Capacity boosting new terminal required at Phoenix Sky Harbor

Phoenix mayor, Kate Gallego, and members of the Phoenix City Council have heard about plans to build a new terminal at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX).

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 PHX’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 PHX 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.

In other news, Phoenix’s Sky Harbor Airport just got more tasty food options with the addition of a 7,500sqft food court.

Called Crystals at Sky Harbor, the food court brings a variety of food and beverage options from local and regional gems like Eegee’s and Pedal Haus to national favourites like Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay.

The venue gets its name from its design by AO architects, which used real crystals and sustainable materials to emulate Arizona’s incredible natural environment.

It notes that the new addition’s central bar was even created to emulate Phoenix’s mountain range.

“America’s friendliest airport truly is America’s tastiest airport with the abundance of offerings travellers will find in the Airport terminals,” enthused Gallego.

“It’s rewarding to be able to create opportunities for local and small businesses to come together and succeed,