Pack patience: Phoenix Sky Harbor runway construction closure to cause delays

PHOENIX — Fliers at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport will face delays next month as the facility is closing a runway for construction and maintenance.

In a press release, the airport said its north runway will be shut down between Oct. 6 and Nov. 6 as it runs additional power to Terminal 3 — which is undergoing a remodel of its own — replaces concrete landing areas, upgrades lighting and performs other maintenance.

The airport said fliers should expect delays because of the construction, particularly during the peak travel times of 7:30-10 a.m. and 5-8 p.m. Delays could be as long as 30 minutes.

Travelers are urged to contact their airline if they feel their travel plans — specifically connections — may be at risk because of the delays.

“If you have connecting flights at that time, it would be a good idea to speak with your airline to make sure you’re going to have enough time to change planes,” Deborah Ostreicher with the airport said.

The closure will also affect flight paths. Sky Harbor said people who live directly east and west of the airport’s southern runways will likely notice more planes during the closure.

Ostreicher said the airport is not planning to close any other runways in the near future.

KTAR’s Ashley Flood contributed to this report.

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