If you are considering a move to Litchfield Park, Goodyear, Verrado, Buckeye or another community in Phoenix’s West Valley, one question that can be surprisingly important is how easy it is to get here from out of state.
The answer is better than many people initially assume.
Commercial travelers have access to one of the country’s major airports at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, while private aviation travelers have several options, including an airport located directly in Goodyear.
For executives, business owners, professional athletes, frequent travelers and others who own aircraft, use fractional programs such as NetJets or Flexjet, or charter through companies such as Wheels Up or XO, the West Valley can actually be exceptionally convenient.
Here is what to know when planning a trip to Litchfield Park, Goodyear, Verrado and the surrounding West Valley.
*Airport availability, flight operations and drive times can change. Private aircraft operators make final airport decisions based on aircraft performance, weather, runway conditions, temperature, weight and other operational factors. Drive times below are intended as general planning estimates rather than guarantees. This guide was reviewed in August 2026.
Best Commercial Airport for the West Valley: Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
For the vast majority of travelers flying commercially, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, PHX, is the best option.
Sky Harbor currently has 24 airlines offering nonstop flights to more than 130 domestic destinations and 24 international destinations. That includes nonstop connections to many of the country’s largest business and population centers, along with international service to destinations including London, Paris, Taipei, Mexico City, Toronto and Vancouver.
For West Valley residents, the other advantage is geography.
Sky Harbor sits immediately east of Downtown Phoenix, with I-10 providing a nearly direct route west toward Avondale, Goodyear, Litchfield Park, Verrado and Buckeye.
Approximate Off-Peak Drive Times From Phoenix Sky Harbor
| West Valley Destination | Approximate Drive From PHX |
|---|---|
| Avondale | 20 to 25 minutes |
| Goodyear | 25 to 35 minutes |
| Litchfield Park | 25 to 35 minutes |
| North Goodyear | 30 to 40 minutes |
| Estrella / South Goodyear | 35 to 45 minutes |
| Verrado | 35 to 45 minutes |
| Central Buckeye | 40 to 50 minutes |
Traffic conditions, accidents, construction and special events can materially increase these times.
Timing Your Flight Around Phoenix Traffic
If you have flexibility in your flight schedule, the time of day you arrive or depart can make a significant difference.
The reason is that I-10 traffic is highly directional.
Flying Into Phoenix and Driving West
During the afternoon commute, a large volume of traffic travels west from Phoenix toward Avondale, Goodyear and Buckeye.
Regional transportation data identifies westbound I-10 through central and west Phoenix as a major afternoon bottleneck. Delays typically build from approximately 2 p.m. through 7 p.m., with the longest queues commonly occurring from 3 p.m. through 7 p.m. Average freeway speeds in the affected corridor can fall from around 65 mph to approximately 30 mph, adding more than 30 minutes in some conditions.
Best Weekday Arrival Time at PHX
For someone coming to the West Valley, a particularly convenient window is often:
Approximately 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
That gives travelers time to collect luggage or a rental vehicle and travel west before afternoon congestion intensifies.
Early morning can also work because a traveler leaving the airport for the West Valley is moving opposite much of the eastbound morning commuter flow.
The Arrival Window We Would Try to Avoid
If possible, avoid scheduling an arrival that puts you onto westbound I-10 between approximately:
3 p.m. and 7 p.m. on a weekday
A 30-minute drive under normal conditions can become substantially longer.
Flying Home From PHX Is the Opposite
When leaving Litchfield Park, Goodyear or Verrado for Sky Harbor, the concern switches to the morning commute.
Eastbound I-10 from Goodyear toward Downtown Phoenix is one of the region’s most persistent congestion areas.
Recent Maricopa Association of Governments analysis found the most serious eastbound congestion between approximately 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. During those periods, speeds can decline from approximately 65 mph to 30 mph and travel time can increase by as much as 45 minutes.
That means an early morning commercial flight can sometimes require a surprisingly early departure from the West Valley.
When flight schedules permit, late-morning or early-afternoon departures from PHX can be much more convenient for West Valley travelers.
Flying Private to Phoenix’s West Valley
This is where the West Valley becomes especially interesting.
Someone looking at Litchfield Park, Goodyear or Verrado on a map might assume that private aviation would require landing in Scottsdale or at Sky Harbor and driving across the metropolitan area.
It does not.
There are multiple general aviation airports on the west side of Phoenix, including one directly in Goodyear.
Phoenix Goodyear Airport, GYR
For many domestic private aviation trips to Litchfield Park, Goodyear or Verrado, Phoenix Goodyear Airport, GYR, may be the most geographically convenient airport in the entire Phoenix metropolitan area.
