Flying high: Phoenix Sky Harbor unveils first phase of Terminal 3 remodel

PHOENIX — Travelers will get their first glimpse of a renovated Terminal 3 at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport when it reopens Monday.

Officials were taken on a tour of the renovated areas prior to passengers being given access at midnight. They liked what they saw.

“It’s incredible,” Phoenix City Councilman Mike Nowakowski said at the unveiling. “All the local businesses that we have here, all the great restaurants and also artists.”

Local art isn’t the only thing travelers can look at while they’re going through security or the terminal. Airport officials said larger windows offer a great view of downtown Phoenix and surrounding mountain ranges.

Travelers also have access to modern conveniences. Among them, “…a larger, consolidated security checkpoint,” Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton said. “[And] you will find outlets at nearly every chair in the terminal,” meaning places to plug in are plenty.

The airport also added 31 ticketing counters.

The project is also being used as a teaching tool for the city’s construction workers.

“We’ve been teaching people, and helping develop the construction workforce,” Phoenix Vice Mayor Kate Gallego said. “We’re growing in Phoenix; one of the things [the City Council has] heard from the business community is that we need to strengthen that workforce again.”

Gallego said the remodel has been recognized for its work with construction apprentices.

Terminal Three serves Delta, Frontier, Hawaiian and JetBlue airlines.

The full remodel should be completed in 2020. Phases Two and Three will include new restaurants, more baggage claim carousels and a larger capacity for baggage.

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