Avi Suquilla Airport: Parker's Primary GA Field Supporting Tourism and Emergencies

Avi Suquilla Airport (FAA LID: P20) sits about 1 to 1.2 miles east of downtown Parker and serves as the primary general aviation field for Parker and Parker Valley. Operated with involvement from the Colorado River Indian Tribes, the field is a critical link for Colorado River recreation, local business travel, and emergency medical transport.

The airport has a single paved runway suitable for most light- and medium-general-aviation aircraft, though published runway lengths can vary by source. Pilots and operators should confirm current runway dimensions and procedures on FAA charts and NOTAMs before planning an arrival or departure. Communications are handled via the published CTAF/UNICOM frequency for the field; pilots must verify the correct frequency and any special procedures on current charts.

Fuel and ground services are available during attended hours, with 100LL and Jet-A offered on site. Fuel may be available on request outside attended hours, so callers should contact airport management in advance to confirm availability. The field also provides typical GA amenities such as hangar and tiedown options and may offer a courtesy car; seasonal demand during winter visitor and RV season can affect availability and wait times.

Beyond recreational use, Avi Suquilla plays an operational role in public safety. The airport supports air ambulance operations and emergency response staging, which is especially important for La Paz County's dispersed population and river corridor activities. Maintaining reliable fuel and runway service at P20 contributes directly to faster medical evacuations and to the county's ability to respond to wildfire or flood incidents when air access is required.

Economically, the airport underpins travel to riverfront lodges, marinas, and outfitters that drive off-season and peak visitation alike. General aviation visitors bring direct spending to lodging, restaurants, and service businesses in Parker and across Parker Valley. For local firms, P20 provides faster business access to regional markets and complementary transport for light cargo and service providers.

For residents and visitors planning to use Avi Suquilla, practical steps matter. Check NOTAMs and current FAA charts before flight, call ahead to airport management to confirm fuel, hangar, or courtesy-car availability, and expect higher service demand during winter visitor peaks. Keeping those checks in routine practice preserves safety and reliability for tourism, commerce, and critical medical flights.

What this means for readers is straightforward: Avi Suquilla is more than a strip of pavement east of town. It is a small but vital hub that keeps Parker connected to the river economy and ensures that emergency medical and response options remain available when they are needed most.