Is it Difficult to Find an Aircraft Hangar in Arizona?
Tips on Securing Your Next Hangar
Passenger Airlines and Cargo Operators
In 2025, the availability of aircraft hangar space within the United States has become a real concern, resulting mainly from large demand, limited existing supply, and significant state-to-state variations. A mix of factors, including a surge in general aviation, strong private small jet demand, and increased space requirements from passenger airlines and cargo operators, is driving this trend. This shortage in hangar square-footage or floor space has become increasingly problematic, with some project completions being extended out several years, especially in busy metropolitan hubs where there are high-volume private aircraft operations.
Current Hangar Space Availability
Nationally speaking, hangar availability in 2025 is increasingly limited based upon geographic location. In congested, high-demand areas such as major cities or areas with concentrated tourism and business aviation activity, including New York, Florida, and Southern California, airplane hangars are quickly getting much harder to find. Airports in these places are usually fully booked for years in advance, with long waitlists for both tiedowns and fully enclosed hangars. In some instances, aircraft owners say that waiting lists of 24 months or longer for indoor hangar space are not uncommon. However, the availability of smaller, uncovered tiedowns is generally more accessible.
Convenience and Luxury
At a national level, the situation is further aggravated by the steady growth-spurts in private aircraft ownership, driven by growing numbers of wealthy people buying private aircraft for convenience and luxury. This surge in private airplane ownership, combined with limited airport availability to handle the demand, imposes stresses and strains on the system. Smaller airports are experiencing an expansion in demand for hangars as well, but their ability to grow the infrastructure is frequently constrained by zoning laws, regulations, and lack of funding.
The Outlook
Looking to the future, the availability of aircraft hangar space will surely remain a challenge. Airports are now starting to explore other ways to expand hangar space, but these expansions tend to be slow-moving because of the high costs involved, environmental constraints, and local resident’s opposition to development. Moreover, as more commercial aviation companies enter the private jet market and eVTOL (electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing) aircraft become more mainstream, the need for hangars is almost guaranteed to increase even further.
Functionality and Utility
Data shows that the roadblock to securing hangars for airplanes is expected to continue, especially in locations with limited land or resources for hangar development. Airport authorities are finding creative solutions that includes multi-level hangars as well as “pop-up” structures, but these are often expensive and limited in their functionality and utility. Heading into 2025, Arizona specifically is experiencing a clear shortage of aircraft hangar space, sparked by the state’s popularity when it comes to both general aviation and private jet operations.
The Strong Demand for Hangars
Cities including Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tucson are subject to especially intense demand, as the state’s warm, arid climate and rapidly expanding population of wealthy individuals spark an influx of private aircraft. The strong demand for hangars is additionally exacerbated by Arizona’s status as a central hub for retires and snowbirds, with many airplane owners flying into the area during the highly desirable mild winter months.
Demand Routinely Outpaces Supply
Wait times for hangar space in Arizona can easily extend out for several months to over two years, depending on the city and kind of hangar needed. In popular places like Scottsdale and at the Phoenix Sky Harbor airport, demand routinely outpaces supply, resulting in exceedingly long waitlists, especially for enclosed hangar structures. Availability, in some situations, is more reasonable in rural and less densely populated regions of the state, yet even there, shortages are beginning to become evident.
Hangar Space in Arizona
Looking ahead to the future, the aircraft hangar space situation is unlikely to improve drastically over the short term. That said, airport authorities are feverishly formulating plans to develop a greater volume of hangar space. However, expansion plans are often delayed due to a lack of funding, local and state zoning problems, and regulatory constraints. As such, locating a hangar in Arizona will likely remain notably competitive, especially in high-demand areas, over the next several years.
Several Simple Strategies
Finding quality hangar space for an airplane in the valley of the sun is a known challenge, especially when looking for something near to home or at a local airport. However, there is good news in this regard. Here are several simple strategies that can be used to secure a sturdy and protective structure for a private airplane.
Check with Local Airports
Start by checking with the airport management at nearby airports, both public and private. Some airports may have hangars immediately available for rent, though availability is usually limited depending on the airport’s location, size, and the overall hangar demand. Larger airports and regional airports likely will have more options, but these spaces are typically more expensive.
Online Hangar Rental Platforms
There are several industry specific websites wherein searching for airplane hangar availability is easy and convenient, APN is an excellent resource. These digital platforms allow visitors to filter results based upon location, price, and hangar size, where they frequently include reviews and ratings of the facilities to help buyers make a better-informed decision.
Check with Fixed-Base Operators
FBOs are private airport-based businesses that provide services for pilots and aircraft owner/operators that are generally located on airport premises. They may offer hangars for rent or can connect owner/operators with hangar owners throughout the area. Reaching out to a local FBO can mean gaining valuable leads.
Networking with Local Pilots
Being involved with a flying club or having connections with local pilots is a great way to source an aircraft hangar. Word of mouth can sometimes uncover hidden hangar treasures that have not yet be publicly advertised or listed for lease.
Private Hangar Space
In some situations, private property owners or small airfields and grass strips may have hangars available for rent. This can be a more flexible option, though finding this kind of space may require more in-depth legwork and considerable networking.
What About Waitlists?
In high-demand areas, aircraft hangar space, as discussed, can be expected to not be immediately available. Therefore, it is a good idea to add one’s name to a waiting list at multiple airports or facilities and then be prepared to wait as long as necessary.
At the end of the day, finding the right hangar space for your specific needs takes time, but by exploring the many different avenues available, aircraft owner/operators can greatly increase the chances of securing a suitable space that best meets the needs of all involved.
About APN
Locating an aviation property or hangar is easy with help from APN (Aviation Property Network). The company boasts dedicated and experienced aviation real estate professionals that assist both buyers and sellers.
APN helps you list a property for sale, lease an aviation property, or rent overnight. The company website features a large international database of aviation real estate opportunities. From raw aviation land to airport businesses and live-work style airplane hangars, APN has all aviation property investments under one unique roof.
Interested in buying or selling an aircraft hangar, moving to an airpark fly-in community, buying or selling an FBO or perhaps even developing a new aviation related project? Work with a true leader in worldwide aviation property transactions today! Contact APN NOW!
