90 Years of Sky Harbor: A Milestone for Phoenix Aviation
In 2025, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) celebrates two significant anniversaries that underscore its deep roots and community focus. It marks 90 years since the City of Phoenix purchased the original airfield in 1935, a pivotal investment that shaped the region's future. Concurrently, the airport's beloved volunteer PHX Navigator program celebrates its 25th anniversary, having debuted in 2000. These trained volunteers, stationed at key points throughout the terminals, provide directions, gate information, and special assistance, embodying the friendly service for which Sky Harbor is known. Both milestones reflect a long-term commitment to both the local community and the millions of travelers who pass through each year.
Record-Breaking Traffic: March 2026 Becomes Busiest Month in PHX History
Phoenix Sky Harbor's growth trajectory is clear in its passenger numbers. After handling approximately 22.4 million passengers in 2019, traffic dipped to 10.4 million in 2020 due to pandemic impacts. The rebound has been strong and sustained, culminating in a new single-month record in March 2026. According to the Phoenix Sky Harbor Media Kit, 5,128,429 passengers passed through the terminals that month, eclipsing all previous records and highlighting the airport's rapid recovery and increasing role as a major national and international hub.
A Hub for Art and Culture: The Phoenix Airport Museum
Beyond its functional role, Sky Harbor is a significant cultural venue, home to one of the largest airport art museums in the United States. The Phoenix Airport Museum is a hidden gem, featuring over 900 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and photography installations. It is free and open 24/7, offering travelers a unique way to explore during waits or layovers. For art lovers, the largest exhibits are concentrated in Terminals 3 and 4, allowing you to stroll through immersive galleries on your way to the gate.
Pro Tip for Art Lovers
Plan extra time before your flight to explore. Terminal 4's extensive collection is arranged as a walking tour, with pieces reflecting Arizona's diverse landscapes and indigenous cultures. It's a serene and enriching alternative to sitting at the gate.
Navigating the Grounds: The Sky Train and Rental Car Center
Sky Harbor's layout is designed for efficient movement, centered on two key features: the PHX Sky Train and the massive Rental Car Center.
The PHX Sky Train is an automated, 24/7 people mover that seamlessly connects Terminal 3, Terminal 4, the East Economy Parking, and the Rental Car Center. It also links to the Valley Metro Rail light rail station at 44th and Washington Streets, providing a direct public transit route into downtown Phoenix, Tempe, and Mesa.
If you're renting a car, you'll experience the sprawling 2.7 million-square-foot Phoenix Sky Harbor Rental Car Center, one of the largest such facilities in the nation. It houses 14 major rental car brands under one roof, and dedicated 24/7 shuttles ferry passengers between the terminals and the center in just a few minutes.
Terminal Layout and Key Amenities
Sky Harbor operates three active terminals (2, 3, and 4), with Terminal 4 being the largest and busiest, serving as the primary hub for American Airlines and Southwest Airlines. A clear understanding of the terminal setup can streamline your journey.
| Terminal | Primary Airlines | Key Features & Amenities |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal 2 | Condor, Sun Country | Compact and efficient; home to local favorite Matt's Big Breakfast. |
| Terminal 3 | Delta, United, JetBlue, Alaska | Features "Play-vation Park" children’s play area; connected to T4 via Sky Train. |
| Terminal 4 | American, Southwest | Largest terminal; award-winning local eateries (Barrio Café, Chelsea’s Kitchen); extensive art exhibits; shops for kids; two Mamava nursing pods. |
Family and Pet-Friendly Facilities
Traveling with family or pets is made easier with dedicated facilities. For children, Terminal 3's "Play-vation Park" offers a safe space to burn off energy, while Terminal 4 has shops catering specifically to kids. Breastfeeding parents will find private, comfortable Mamava nursing pods in Terminal 4.
For those traveling with pets, Sky Harbor provides two designated outdoor animal relief zones. One is the "East Economy Park & Bark" located near the East Economy parking garages, and the other is on the northwest corner of the 44th Street Sky Train station. Both are positioned for convenient access.
Safety and Infrastructure: Runways and Readiness
Sky Harbor's physical infrastructure is built to handle a high volume of diverse aircraft. The airport has three runways, with the longest being runway 8/26, stretching 11,489 feet to accommodate long-haul and heavy aircraft. The center runway (7L/25R) measures 10,300 feet, and the south runway (7R/25L) is 7,800 feet.
For passenger safety, the airport maintains a robust public access defibrillator (AED) program. There are more than 115 AEDs spread across the three terminals. According to airport data, these devices have averaged three lives saved each year since the program's launch.
Why Is There No Terminal 1?
Many travelers notice the numbering starts at Terminal 2 and wonder about the missing Terminal 1. The original terminal building, opened in 1952, was indeed called Terminal 1. It was demolished in 1991 to make way for modern expansion. The site where it once stood now serves a very 21st-century purpose: it's the cell-phone waiting lot, where drivers can wait for free until arriving passengers are ready for curbside pickup. This practical reuse of history explains the current terminal numbering.
Frequently Asked Questions: Phoenix Sky Harbor Facts
What are the major anniversaries Sky Harbor is celebrating?
In 2025, Phoenix Sky Harbor celebrates 90 years since the City of Phoenix purchased the airport in 1935 and 25 years since the launch of the volunteer PHX Navigator program in 2000.
How busy is Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport?
It is one of the ten busiest airports in the United States for passenger traffic. A recent record was set in March 2026, when over 5.1 million passengers traveled through PHX, making it the busiest single month in the airport's history.
Is there public transportation from Sky Harbor to downtown Phoenix?
Yes. The free PHX Sky Train connects from Terminals 3 and 4 to the Valley Metro Rail station at 44th and Washington Streets. From there, you can take an affordable light rail ride directly into downtown Phoenix, Tempe, and Mesa.
Where can I find the art exhibits at the airport?
The Phoenix Airport Museum's collections are displayed throughout all terminals, with the largest and most significant exhibits located in Terminals 3 and 4. The art is free to view and accessible 24 hours a day.
What amenities are available for families with young children?
Terminal 3 features the "Play-vation Park" indoor playground. Terminal 4 has child-friendly shops and two Mamava nursing pods for private breastfeeding. Family restrooms are available in all terminals.
How do I get to the Rental Car Center?
Free, dedicated shuttles run 24/7 from outside baggage claim at all terminals to the Rental Car Center. The ride takes just a few minutes. You can also take the PHX Sky Train from T3 or T4 to the center.
Why is there no Terminal 1 at Sky Harbor?
The original Terminal 1 opened in 1952 and was demolished in 1991. The land it occupied is now used as the airport's cell-phone waiting lot, which is why terminal numbering now begins with Terminal 2.
