Phoenix Sky Harbor officials unveil latest Terminal 3 renovations

PHOENIX — Officials with Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport unveiled the latest renovations for the terminal named after the late U.S. Sen. John McCain on Monday.

The newly-revamped Terminal 3 modernization project was two-thirds complete after the South Concourse opened that evening.

The concourse featured panoramic windows that showcased Phoenix’s desert landscape and modern conveniences, including power outlets at nearly every seat, and brings more than a dozen different dining and shopping options from local favorites.

Some of the new restaurants in the South Concourse include Christopher’s, Mustache Pretzels, Panera Bread, SanTan Brewing Company, Shake Shack, Starbucks, The Tavern and Giant Coffee. The retailers include L’Occitane, Sol Shades, Best of the Valley, Ideigenous/Mosaic and Tech on the Go.

The South Concourse also has 15 gates that house five airlines: Delta Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue Airways and Sun Country Airlines.

The state-of-the-art facility named after McCain, who died of brain cancer in August, features a nursing room, animal relief room and a new children’s play area.

A 2,000-pound stainless steel sculpture called “The Aviators” also honors McCain’s dedication to aviation and his service as a former Navy pilot.

“The aviators are the best, John would have loved that,” Cindy McCain said during Monday’s ribbon cutting.

“It’s very bittersweet, I wish he were here. He would have loved this more than anything.”

Phoenix Mayor Thelda Williams said, “John McCain is a highly decorated aviator and we are lucky to have had him serve for as long as he did.”

The first phase of the Terminal 3 Modernization Program was completed in 2016. It is expected to be completed in 2020, with an approximate cost of $590 million.

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