-Fi connectivity are available. Further, the airport has many extras, including a restaurant, kitchenette, ATMs, and more.
The airport has a Noise Abatement Program in place to relieve residents and neighborhoods against exceeding noise levels. Some of the program’s highlights include:
The Airport is conveniently located and offers many travel options. Below are some other airports near Scottsdale.
Origin | Destination | Flight Time[Approx] | Private Jet Category | Passenger Capacity |
---|---|---|---|---|
Scottsdale | Cabo | 1.5 Hours | Light Jet | 6-7 |
Scottsdale | New Orleans | 2.5 Hours | Mid Jet | 6-8 |
Chicago | Scottsdale | 3.5 Hours | Super Mid Jet | 8-9 |
Miami | Scottsdale | 4.75 Hours | Heavy Jet | 10-18 |
You can explore our diverse fleet at JetOptions and choose the one that best fits your travel needs. For instance, our clients prefer to fly in various jet categories ranging from light jets, midsize, and super-midsize, to heavy jets. Some prominent jets in these categories are:
Flying on a private plane to Scottsdale, Arizona, is one of the best ways to explore this desert city. The city is a vibrant, thriving place with the perfect backdrop for business meetings and vacation relaxation. Here are some recommendations to see around Scottsdale, Arizona.
If you’re a private plane traveler, you’ll be pleased to know that the Scottsdale airport has a dedicated terminal with all the amenities you need. So whether you’re traveling to Phoenix or Scottsdale for business, JetOptions can help you get there.
Our highly respected flight choices include many pricing options, from one-way to round-trip rates, from cities around the globe. Let’s plan your next trip, now!
The airport is operational 24 hours a day, every day.
Scottsdale Airport has one runway, the 3/21. It is 8,249 feet long and 100 feet wide.
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is closest to Scottsdale. It is approximately 20 miles away.
The Scottsdale airport codes are FAA: SDL, ICAO: ICAO, and IATA: SDL.
No, Scottsdale Airport does not have commercial flights or scheduled commercial airlines. However, it has a dedicated private jet terminal you can use. It also has amenities for helicopter operations.