b'24 FLG PARKING Flagstaff Pulliam Implements Paid Parking ProgramBY KRISTIN V. SHAWAs the closest commercial airport to the Grand CanyonAs an added complication, some people took advantage of the and red rock area of Sedona, Flagstaff Pulliam Airportfree amenity by parking at the airport and never coming back, or (FLG) itself is very scenic. Sitting on nearly 800 acresusing the terminal lot for long-term parking unrelated to air travel. of former U.S. Forest Service land, the city-owned airport hasSomething had to change, and airport leaders came up with a stunning mountain views for tourists and other visitors. Scheduledtwo-fold solution: transforming the existing lot next to the terminal service includes daily nonstops to/from Phoenix and Dallas oninto a pay-to-stay facility with a parking enforcement system, and American Airlines, and general aviation traffic accounts for 68% ofbuilding a new 415-spot paid economy lot, more than doubling overall flight operations. overall parking capacity. Both lots are credit card-only. Customers For many years, FLG generously provided complimentary parking.pay from their vehicles at the exit lanes or at a pay-on-foot station However, passenger volume has steadily increased since the currentnear baggage claim in the terminal.terminal was built in 1993, and the airport was outgrowing its singleBecause the new infrastructure and payment collection system parking lot. In fact, the parking area was bursting at the seams.were not eligible for federal funding, the $5 million project was When its 385 parking spaces were full, vehicles often overflowedfunded with a loan from the city. into the aisles and onto nearby landscaping. November | December 2023AirportImprovement.com'