St. George Regional Airport has long been recognized as a vital economic engine for southern Utah, connecting our community to business opportunities, tourism, and essential services like medical evacuation. Yet, as the city continues to grow at a rapid pace, the airport faces mounting challenges that demand careful, collaborative management—not brash decision-making.
Recent years have seen the airport grapple with a range of issues, from runway repairs and weather-related disruptions to limited flight options and concerns about capacity. Many residents and business owners have voiced frustration over high ticket prices and a lack of direct flights, while others worry about the environmental and community impacts of expansion.
Against this backdrop, the City of St. George has introduced significant changes to its Non-Commercial Hangar Pad Licensing Policy. While the intent may be to streamline operations and ensure fair access, these policy shifts have sparked concern among local pilots and aviation groups. The Southern Utah Aviators Association (SUAA), for example, recently sent a letter to the mayor and city council expressing deep reservations about how these changes were implemented and their potential impact on general aviation at the airport.
At the heart of the dispute is a sense that decisions are being made too quickly, without sufficient input from those most affected. The new policies introduce stricter requirements for hangar use, higher fees, and more rigid waitlist procedures. For many in the aviation community, these changes feel abrupt and risk discouraging the very users who help make the airport a vibrant part of St. George’s economy.
As the SUAA’s letter highlights, managing growth at the airport isn’t just about building more infrastructure or tightening regulations—it’s about engaging stakeholders, listening to concerns, and crafting policies that balance economic development with community needs. Growth is inevitable, but it must be managed thoughtfully and transparently to ensure the airport remains a welcoming gateway for all.
As St. George looks to the future, city leaders have an opportunity—and a responsibility—to foster open dialogue and make decisions that reflect the best interests of both the aviation community and the broader public. Only by working together can we ensure that the airport continues to serve as a cornerstone of our region’s prosperity.
-Shane Losee