Air travel connecting St. Cloud Regional Airport (STC) and Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) provides a transportation option between central Minnesota and the Phoenix metropolitan area. This route caters to both leisure and business travelers seeking access to these regions.
Connecting smaller regional airports with larger hubs offers several advantages. Such connections can reduce overall travel time for those living closer to a regional airport like STC, bypassing the need to travel to larger, more congested airports like MinneapolisSaint Paul International Airport (MSP). This can also lead to cost savings, as regional airports sometimes offer more competitive fares and parking options. The emergence of these routes reflects the growing demand for convenient and efficient air travel options serving smaller communities and their connection to larger metropolitan areas.