By Erin Ford | Grand Canyon News
TUSAYAN, Ariz. — Tucked back behind ponderosa pines and helipads, the Grand Canyon Airport is one of the first things visitors see as they drive north toward the Grand Canyon and its gateway community of Tusayan.
Built in 1967, the facilities have mostly stood the test of time, but airport manager Matt Smith has big plans in store for the terminal, and plans to make it a modern, welcoming flight center.
Before undertaking any cosmetic plans, Smith said a number of other issues must first be addressed. For example, the bathrooms in the terminal are scheduled to be upgraded next year because they aren’t compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) passed in 1990. The airport was awarded funds from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) to bring the bathrooms up to code. The Grand Canyon Airport is the only airport in the state owned and operated by ADOT.