American Airlines Named Primary Carrier for Phoenix Sky Harbor West Terminal
- The upcoming West Terminal will be constructed on the western side of the airport property between Terminal 3 and Taxiway U, occupying land near the sites of the...
- City officials stated that the new facility will serve as the airport's front door for international traffic and will feature accommodations for wide-body aircraft.
- American Airlines currently handles more than 40 percent of total passenger traffic at Phoenix Sky Harbor, serving over 20 million customers annually through more than 300 peak daily...
Destination PHX 2050 and the West Terminal Development
The upcoming West Terminal will be constructed on the western side of the airport property between Terminal 3 and Taxiway U, occupying land near the sites of the former Terminals 1 and 2. According to city announcements, the project addresses mounting capacity constraints across existing infrastructure, as Terminals 3 and 4 approach full build-out. Airport data shows that Sky Harbor served more than 48 million passengers in 2023.
City officials stated that the new facility will serve as the airport’s front door for international traffic and will feature accommodations for wide-body aircraft. Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego described the project as a game-changing investment designed to meet the demands of a growing community. Prior to the terminal opening, the Aviation Department is advancing complementary infrastructure projects, including the construction of a six-gate concourse on the north side of Terminal 3 and improvements to Taxiway U.
American Airlines’ Operations and Expansion in Phoenix
American Airlines currently handles more than 40 percent of total passenger traffic at Phoenix Sky Harbor, serving over 20 million customers annually through more than 300 peak daily departures to over 100 destinations. The carrier operates one of its major hubs out of the airport, connecting Arizona to destinations across North America, Hawaii, and Europe.
“Phoenix is a critical part of American’s network and we’re excited to continue to invest in the airport and this region’s future,” American Airlines Chief Executive Officer Robert Isom said in a statement. Isom noted that the airline employs approximately 8,000 team members across Arizona, tying its operations directly to the regional aviation economy. The carrier and its predecessors have maintained a presence in Phoenix since 1930 and introduced the region’s first scheduled jet service in 1963 utilizing a Boeing 707.
Selection Process and Project Timeline
The Aviation Department chose American Airlines as the anchor tenant following months of operational, financial, and community analysis. Aviation Director Chad Makovsky stated that the evaluation focused on delivering affordable, operationally efficient facilities that elevate the passenger experience while preparing for future air travel demands. While American has been named the primary carrier, complete airline assignments for the new terminal have not yet been finalized.
Passengers will not see the West Terminal open immediately. Phoenix initiated a collaborative planning phase in 2026, with plans to procure a design team in 2027 and potentially break ground on construction by late 2029. Current airport projections identify late 2033 as a tentative opening date for the facility, though that schedule remains subject to change. Meanwhile, the Aviation Department is investing hundreds of millions of dollars into upgrades for the 36-year-old Terminal 4, which currently processes over 75 percent of all airport passengers.