Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport sees record passenger activity in November

PHOENIX — Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport set a single-day passenger record last month and had its busiest November ever as holiday travel surged above pre-pandemic levels at the East Valley facility.

Gateway, which added seven nonstop routes in November, has seen record traffic in four of the past six months, according to a Monday press release.

“November was an exciting period of growth at Gateway Airport,” J. Brian O’Neill, the airport’s executive director and CEO, said in the release.

“We are pleased and encouraged that so many new air travelers are discovering the convenience and affordability of using Gateway Airport when they need to travel.”

November’s 147,285 passengers beat the previous high for the month set in 2019 by 8%, according to the release.

The days before and after Thanksgiving weekend were the busiest days in Gateway’s history.

The high traffic is expected to continue through Jan. 3, with the peak use at 5-7 a.m. and 2-6 p.m.

Travelers are advised to arrive two hours ahead of their flights.

The parking lots closest to the terminal have been filling up, but the Ray Road Economy Lot always has spaces, according to the release. Shuttles run from the economy lot every seven minutes.

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