Phoenix Goodyear Airport is located at 1658 S. Litchfield Road in Goodyear, approximately 25 miles west of Sky Harbor.
Its primary runway measures 8,500 feet long by 150 feet wide, and the airport supports corporate aircraft and other general aviation operations. Its facilities include Lux Air Jet Centers, a large FBO complex with a passenger facility and hangar space.
The airport’s operating standards also specifically contemplate aircraft charter and aircraft management operators conducting Part 135 on-demand passenger operations.
Approximate Drive Times From Phoenix Goodyear Airport
| Destination | Approximate Drive |
|---|---|
| Central Goodyear | 5 to 10 minutes |
| Litchfield Park | 10 to 15 minutes |
| Avondale | 10 to 15 minutes |
| Verrado | 15 to 25 minutes |
| North Goodyear | 15 to 25 minutes |
| Estrella | 20 to 25 minutes |
| Central Buckeye | 20 to 30 minutes |
For someone flying privately into the area to tour luxury homes, this creates a very different experience than flying into the opposite side of the Valley.
A traveler could potentially land at GYR and be at a home in Litchfield Park or Goodyear within minutes.
Which Private Jet Companies Can Use Phoenix Goodyear Airport?
There is an important distinction here.
Companies such as NetJets, Wheels Up and Flexjet do not operate scheduled airline routes where an airport either has or does not have service.
Instead, trips are arranged on demand. The operator evaluates whether a particular airport works for the aircraft, passenger load, fuel requirements, runway length, temperature and conditions on that particular trip.
XO
XO specifically lists Phoenix Goodyear Airport, KGYR, as one of the Phoenix-area airports available through its private charter platform.
XO also lists Glendale Regional, Scottsdale, Phoenix Sky Harbor, Phoenix Deer Valley, Phoenix-Mesa Gateway and Buckeye Municipal among its Phoenix-area private aviation options.
For a traveler specifically trying to reach Goodyear, Litchfield Park or Verrado, GYR should therefore be one of the first airports to investigate.
NetJets
NetJets says its aircraft have access to more than 5,000 airports worldwide across more than 200 countries and territories. Its fleet includes light, midsize, super-midsize and large-cabin aircraft, allowing airport selection to vary according to the particular mission.
NetJets does not publicly identify Phoenix Goodyear Airport on its current list of dedicated NetJets locations, so a traveler should have NetJets confirm whether GYR is appropriate for the aircraft being assigned to the trip.
The important takeaway is that a lack of a dedicated NetJets terminal does not mean an airport is automatically unavailable. An FBO can service visiting private aircraft without being owned or branded by the fractional operator.
Wheels Up
Wheels Up similarly provides on-demand private aviation rather than scheduled routes.
Arizona is within the company’s western U.S. service area, and its current Signature program provides nationwide access to its controlled fleet plus global charter capabilities through its broader network.
In 2026, Wheels Up also completed a major fleet transition, with its controlled jet operations centered on the Embraer Phenom 300 and Bombardier Challenger 300 series while retaining broader charter options through partner operators.
We could not find a current public Wheels Up airport directory specifically guaranteeing GYR, so anyone wishing to use Phoenix Goodyear Airport should ask Wheels Up to evaluate GYR when requesting the trip.
For West Valley travel, it is worth asking rather than automatically selecting Scottsdale or Sky Harbor.
Glendale Regional Airport, GEU
Another highly convenient option is Glendale Regional Airport, GEU.
The airport is a modern general aviation facility designed to accommodate corporate jet traffic. It has a 7,150-foot runway, an FAA contract tower and a full-service FBO, Glendale Aero Services.
The FBO provides Jet A fuel, rental car assistance, pilot facilities and other services.
Glendale’s airport operating standards specifically include aircraft charter and on-demand air taxi activity, and the airport has demonstrated the ability to handle major surges in private aviation. During the 2023 Super Bowl period, for example, the airport recorded more than 430 inbound and outbound flights and nearly 1,000 guests.
Approximate Drives From Glendale Regional
| Destination | Approximate Drive |
|---|---|
| Litchfield Park | 15 to 20 minutes |
| North Goodyear | 15 to 20 minutes |
| Central Goodyear | 20 to 25 minutes |
| Avondale | 20 to 25 minutes |
| Verrado | 20 to 30 minutes |
| Surprise | 15 to 25 minutes |
XO specifically identifies KGEU as one of its available Phoenix-area charter airports.
