Get ready to say "bon voyage" from a brand new terminal at Sky Harbor International Airport as the city plans to accommodate its growing number of visitors with state-of-the-art developments. Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego broke the news in her State of the City address yesterday, unveiling the city's intention to expand one of the nation's busiest airports, as FOX 10 Phoenix reported.
Mayor Gallego emphasized the necessity of the new project, remarking, "If you’ve walked through terminals three and four recently, there’s no doubt you’ve noticed how much busier they are than in past years." Reportedly, the bustling hubs served over 48 million passengers in 2023 and saw a record-breaking day post-Super Bowl, according to a statement obtained by 12 News. Sky Harbor's expansion plans include a western addition that promises to mesh environmental sustainability with technological advancements.
With a financial windfall thanks to federal dollars, Mayor Gallego assured that the airport will get "more than a quarter billion dollars for upgrades" to meet the demands of Phoenix's growing travel sector. She said, “It will be beautiful, with net-zero greenhouse gas emissions,” signifying an eco-conscious approach to the future of Phoenix travel.
Furthermore, the international reach of Sky Harbor is set to soar with plans for a new customs facility to facilitate the 22 extra international flights that have been added every week over the past five years. Gallego cited the airport's staggering $44 billion economic impact while announcing the new non-stop service from Phoenix to Paris starting May 23. She remarked, “The Phoenix Airport System’s economic impact is 44 billion dollars — an increase of nearly 15% compared to 2016,” according to what Gallego told FOX 10 Phoenix.
Detailed discussions regarding the terminal initiative are set for a City Council meeting on May 7. With the new addition, Phoenix aims to further cement Sky Harbor's status as a gateway for travelers, only this time, in a more modern, sustainable, and tech-forward fashion.
