With more than 48 million passengers in 2023 and passenger numbers continuing to grow, Phoenix Sky Harbor has unveiled plans for a new terminal to meet 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,” said Phoenix Mayor Kate Kallego. “To continue providing excellent customer experience 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 teh making and I am looking forward to the continued work to turn our shared vision into reality.”
Plans to develop a terminal on the west side of the airport were first shown in 2019 as part of the airport’s roadmap and 20-year plan. In 2022 the plan was updated to include 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 concourse and a post-security walkway between terminals 3 and 4. While these projects are already underway, 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. Both terminals close in 1990 and 2020 respectively. With details of the new terminal design still being developed and planning and environmental preparation expected to take several years, construction of the new facility is not anticipated to begin until 2030. The project will be funded with passenger facility charges, bonds and airport funding.
Vice Mayor, Debra Stark commented: “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.”
