July 2024
Arizona’s Largest Economic Engine Brings Unparalleled Value
Airports are not only gateways to new destinations and exploration, but they are also significant contributors to the local communities. A new economic impact study conducted by Arizona State University W.P. Carey School of Business states that the Phoenix Airport system had a total economic impact of $44.3 billion, up nearly 15% from the last time the study was conducted in 2016. This number is significant, but it’s also noteworthy because the value that the Phoenix Airport System provides to Valley communities is unparalleled.
As the largest economic engine in the state of Arizona, the Phoenix Airport system consists of Phoenix Sky Harbor and two general aviation airports – Phoenix Deer Valley and Phoenix Goodyear. The Phoenix Sky Harbor campus employs more than 47,000 people, making it the largest employer in Arizona. Those employees spend their incomes in the local communities on goods and services and support local businesses. Each year, $4.8 billion is brought to local communities. While the Phoenix Airport system is not funded through any tax dollars, meaning that only airport users pay for the airports, the Airport System is a tax generator and brings in $6.43 billion in total tax impact to benefit the community each year. The Phoenix Airport system not only provides jobs at its three airports, but it also has a multiplier effect and provides jobs and benefits for thousands of jobs within the State.
At Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, America’s Friendliest Airport®, the daily direct economic impact is $77.9 million dollars. This is significant for the state and for the Valley communities as a thriving and successful airport drives a successful Arizona.
Phoenix Sky Harbor currently offers nonstop service to more than 140 destinations. These routes provide important connectivity between Phoenix and other U.S. cities as well as international destinations. Over the past year, numerous new routes have been added from Phoenix including Paris, Tijuana, Pasco, and Birmingham. These routes help tourism and business in Arizona thrive. In fact, visitor spending rose 12% from 2016 to 2022. On average, domestic visitors to Arizona spend around $831 per person while international visitors spend $1,002. The total for both domestic and international visitor spending is $7 billion a year. With passenger traffic continuing to increase, these numbers will grow. In 2023, Phoenix Sky Harbor experienced its busiest year ever with more than 48.6 million passengers coming through the airport. The most recent passenger numbers for May already show a 7.9% increase in passengers from January-May compared to 2023.
As Phoenix Sky Harbor continues to see its passenger numbers grow, it is investing in its future by making plans to improve its facilities to accommodate future growth and passenger expectations. This includes a new concourse at Terminal 3, a post-security walkway between Terminals 3 and 4 and a future new terminal. Investment in the Phoenix Airport System is an investment in the future of a thriving Phoenix.
To read the full Economic Impact Report and learn more about the benefits Phoenix Sky Harbor, Phoenix Deer Valley and Phoenix Goodyear airports bring to Arizona, visit https://www.skyharbor.com/about-phx/history-economic-development/economic-impact/.