Greenlee County Airport (CFT)

Greenlee County Airport (CFT), also known by its ICAO code KCFT, is a vital public-use aviation facility serving the communities of Clifton and Morenci in eastern Arizona. Located approximately 8 miles southeast of Clifton, the airport acts as a critical link for the region's prominent copper mining industry, particularly for the nearby Morenci Mine, one of the largest in North America. The facility is situated on a high desert mesa at an elevation of 3,798 feet and is owned and operated by Greenlee County. The airport's infrastructure is primarily designed for general aviation and corporate use rather than commercial passenger traffic. There is no traditional passenger terminal building or on-site staff; the facility is largely unattended, with operations conducted under common traffic advisory procedures. Essential ground facilities include a basic sheltered area for pilots, restrooms, and a dedicated automated weather observing system (AWOS-3). The airfield features a well-maintained 4,978-foot asphalt runway (08/26) that is capable of handling most single-engine and light twin-engine aircraft, as well as smaller executive jets. Currently, Greenlee County Airport serves as a bustling hub for private pilots, air taxi operations, and essential medical evacuation flights for the remote eastern Arizona region. It also provides a strategic gateway for outdoor enthusiasts visiting the nearby Gila National Forest and the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. While no scheduled commercial airlines serve the airport, it remains an indispensable asset for regional logistics and mining support. Ground transportation to Clifton or Morenci must be pre-arranged, as there are no on-site taxi or rental car desks, although several services in the area can coordinate deliveries to the airfield. The airport's presence is fundamental to the connectivity and safety of one of Arizona's most rugged and economically significant areas.