Tuesday, July 1, 2025

After close to a decade of being out of hub service, Santa Maria Airport will re-link with the larger air transportation network. American Airlines and SkyWest Airlines will offer twice-daily direct flight service between Santa Maria and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport beginning October 15. Long-awaited service is an historic event for the Central Coast community and one that will have immense benefits for local transportation as well as for regional development.

The announcement of the new flights comes after years of tireless effort from local officials, business advocates, and airport leaders. Ignacio Nash Moreno, president of the Santa Maria Airport Board, shared the excitement surrounding the launch, noting that the consistent call from the community for more air service had been a driving force behind the successful campaign.

“When I was running for this position four years ago, the number one thing the community asked for was more consistent air service,” said Moreno. “Now, we’re here celebrating the return of nonstop flights to Phoenix, which is a game-changer for Santa Maria.”

The new route has been a dream for local leaders for years, with the campaign to bring hub service back to the airport involving extensive travel to airline headquarters, presentations showcasing local travel demand, and letters of support from businesses in the region. Suzanne Singh, a representative of the Economic Development Commission, emphasized the persistence of the effort, noting that although it was often a challenge to build relationships with airline executives, the community’s dedication eventually paid off.

While the new route offers direct access to Phoenix, the benefits extend far beyond just flights between the two cities. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is one of the busiest hubs in the United States, handling over 140 daily domestic and international flights. This connection opens up vast opportunities for Santa Maria residents to access global travel networks, including destinations across the U.S., Mexico, and beyond.

Moreno highlighted the broader advantages of the route: “It’s not just about visiting Phoenix or Phoenix visiting Santa Maria. It’s about being able to access the rest of the world through that hub.”

For local residents, the convenience is undeniable. As Moreno put it, “What excites me the most is that it’s at home. I can wake up, be at the airport in ten minutes, and fly to New York or Mexico. It’s accessible, it’s flexible, and that’s something we’ve never had before.”

Local leaders agree that this new air service will play a significant role in boosting both the economy and community pride. Santa Maria Mayor Alice Patino praised the announcement, noting that the route will not only benefit the local economy but also attract more visitors to the area.

“This is going to bring economic development for sure,” Mayor Patino said. “And this doesn’t just mean flights to Phoenix. It means Phoenix to Santa Maria, where families can enjoy our coast, our beaches, our wine country, and the warm breezes we get in the afternoon.”

Patino also acknowledged the behind-the-scenes work of the airport board, saying, “They kept this under wraps, which is impressive in a town like ours. People don’t realize how much work goes on behind the scenes to make something like this happen.”

For Santa Maria residents like Ann Valente, the new route promises to make travel much easier. As a long-time local, Valente is excited about the new direct connection to Phoenix, which she says will greatly improve her ability to stay connected with family.

“My brother-in-law lives in Phoenix, so it’s great to just drive a few minutes from my house and hop on a flight there,” Valente said. “Before, we’d drive six or seven hours. Now, it’s just an hour in the air. That’s huge.”

Valente also believes the new route will bring more credibility and awareness to the region. “The more flights we have, the better. It brings credibility to what we have going on here,” she added.

While the new flights to Phoenix are an exciting development, officials stress that the success of the service depends on local support. Residents are encouraged to book their flights through Santa Maria Airport instead of driving to nearby airports in Santa Barbara or San Luis Obispo.

“Santa Maria Airport offers free parking, short TSA lines, and a terminal just minutes from home,” said airport leaders. “It’s a unique mix of convenience and value that now comes with much more reach.”

The new American Airlines flights to Phoenix will begin on October 15, operated on 76-seat regional jets. The flights will run twice daily, providing flexible options for travelers looking to visit Phoenix or use it as a gateway to other destinations. Tickets are already available for purchase at aa.com, through the American Airlines app, or via local travel agents.

For those considering flying out of Santa Maria Airport, the service offers the convenience of a small, accessible airport with all the amenities of larger hubs, without the stress and hassle of long lines and crowded terminals.

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