For other fractional or charter companies, GEU should be requested when booking and confirmed based on the aircraft and itinerary.
Scottsdale Airport, SDL
Scottsdale Airport is farther from the West Valley, but it is arguably the Phoenix area’s most established luxury private aviation hub.
The airport has an 8,249-foot runway and three major FBOs: Jet Aviation, Atlantic Aviation and Signature Aviation. It accommodates jets up to 100,000 pounds and also has U.S. Customs and Border Protection services available for qualifying international flights.
It is also where several of the best-known private aviation companies have built dedicated operations.
NetJets at Scottsdale Airport
Scottsdale is one of NetJets’ select U.S. airports with an exclusive-use private terminal and NetJets Service Representatives.
That makes SDL particularly attractive to an existing NetJets Owner who prioritizes the complete NetJets private-terminal experience.
Flexjet at Scottsdale Airport
Flexjet is investing heavily in Scottsdale as well.
In May 2025, Flexjet announced construction of a $36 million private terminal at Scottsdale Airport, including a 9,000-square-foot Owner terminal, office space and a 34,000-square-foot maintenance hangar.
Flexjet said Scottsdale has become one of its top 10 most popular airports and that its traffic there has doubled since 2000.
The exclusive terminal is planned to open in late 2026.
Jet Linx at Scottsdale Airport
Jet Linx also operates its own private terminal at Scottsdale Airport.
Its purpose-built facility includes a private passenger terminal, conference facilities, secure parking, an attached 30,000-square-foot hangar and the ability for clients to access aircraft directly from vehicles.
XO at Scottsdale
XO also specifically lists Scottsdale, KSDL, through its Phoenix private charter offering.
The Downside for West Valley Visitors
Scottsdale’s private aviation infrastructure is excellent.
Its location is not.
A traveler heading to Litchfield Park, Goodyear or Verrado must cross a large portion of metropolitan Phoenix.
Typical non-rush-hour planning ranges might be:
| Destination | Approximate Drive From SDL |
|---|---|
| Litchfield Park | 45 to 60 minutes |
| Goodyear | 50 to 60 minutes |
| Verrado | 55 to 70 minutes |
During weekday traffic, those times can increase considerably.
For an existing NetJets, Flexjet or Jet Linx customer who values a dedicated terminal experience, Scottsdale may still make sense.
For someone whose priority is simply getting as close as possible to their West Valley destination, Goodyear or Glendale may be significantly more convenient if the operator approves the airport.
Can Private Jets Use Phoenix Sky Harbor?
Yes.
Phoenix Sky Harbor is not limited to commercial airlines.
The airport operates three substantial runways and has two FBOs serving private aviation, Cutter Aviation and Jackson Jet Center.
XO specifically lists KPHX among its private aviation options in Phoenix.
Sky Harbor can be particularly useful when members of the same party are arriving on a mixture of commercial and private flights, or when the itinerary requires capabilities that make PHX preferable operationally.
For domestic private travelers whose final destination is Goodyear, Litchfield Park or Verrado, however, landing at GYR or GEU could eliminate a considerable amount of ground transportation.
Phoenix Deer Valley Airport, DVT
Phoenix Deer Valley Airport is another general aviation alternative on the north side of Phoenix.
XO includes DVT among its Phoenix-area airports.
For someone headed to the immediate West Valley, it usually would not be our first geographic choice because Goodyear and Glendale place the traveler much closer to the destination.
It can nevertheless be useful when aircraft availability, hangar arrangements, charter-provider preferences or a north Phoenix itinerary make Deer Valley advantageous.
What About Buckeye Municipal Airport, BXK?
For someone visiting Verrado or Buckeye, Buckeye Municipal Airport is worth knowing about.
XO actually includes KBXK in its list of Phoenix-area private aviation airports.
Buckeye Municipal has a 5,500-foot by 75-foot runway, Jet A fuel and ground-transportation coordination.
However, this airport requires more aircraft-specific planning than Goodyear.
Buckeye’s own airport master-planning work notes that its existing 5,500-foot runway can create takeoff-weight considerations for certain business aircraft, particularly because Arizona’s high summer temperatures affect aircraft performance. The airport’s planning analysis evaluates aircraft ranging from Citation jets to Challenger aircraft and specifically studies weight restrictions associated with the existing runway.
So for a light aircraft or appropriate business jet, BXK could be exceptionally convenient for Buckeye or Verrado.
For larger aircraft, GYR’s 8,500-foot runway may be the more practical nearby option.
Always let the flight operator make that determination.
