American Airlines will anchor Sky Harbor’s West Terminal. Here’s what travelers can expect

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport announced Monday that American Airlines will anchor its planned West Terminal, though the first phase isn’t expected to open until late 2033.

Phoenix Aviation Director Chad Makovsky said picking the airline as the terminal’s primary carrier marks a significant step forward for the project, which will give airlines room to expand as the airport’s existing terminals reach their limits.

“We just opened, a couple of years ago, the last concourse that we can build at Terminal 4,” Makovsky told KTAR News 92.3 FM on Monday.  “There is no more room for growth, but our airlines in Terminal 4 continue to tell us that they want to grow in our market.”

American Airlines will help plan the West Terminal to ensure it meets the needs of both the airline and the traveling public, he added.

What’s the timeline of Sky Harbor’s West Terminal project?

The West Terminal will be built near the sites of former Terminals 1 and 2, which closed in 1990 and 2020, respectively, and have since been demolished.

Sky Harbor officials plan to seek design and construction proposals in early 2027, then prepare the site through 2029. Construction is expected to begin in 2029.

The West Terminal will be the first new terminal at Arizona’s busiest airport since Terminal 4 opened in 1990.

Like Terminal 4, the West Terminal is being planned with room to add concourses as demand grows. The changes will also reach existing terminals, with other airlines expected to move into gates that American vacates at Terminal 4.

“That’s going to take us several years to build,” Makovsky said. “Hopefully, an opening of phase one of the new terminal will be in late 2033. We’re planning to actually build this terminal in multiple phases.”

Why is Sky Harbor planning to open a new terminal?

The West Terminal would provide space for continued growth while offering international travelers a more spacious arrival experience. Plans call for new ticket counters, baggage claim and customs facilities, along with additional gates.

“What we know is we need to grow our international facilities. Terminal 4’s international facility is getting overcongested,” Makovsky said.

This applies to domestic and international flights any time of day, he added.

“So, we need to create a new terminal that meets modern design standards and helps us to accommodate the tendency that airlines have to put bigger planes into our airport,” Makovsky said. “We need bigger hold rooms; we need more restrooms; we need more concessions; we need airline lounges.”

How will this impact travelers at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport?

Moving some international operations to the West Terminal will also improve the passenger experience at Terminal 4, which Sky Harbor has outgrown, Makovsky said.

“We’re going to do a premium international gateway facility at this new terminal. It will have airline first-class lounges. It will have more space, a more welcoming experience for customers coming to the U.S. and to Phoenix for the very first time,” he said.

The project is part of Destination PHX 2050, the airport’s broader development program. Additional phases would accommodate future demand after the first phase opens.

Makovsky said Sky Harbor expects to serve more than 90 million passengers annually by 2050. Last year, more than 51.6 million people traveled through the airport.

“It’s hard to believe, but, in my world, that’s right around the corner, so we want to make sure we get started today,” he said. “Phoenix is thriving and my job is to make sure that as Phoenix continues to grow, we can continue to support and serve the community.”

Related

Target replaces Harkins Theatres as anchor at Laveen retail projectProfessional pickleball tour partners with Arizona facility, makes capital investmentLennar snags 444 lots near TSMC’s $265B Phoenix project for $60MWhat’s next after The Salted Knot pretzel shop closes in downtown Mesa?Spectrum takes over Cox in Phoenix, promises a free year of mobileMesa City Council approves agreement for historic mixed-use project near Gateway Airport