Laughlin-Bullhead International Airport is at the center of a growing dispute in Mohave County, Arizona. The County Board of Supervisors has decided to assume control of the airport, citing financial mismanagement by the Mohave County Airport Authority (MCAA).
Significant Financial Losses
During a recent meeting, the supervisors passed a resolution highlighting 19 actions by the MCAA, including operating losses exceeding $500,000 annually over the past three years. Most notably, the fiscal year ending June 2026 saw losses climb over $600,000, with income projections missed by $900,000.
District 2 Supervisor Rich Lettman, voicing his concerns, remarked, “We don’t hear a peep out of the airport authority about the operating losses.” He further stated the urgency due to the dwindling unrestricted cash at the airport.
Condemnation and Legal Moves
In July, the Supervisors voted to condemn the MCAA’s leasehold interests and take over the airport’s operations. The resolution also cited issues like the alleged breach of Arizona’s open meeting law and procurement law. The board’s attorneys aim to push forward with the condemnation process, noting that these actions deviate from the lease agreement’s expectations.
“A very sad day for all of us that it comes down to this type of action that we have to take to protect the citizens and taxpayers of the county,” commented Lettman.
Opposing Views
While the county believes in its fiduciary responsibility, airport director James Scheller disputes their authority to assume control. Scheller emphasized, “There’s obviously a lot of misunderstanding as to how an airport is operated, financed, and the current situation of the Laughlin-Bullhead International Airport.” He advocates for a collaborative meeting to address the issues outlined in the resolution.
Scheller also disputes allegations of unauthorized financial actions, including a $700,000 loan procured without board approval. He believes the county’s takeover attempt could severely impact the airport’s operations.
County Manager David Strahl stated that a court filing will occur after 20 days for a judge to evaluate the county’s motion. He highlighted the MCAA’s origins through board action as a basis for the county’s authority.
-
Since July of last year, the airport has set organizational records in five major categories, including passenger activity, operating revenue, net income, fuel sales, and parking revenue.
-
On the hottest days, thinner air can make it harder for aircraft to get off the ground safely. Airlines may have to lighten the load by removing passengers or cargo, or carrying less fuel.
-
The Phoenix Area Modernization Project is a proposal by the FAA to consolidate air traffic to set routes. As drafted, it would increase noise from air traffic by as much as 6 decibels.
-
The highway will be closed between the towns of Superior and Miami amid the ongoing Queen Creek bridge replacement project.
-
If it feels like you’re spending more time sitting in traffic on Valley roads, you probably are. New data from the Texas A&M Transportation Institute finds the average Phoenix commuter spent 76 hours sitting in traffic in 2024.
—
Read More Arizona News