International Private Aviation Is Different
One major consideration for anyone arriving privately from outside the United States is customs.
Neither Phoenix Goodyear Airport nor Glendale Regional currently has an on-site U.S. Customs office. Glendale explicitly notes that it does not have customs facilities.
Scottsdale, on the other hand, is a designated user-fee airport with U.S. Customs and Border Protection inspection service available seven days per week during established hours with advance permission to land.
That makes Scottsdale considerably more attractive for certain international private arrivals even though it is farther from the West Valley.
Depending upon the itinerary, a flight department or charter operator may also use another approved U.S. airport to clear customs before continuing domestically.
Private Aviation Options at a Glance
| Airport | West Valley Convenience | Private Aviation Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Phoenix Goodyear, GYR | Excellent | 8,500-foot runway, Lux Air FBO, charter-capable, explicitly listed by XO |
| Glendale Regional, GEU | Excellent | Corporate jet facility, 7,150-foot runway, Glendale Aero Services, explicitly listed by XO |
| Buckeye Municipal, BXK | Excellent for Buckeye/Verrado | 5,500-foot runway, explicitly listed by XO, aircraft and temperature limitations require careful planning |
| Phoenix Sky Harbor, PHX | Good | Cutter and Jackson Jet FBOs, large-airport capabilities, explicitly listed by XO |
| Scottsdale, SDL | Fair for West Valley | Major private aviation hub, NetJets terminal, Flexjet terminal coming, Jet Linx terminal, XO access, customs |
| Phoenix Deer Valley, DVT | Fair | Major GA airport, explicitly listed by XO |
| Phoenix-Mesa Gateway, AZA/IWA | Poor for West Valley | Commercial and private capability but located across the metropolitan area |
NetJets, Wheels Up, Flexjet, XO and Jet Linx: What West Valley Travelers Should Know
NetJets
NetJets provides access to more than 5,000 airports worldwide and operates a diverse fleet across multiple aircraft categories. Scottsdale Airport has a dedicated NetJets private-terminal presence.
For GYR, GEU or BXK, ask NetJets to evaluate the airport for your specific trip rather than assuming Scottsdale is required.
Wheels Up
Wheels Up offers membership and on-demand private charter services throughout the United States and globally. Arizona is within its western U.S. service area.
Airport selection should be discussed when booking. Travelers heading to the West Valley should specifically ask whether GYR or GEU can be used for their mission.
Flexjet
Flexjet operates a broad fleet ranging from the Phenom 300 through Gulfstream aircraft and is building an exclusive Scottsdale terminal scheduled for late 2026.
Existing Flexjet customers may appreciate the Scottsdale private-terminal experience, although West Valley-bound passengers should compare the ground-transportation advantage of a more western airport if their flight can use one.
XO
Of the large private aviation brands we researched, XO publishes one of the clearest Phoenix airport lists.
Its Phoenix charter platform specifically identifies:
- Phoenix Goodyear, KGYR
- Glendale Regional, KGEU
- Scottsdale, KSDL
- Phoenix Sky Harbor, KPHX
- Phoenix Deer Valley, KDVT
- Phoenix-Mesa Gateway, KIWA
- Buckeye Municipal, KBXK
among its available Phoenix-area options.
That makes XO particularly useful for illustrating just how many private aviation choices surround the Valley.
Jet Linx
Jet Linx has an established Scottsdale base and private terminal with aircraft management and Jet Card services.
It is particularly relevant to Phoenix-area private travelers who already use the Jet Linx system.
Our Airport Recommendations for West Valley Visitors
If someone asked us to simplify all of this, our starting recommendations would be:
Commercial Traveler
Fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor, PHX.
Whenever your schedule allows, arrive in the late morning or around midday to get west before afternoon rush hour.
For the return trip, a late-morning or early-afternoon flight can help avoid the worst eastbound morning commute.
Domestic Private Traveler Visiting Goodyear or Litchfield Park
Ask your operator about Phoenix Goodyear Airport, GYR, first.
It provides an unusually convenient arrival point with an 8,500-foot runway literally inside the community you are visiting.
Private Traveler Visiting Verrado or Buckeye
Ask about GYR and BXK.
Buckeye Municipal may be exceptionally close, depending on your destination and aircraft. GYR’s longer runway makes it a strong alternative.
Private Traveler Visiting the Northern West Valley
Consider Glendale Regional, GEU.
It can be particularly convenient for Litchfield Park, north Goodyear, Glendale and portions of the Loop 303 corridor.
NetJets Owner
Compare Scottsdale with Goodyear or Glendale.
