The Annual Navajo Christmas Airlift (KGUP)
November 12 @ 8:00 am – November 14 @ 1:00 pm
đź“… Mark Your Calendar
The Annual Navajo Nation Christmas Airlift will take place November 12–14, 2026, with donations accepted from fly-in pilots from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. each day at the FBO at Gallup Municipal Airport (KGUP).
Pilots, now is the time to begin reaching out to your communities, churches, civic groups, businesses, friends, neighbors, and other organizations. A successful airlift begins long before November, and every collection—large or small—helps fill an airplane with meaningful support for Navajo Nation communities.
This is not primarily a toy drive. The greatest needs are practical essentials, including:
Nonperishable food, new or gently used clothing—especially coats and winter wear—blankets, socks, gloves, small kitchen appliances, household items, hygiene products, and other useful necessities. Some new or gently used toys are also welcome.
Warehousing assistance in the Deer Valley area will be available beginning October 1. Pilots who are unable to organize their own community collection will also have opportunities to pick up pre-collected donations closer to the event. We plan to make loads available through select FBOs at Phoenix-area airports, with locations and times to be announced later.
There are few better ways to put your flying skills to work than using your airplane to serve others. Few things compare with landing at Gallup knowing your aircraft is carrying food, warm clothing, and practical necessities to people who truly need them. You will go home tired, grateful, and already thinking about next year.
Official pilot registration opens September 1. To sign up or ask questions, please contact me directly through Facebook Messenger.
Emails to past participants will begin going out shortly. Send me a message if you would like to be added to the email distribution list.
Save the dates, start talking with your community, and help us make the 42nd Annual Navajo Nation Christmas Airlift another mission to remember.