Grant Sparks Potential for Passenger Service at Laughlin-Bullhead City Airport

BULLHEAD CITY — A significant $850,000 grant proposal aiming to establish scheduled passenger flight services at Laughlin-Bullhead City International Airport has garnered notable community backing. The Mohave County Airport Authority (MCAA) is actively pursuing options to make airline services financially feasible for local residents.

This funding application, submitted through the Small Community Air Service Development Program, seeks to attract airlines to provide scheduled flights. MCAA has amassed over 19 letters of support for its application, with more endorsements predicted in the coming weeks.

“We submitted our proposal by the July 25 deadline, and it’s currently under review by the Department of Transportation,” said Jack Penning, managing partner at Volaire Aviation Consulting. The SCASD Program is competitive, with only $12 million available nationwide for up to 50 applicant airports. Penning emphasized the robust local support seen through letters, including one from both Arizona Senators, highlighting the essential nature of improved air services to regional growth.

Volaire’s detailed study supports the application by outlining the area’s market potential for air services. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the airport handled an impressive average of 330 passengers daily. From 2010 to 2019, Laughlin-Bullhead City Airport (IFP) served between 235,000 and 240,000 passengers annually. This figure dropped to 110,000 in 2020 due to pandemic restrictions but rebounded to 148,217 in 2023.

Analyzing passenger data, Volaire’s report indicates that approximately 4.5% of travelers using Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas originated from nearby areas like the Colorado River region, Lake Havasu City, and Kingman. The report posits that with scheduled services, IFP could accommodate up to 1.5 million passengers annually, potentially enabling the airport to sustain 11 daily mainline flights.

“The data suggests a viable market, yet airlines tend to be risk-averse,” Penning explained. Securing this grant funding is critical for attracting carriers willing to initiate service.

If funded, the grant could effectively convince airlines to establish scheduled passenger flights. It may offer a revenue guarantee, allowing airlines to maintain operations while marketing their services. This could deter potential passengers from driving to Las Vegas or Phoenix for flights, a trend the report cites as significant. However, rising crew costs nationally continue to pressure fare rates.

“Our aim is to use the grant to lower the barriers for airlines, not to subsidize them,” Penning noted. The ambition is to foster a self-sustaining service based on passenger usage.

MCAA plans to continue gathering support letters while awaiting the DOT’s decision, which could arrive anytime from early November to the beginning of next year. Notably, election cycles can complicate this timeline due to potential staff changes in government agencies.

Historically, airlines from Bullhead City have faced challenges in filling flights. Volaire’s report recommends expanding flight destinations beyond single routes. American Airlines previously struggled with a limited schedule, providing one flight to Phoenix, resulting in inconvenient travel options for passengers connecting elsewhere.

The report suggests IFP consider new routes to major cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Salt Lake City, Denver, and Minneapolis among others. It emphasizes that serving a diverse selection of destinations could attract passengers who might otherwise choose larger airports for more connecting options.

“IFP attracts a mix of travelers, particularly from the West Coast and upper Midwest,” the report concluded. Improved connectivity could help compete with ongoing pilot shortages and accommodate passenger needs more effectively.