SDL gives you the dedicated NetJets terminal experience. GYR or GEU may substantially shorten your drive if NetJets approves the airport for your trip.
International Private Traveler
Scottsdale may deserve serious consideration because of its U.S. Customs capability.
Your flight department or charter company should determine the most efficient customs and arrival strategy for the specific itinerary.
The West Valley May Be More Accessible Than You Think
One of the misconceptions people sometimes have when considering homes in Litchfield Park, Goodyear, Verrado or Buckeye is that moving farther west means becoming less connected to the rest of the country.
From an aviation standpoint, that is not necessarily true.
Phoenix Sky Harbor provides an enormous commercial airline network, while private aviation travelers have airports in Goodyear, Glendale and Buckeye itself.
For the right traveler, the experience can be remarkably convenient.
Someone can fly privately into Phoenix Goodyear Airport, leave through the FBO and potentially be at a home in Goodyear or Litchfield Park within 10 or 15 minutes.
That is worth knowing if you are comparing Phoenix-area communities and frequent travel is part of your lifestyle.
Thinking About Moving to Phoenix’s West Valley?
Choosing the right community involves far more than bedrooms, square footage and price.
Commute patterns, airport access, schools, dining, recreation and the way you actually live from week to week can all influence which part of the West Valley makes the most sense.
If you are considering Litchfield Park, Goodyear, Verrado, Buckeye or another Phoenix West Valley community, The Caren Team can help you compare not only the homes, but the lifestyle and logistics surrounding them. Start with our West Valley community guides, or take a look at the Private Buyer Network if you are searching quietly.
Whether you are relocating from another state, flying in for a weekend of home tours or trying to determine which West Valley community best fits the way you travel, we would be happy to help you plan your visit and your home search.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the closest major commercial airport to Goodyear, Arizona?
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, PHX, is the primary major commercial airport for Goodyear. Under lighter traffic conditions, central Goodyear is generally around 25 to 35 minutes from the airport.
What airport should I use when visiting Litchfield Park, Arizona?
Commercial travelers will generally want Phoenix Sky Harbor. Private aviation travelers should investigate Phoenix Goodyear Airport and Glendale Regional Airport because both are substantially closer to Litchfield Park.
What is the best airport for Verrado, Arizona?
For commercial flights, Phoenix Sky Harbor is usually the best choice. For private aviation, Phoenix Goodyear Airport is particularly convenient. Buckeye Municipal may also work for certain aircraft and itineraries.
Can private jets land at Phoenix Goodyear Airport?
Yes. Phoenix Goodyear is a general aviation airport with an 8,500-foot runway, FBO services and facilities supporting corporate and charter aviation. Whether a particular private flight can use GYR depends on the aircraft and operating conditions.
Does NetJets fly to Phoenix?
Yes. NetJets operates throughout the Phoenix market and has a dedicated Owner terminal presence at Scottsdale Airport. NetJets also provides access to more than 5,000 airports worldwide. Travelers interested in GYR, GEU or another West Valley airport should request that airport when arranging their itinerary.
Can Wheels Up fly to Arizona?
Yes. Arizona is within Wheels Up’s western U.S. service area, and the company provides on-demand private aviation and charter solutions throughout the United States and globally. The specific airport for a trip should be confirmed with Wheels Up during booking.
Does XO fly into Phoenix Goodyear Airport?
XO specifically lists Phoenix Goodyear Airport, KGYR, among its Phoenix-area private charter airport options. It also lists Glendale, Scottsdale, Sky Harbor, Deer Valley, Mesa Gateway and Buckeye Municipal.
Does Phoenix Goodyear Airport have U.S. Customs?
Travelers should not plan on GYR as their direct customs-clearing airport. International private travelers should coordinate customs requirements with their flight operator. Scottsdale Airport has an established CBP user-fee facility for qualifying private international arrivals with advance authorization.
What time should I arrive at Sky Harbor if I am staying in the West Valley?
For a weekday arrival followed by a drive west toward Goodyear, Litchfield Park or Verrado, late morning through early afternoon is generally preferable. Westbound congestion becomes more significant during the afternoon commute, particularly from approximately 3 p.m. through 7 p.m.
What time should I fly out of Phoenix if I am staying in Goodyear or Verrado?
When possible, a late-morning or early-afternoon PHX departure can help avoid the heaviest eastbound I-10 morning traffic. Regional transportation data identifies approximately 6 a.m. through 9 a.m. as the most difficult eastbound period from the West Valley toward central Phoenix.