Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
Name	Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
IATA	PHX
ICAO	KPHX
FAA	PHX
Owner	City of Phoenix
Operator	Phoenix Airport System
City-served	Phoenix metropolitan area
Location	Phoenix, Arizona
Elevation-f	1,135
Elevation-m	346
Coordinates	33, 26, 03, N...
Website	https://www.skyharbor.com
R1-number	8/26
R1-length-m	3,502
R1-length-f	11,489
R1-surface	Asphalt
R2-number	7L/25R
R2-length-m	3,139
R2-length-f	10,300
R2-surface	Asphalt
R3-number	7R/25L
R3-length-m	3,382
R3-length-f	11,096
R3-surface	Asphalt

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is a major civil-military airport serving the Phoenix metropolitan area in the U.S. state of Arizona. Owned and operated by the City of Phoenix through its Phoenix Airport System, it is the largest and busiest airport in Arizona and a primary hub for American Airlines. The airport's central location and extensive facilities have made it a critical gateway for travel across the Southwestern United States and a significant economic engine for the region.

History

The airport's origins date to 1928 when it was established as a municipal airfield on land purchased by the City of Phoenix. Early operations were supported by Scenic Airways, and the facility was dedicated in 1935 by First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. Significant growth occurred during World War II when it was leased to the United States Army Air Forces and known as Phoenix Air Base, used for training by the 54th Fighter Group. Post-war, the Civil Aeronautics Administration designated it for scheduled airline service, leading to the first terminal building opening in 1952. Major expansion followed with the opening of Terminal 3 in 1979 and the state-of-the-art Terminal 4 in 1990, designed by the architectural firm Gensler. The airport was a focus city for America West Airlines, which later merged with US Airways and ultimately American Airlines.

Facilities

The airport sits on 3,400 acres and features three passenger terminals. Terminal 2, the original facility, was permanently closed in 2020. Terminal 3, renovated in the 2010s, houses Southwest Airlines and features public art installations. Terminal 4, the largest, is a hub for American Airlines and was expanded with the innovative Sky Train automated people mover system connecting to the Rental Car Center. The airport's air traffic control tower is one of the tallest in the United States, and its runways can accommodate the largest aircraft, including the Antonov An-124. Notable amenities include the Phoenix Police Department Aviation Unit headquarters and extensive cargo facilities operated by companies like FedEx Express and UPS Airlines.

Airlines and destinations

As a major hub, the airport is served by numerous domestic and international carriers. American Airlines operates its largest hub by passenger boardings here, with extensive service to cities across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and seasonal flights to London Heathrow Airport. Other major carriers include Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Alaska Airlines. International service includes destinations in Mexico on Volaris and Aeroméxico, and seasonal service to Frankfurt Airport on Condor. The airport is also a focus city for Frontier Airlines and sees charter operations by companies like Sun Country Airlines.

Ground transportation

Multiple options connect the airport to the wider region. The Valley Metro Rail light rail system has a station at 44th and Washington streets, with a free shuttle to terminals. The Arizona Department of Transportation maintains direct freeway access via Interstate 10 and State Route 143. Numerous private shuttle services, taxis, and transportation network companies like Uber and Lyft operate at designated curbside areas. The Sky Train people mover provides free, rapid transit between terminals, the East Economy Parking, and the consolidated Rental Car Center. Regional bus service is provided by Valley Metro on several routes.

Accidents and incidents

The airport has experienced several notable aviation accidents. In 1944, a United States Army Air Forces North American B-25 Mitchell crashed shortly after takeoff, killing all five on board. A significant accident occurred in 1987 when America West Airlines Flight 6, a Boeing 737, experienced a compressor stall and made a safe emergency return. In 1990, a USAir Boeing 737 overran the runway during landing in a thunderstorm, resulting in one fatality. A fatal incident in 2001 involved a Cessna 172 that crashed into a hotel near the airport, killing the pilot. These events have informed ongoing safety enhancements in coordination with the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration.

Statistics

It is consistently ranked among the ten busiest airports in the United States by passenger traffic and aircraft movements. In 2023, it served over 48 million passengers, making it one of the busiest in the world. The airport is a top hub for American Airlines, handling a significant portion of its domestic traffic. It averages over 1,200 aircraft operations per day. Cargo operations are substantial, with hundreds of thousands of tons processed annually by carriers like FedEx Express and DHL Aviation. The airport generates billions of dollars in annual economic impact for Arizona and supports tens of thousands of direct and indirect jobs.

Category:Airports in Arizona Category:Transportation in Phoenix, Arizona Category:1935 establishments in Arizona