Airport Funding

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, America’s Friendliest Airport®, is one of the busiest airports in the nation for passenger traffic. Offering flights to many exciting destinations, PHX Sky Harbor also gives travelers a variety of customer service amenities. But what some people might not know is how exactly the Airport is funded.

PHX Sky Harbor is owned and operated by the city of Phoenix. However, did you know that no local tax dollars fund PHX Sky Harbor? That’s right – it is a common misconception that local tax dollars fund PHX Sky Harbor, but in fact, they don’t. Instead, revenue is generated from Airport shops, restaurants, parking, taxis, and rental cars. So each time travelers pass through PHX Sky Harbor and purchase a meal, souvenirs or rent a car, the Airport receives revenue.

Wondering if some of this revenue can be transferred to the city of Phoenix general fund to help with the budget? Unfortunately not. While we would love to be able to give additional funding to community organizations and other city departments, federal law states that no funding from the Airport can be sent to the City’s general fund or organizations. In other words, monies earned at the Airport must stay at the Airport for improvements in such areas as safety and security rather than funneled away for other uses or to other departments.