By Jorge Mercado Tuesday, July 1st, 2025

The Covid-19 pandemic ruined Santa Maria Airport’s plans to have more commercial flights. But five years later, those plans are starting to come back into the fold.

American Airlines will be launching a nonstop service flight to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport beginning Oct. 15, restoring direct access to a major hub for the first time since 2020.

The route was first announced by American Airlines on June 27. The flights restore Santa Maria resident’s access to American’s Phoenix hub and more than 100 destinations.

Flights will be operated on 76-seat regional jets offering 12 first-class seats and 64 coach seats operated by SkyWest Airlines, Santa Maria Airport said in a June 30 press release. They will also be twice daily beginning in October.

“We’re excited about the new partnership with American Airlines and the announcement of the return of connecting hub service from Santa Maria. With over 250 daily departures to more than 100 destinations, our customers will be able to enjoy convenient connections from Santa Maria to the world” Martin Pehl, general manager of the Santa Maria Public Airport District, said in a press release.

“This service announcement is the result of continued efforts by the airport staff, community, military, and business leaders to bring back hub service to Santa Maria after nearly a decade. Special thanks to the airport’s partner agencies including the City of Santa Maria, the Santa Maria Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Commission.”

Ignacio Nash Moreno, president of the Santa Maria Airport Board, said during a June 30 press conference regarding the new route to Phoenix that this moment was a long time coming.

“When I was running for this position four years ago, the number one thing the community asked for was more consistent air service. This is the fulfillment,” Moreno said.

More than just a destination to Phoenix, Moreno is excited about how the new route will open up the community to so many other hubs within Phoneix’s airport.

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is one of the busiest hubs in the United States, with over 140 daily domestic and international flights.

“It’s not just about visiting Phoenix or Phoenix visiting Santa Maria,” said Moreno. 

“It’s about being able to access the rest of the world through that hub.”

Santa Maria Mayor Alice Patino said during the event that she believes the new route will “bring economic development for sure.”

American said in its June 27 press release that the Santa Maria Airport will become its 17th California destination, with flights operated on CRJ-900 aircraft. It also noted it will be the only global network carrier serving Santa Maria.

Santa Maria Airport currently offers one commercial route, a nonstop flight to Las Vegas operated by Allegiant Air.

In 2020, Santa Maria Airport was beginning its plans to branch out. That year, the airport announced that it was welcoming back United Airlines and daily flights to and from Denver, Los Angeles and San Francisco. 

It would’ve been the first United flight to and from Santa Maria Airport since 2016. Those plans were dashed due to flight reductions because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

email: [email protected]

“We’re excited about the new partnership with American Airlines.”

Martin Pehl, general manager of the Santa Maria Public Airport District