A study by Arizona State University W.P. Carey School of Business, has found the economic impact of the Phoenix Airport system has increased nearly 15% since 2016. The study shows that Phoenix Sky Harbor, Phoenix Deer Valley and Phoenix Goodyear airports have a total economic impact of $44.3 billion per year. The airport system, which continues to be the largest economic engine in the state of Arizona, supports nearly 246,000 jobs with an annual payroll of $14.8 billion.
“The Phoenix Airport System is a critical asset to our community and state and this new study underscores how vital it is it our economy,” said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. “Phoenix is thriving in no small part thanks to our airports and our continued investment in them creates jobs, supports both local and global businesses, connects Phoenicians to worldwide organisations and leaves visitors with a desire to come back to the Valley.”
Despite the study including several years of data from within the pandemic period and 2022 was still within post-pandemic recovery mode, gains were made in economic output, total income to workers and visitors spending. Though employment numbers decreased slightly at Phoenix Sky Harbor, the total income including wages and benefits to workers was $14.8 billion.
Additionally, visitors spending at Phoenix Sky Harbor rose 12% from US$5.8 billion in 2016 to US$6.5 billion in 2022. It’s estimated that domestic visitors on average spend $831 per person per trip while international visitors spend $1,02 per person per trip. The total for both domestic and international visitor spending is $7 billion per year.
