Phoenix Sky Harbor sees gradual increase in passenger traffic

PHOENIX — More passengers are starting to travel through Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, though the numbers are still far below pre-pandemic levels.

The airport saw its biggest drop in passenger traffic toward the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic.

“We saw a nearly 93% decrease in April, but over time it has gradually improved,” Heather Shelbrack, a spokesperson for Sky Harbor, told KTAR News 92.3 FM on Monday.

In May, passenger traffic dropped by about 85% compared to the same month last year. In June it was down by about 71% and in July it decreased by nearly 65%.

“Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are anticipating that passenger traffic will continue to remain down compared to last year,” Shelbrack said. “And projections include that it’ll take a few more years before we will see our 2019 passenger levels again.”

Sky Harbor is projecting an increase in passenger traffic during Labor Day weekend, but it likely won’t reach last year’s levels.

As the airport starts to welcome more passengers every month, it’s taking numerous steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

All travelers and airport employees are required to wear face coverings. There are markers on the floors to encourage social distancing and signs throughout the airport that promote frequent hand washing and other hygiene practices.

Passengers are also encouraged to use mobile boarding passes to limit their use of kiosks and counters, though high-touch surfaces are sanitized regularly.

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