Payson Municipal Airport is one of 46 general aviation airports in Arizona and is located in Payson, the “heart” of Arizona, just below the Mogollon Rim. Completely surrounded by the 2.9 million acre Tonto National Forest, the town is bordered on three sides by the largest stand of Ponderosa pines trees in the world. There is no other public use airport within
40 nautical miles of Payson.

At an elevation of 5,157 feet and surrounded by rolling hills and mountain vistas, the regional climate is characterized by four mild seasons. The average daily maximum temperate ranges from 53° F in January to 93° F in July. The normal daily minimum temperature ranges from 24° F in January to 59° F in July. On average, the region can expect 21 inches of precipitation annually. Payson is located midway between Phoenix (90 miles to the south) and Flagstaff (92 miles to the northwest).

The airport has an automated weather observation system and continuous power medium intensity runway lights that are operated by pilot controlled aircraft radios. Payson Airport strives to be responsive to the ever-changing needs of the air transportation industry. Emphasis is placed on providing airfield improvements, aircraft services, and storage facilities that can better support airport users. This will improve the economic benefit of the airport.

Approximately 85 aircraft (55 on airport property and 30 off site) are presently based at the airport. More than 100 aircraft are forecast to be based at the airport by the year 2020. The airport is designed to accommodate piston engine aircraft, turboprop aircraft, and small business jet aircraft. The asphalt-paved runway is 5,504 feet long and 75 feet wide. There is a 50 x 50 feet concrete helipad.

In September 2007, the operations for the Airport were taken over by the Payson Regional Airport Authority (PRAA) through a lease agreement. As of February 2012, PRAA relinquished operations back to the Town.