May 7, 2024

New Terminal Coming to America's Friendliest Airport®

PHOENIX – Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and members of the Phoenix City Council today heard plans to build a new terminal at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. With more than 48 million passengers in 2023 and passenger numbers continuing to grow, a new terminal is necessary to meet passenger demand and maintain a high level of service.

“Phoenix Sky Harbor is busier than ever, which is why we’ll soon need a new terminal to accommodate our growth,” Mayor Kate Gallego said. “To continue providing excellent customer experience at America’s Friendliest Airport, the Council and I are moving forward with plans to build a cutting-edge terminal at the airport’s west end. The new expansion is years in the making and I am looking forward to the continued work to turn our shared vision into reality.”

A future terminal on the west side of the airport has been part of Phoenix Sky Harbor’s long-range Comprehensive Asset Management Plan. That plan, which is a roadmap for the Airport’s future, was first presented in 2019 as a 20-year plan. In 2022, the plan was updated and provided a number of near-term goals including improving airfield efficiency with a north/south taxiway on the west side of the airport, adding a new north concourse at Terminal 3, and adding a post-security walkway between Terminals 3 and 4. Those projects are all underway, but with a continued increase in passenger traffic and larger aircraft flying into Phoenix Sky Harbor, additional capacity will be needed.

The new terminal will be built on the west side of the Airport campus near where the former Terminals 1 and 2 were located. Terminal 1 closed in 1990 and Terminal 2 closed in 2020. Both were demolished. This will be the first new terminal construction since Terminal 4 opened in 1990.

Details of the terminal design are still underway. Planning and environmental preparation will take several years, and construction is not anticipated to begin until after 2030. The project will be funded with passenger facility charges, bonds, and airport funding. No tax dollars will be used.

For additional information on the Comprehensive Asset Management Plan, visit https://www.skyharbor.com/about-phx/comprehensive-asset-management-plan

Quotes from Phoenix City Council

“I am excited to see what the future will bring for Sky Harbor. As we look toward the construction of the new West Terminal, I will be focused on the things that already make our airport one of the best – it’s strong partnerships with our airlines, its accessibility for people with disabilities and its excellent local and national restaurants and stores. This investment allows us to take those strengths and build on them in the years ahead.”

Vice Mayor Debra Stark

“I am proud of the work that our city has done to make Phoenix Sky Harbor an airport of choice for domestic and international airlines, to offer the flavors of Phoenix in our concessions, and to support jobs for residents throughout our community. With this plan for Sky Harbor’s development and a new West Terminal, we are committing to continue to provide a world-class airport experience for our residents and visitors.”

Councilwoman Laura Pastor, District 4

“To stay competitive for future air service, and to support the vital workforce that makes Sky Harbor run, we have to plan far ahead. We want to always be an airport that businesses value and workers choose. The construction of a new West Terminal keeps us at the forefront of the aviation industry and ensures we will be well-positioned as Phoenix continues to grow.”

Councilwoman Betty Guardado, District 5

“Over the years, Sky Harbor’s traffic has steadily increased, and Phoenix has anticipated and strategically planned for that growth through a comprehensive 20-year plan which involved numerous stakeholders with input. Our residents, business and leisure travelers depend on the success of this airport and planning for growth is a natural outcome. I’m grateful that our Aviation Department is entering this pivotal phase and we are giving our residents and business partners the opportunity to learn what the future holds, and to share their thoughts on what can make America’s Friendliest Airport the best it can be.”

Councilwoman Kesha Hodge Washington, District 8

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Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, America’s Friendliest Airport^®, has an annual economic impact of more than $44 billion. On an average day, more than 1,000 aircraft and more than 130,000 passengers arrive at and depart from Phoenix Sky Harbor every day. PHX Sky Harbor is funded with airport revenue. No tax dollars are used to support the airport.