2023 busiest year at Phoenix Sky Harbor airport

49 million travelers landed or launched from the tarmac at Sky Harbor. New investments made to keep up with demand.

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the United States. 2023 was a record year and 2024 shapes up to be equally popular.

Especially since a new direct flight to Paris started in May by Air France . Phoenix now has three direct flights to Europe: Condor Airlines to Frankfurt, Germany and British Airways direct flights to London Heathrow.

Here's what else you can expect this year. From new shops and restaurants in Terminal 4 to our commitment to enhancing air service and welcoming new airlines, there is no shortage of exciting developments to explore.

Phoenix SkyHarbor had a remarkable year in 2023, achieving a record-breaking number of passengers served. With nearly 49 million travelers passing through its gates , it was the busiest year in the airport's 95-year history, surpassing the previous record set in 2019. This significant achievement is even more impressive considering the challenges posed by major events such as Super Bowl LVII, the World Series, and the Waste Management Phoenix Open.

The airport experienced its busiest day ever on February 13, with over 200,000 passengers, the day after the Super Bowl. This demonstrates the airport's ability to efficiently handle a large volume of travelers while maintaining a strong guest experience. Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego expressed her pride in the airport's success, recognizing it as the state's number one economic engine.

The record-breaking passenger numbers can be attributed to the airport's commitment to innovation and providing a friendly and efficient experience for travelers and businesses. Despite the increased traffic, the airport continued to enhance its services and maintain its reputation as America's Friendliest Airport.

The passenger numbers for 2023 were 5.6% higher than 2019 and 10.1% higher than 2022, indicating consistent growth. This growth showcases the airport's position as a key player in the aviation industry and a driver of economic growth in the region.

Moving forward, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport remains focused on maintaining its success and continuing to serve as a hub for travelers and businesses. With ongoing developments and improvements planned for 2024, the airport is poised to further enhance its services and contribute to the region's economic prosperity.

More restaurants and easier commute

In addition to the passenger milestones, Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport focused on enhancing the customer experience. One innovation that was implemented was autonomous vehicle pick-ups with Waymo, allowing travelers to enjoy a seamless and convenient transportation experience.

Phoenix Sky Harbor airport continues to enhance its offerings for travelers with the recent opening of new restaurants in the Terminal 4 food hall . Renowned celebrity chef Bobby Flay made a special appearance at the opening of Bobby's Burgers.

Among the new restaurants is Pedal Haus Brewery , which provides travelers with a taste of the region's craft beer scene. Their kitchen offers a variety of delicious options, including Bavarian pretzels, rustic pizzas, and breakfast burritos. Another local favorite, Berry Divine , is also part of the new food hall and is known for their acai bowls. They offer a soft serve acai bowl station and even have a terminal curbside location in the evenings.

In addition to the new dining options, Phoenix Sky Harbor airport has been actively focused on accessibility. Last summer, they launched their first-ever Dementia Friendly Air Travel Workshop to assist caregivers in traveling more easily with individuals experiencing dementia. The workshop received accolades from Airports Council International-North America and Banner Health.

New destinations and airlines

Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport has also made significant enhancements to its air service offerings. In 2023, the airport added 21 new destinations and welcomed two new airlines, Flair and Lynx Airlines. These additions have further strengthened Phoenix's position as a major hub for air travel. In fact, Phoenix Sky Harbor was named the number one airport among large airports by The Wall Street Journal in November.

Looking ahead to 2024, Phoenix Sky Harbor has already announced exciting developments, with Air France planning to begin a direct service to Paris, France . This addition will provide even more options for travelers and contribute to the continued growth and success of Phoenix Sky Harbor.

Starting on May 23, Phoenix Sky Harbor will offer weekly service between Phoenix and Paris, marking the first time the state has had direct flights to the French capital. This new service will not only provide more travel options for residents of Phoenix but also enhance connectivity to one of the world's most popular destinations.

In addition, American Airlines will launch nonstop service between Phoenix and Tijuana, Mexico , starting on February 15. This will be the only international service from Tijuana into the United States, opening up new possibilities for travelers.

Condor Airlines will be using the fuel-efficient Airbus A330-900neo on its Phoenix to Frankfurt flight. This aircraft model is known for its sustainability features, making it the most planet-friendly aircraft in the skies. This development aligns with Phoenix Sky Harbor's commitment to environmental stewardship and contributes to sustainability efforts in the aviation industry.

To support these expansions and improve the overall airport experience, Phoenix Sky Harbor has plans to invest over $3 billion in projects over the next six years. These projects will focus on improving safety, capacity, efficiency, and the passenger experience.

These developments are aimed at streamlining operations, reducing wait times, and enhancing the overall airport experience for travelers. Phoenix Sky Harbor is committed to being America's Friendliest Airport and these investments will further add to its reputation as a top-notch travel hub.