It was renamed Williams Field on February 24, 1942, in honor of Arizona native First Lieutenant Charles Linton Williams (1898–1927), who was killed while serving with the 19th Pursuit Squadron at Wheeler Field, Oahu, when he had to ditch his Boeing PW-9A, 26-353, in the Pacific Ocean about a mile off of Fort DeRussy.

On June 16, 2015, after Elite Airways announced non-stop flights from San Diego and Salt Lake City to Phoenix–Mesa, Allegiant threatened to leave the airport.

[15] In 1994, the Phoenix–Mesa Gateway Airport Authority was established with a three-member board with representation from the three cities immediately adjacent to the then-named Williams Field.

The original governing board consisted of the mayors of the towns of Gilbert and Queen Creek and the city of Mesa.

To alleviate this problem, extensive renovations and expansions were completed within the existing west side terminal, adding nearly 70,000 square feet (6,500 m2) of new space.

However, because IWA/AZA is running out of real estate on the west side of the airfield, a halt to further expansions will occur until East terminal facilities are built.

[25] The Gateway 2030 plan outlines the process, major findings, and recommendations associated with the cost feasible phasing approach to the development of approximately 700 acres (280 ha) of airport property and the supporting city infrastructure critical to ensure its success" (IWA, 2012b).

The addition will include access roads, parking, taxiways, aprons capable of Group III and IV aircraft, and the new 300,000 square feet (28,000 m2) pier concept terminal.

[25] Phase two has yet to be planned in detail, but will add another pier terminal to the main concourse, adding up to six gates, parking for 10,500 vehicles, and a 1,000 feet (300 m) extension of RW 12L/30R.

[25] Phase three will focus on privately owned retail, office, and hotel buildings that will be located on airport property.

[25] On November 9, 2021, Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation announced that the airport would be the site for the West Coast Service Center Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility.

[27] On July 14, 2022, Virgin Galactic announced it had signed a long-term lease for a new final assembly manufacturing facility for its next-generation Delta class spaceships.

The facility will be capable of producing up to six spaceships per year and will bring hundreds of highly skilled aerospace engineering and manufacturing jobs to the area.

There are several taxis, limousine, ride share and shuttle companies to local hotels, the nearby ASU Polytechnic Campus and downtown Mesa.

[29] Valley Metro bus route 184 stops at the terminal building before heading north to Mesa.