Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport Reaches Nearly 40 Million Passengers in 2004

Phoenix, Arizona -- For the second year in a row, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport has set a record for the number of passengers traveling through the airport. Sky Harbor’s passenger count for 2004 was 39.5 million, a new record high for Sky Harbor, and a 5.6% increase over 2003. “These passenger numbers are an indication that Phoenix Sky Harbor is helping to support a vibrant and growing community,” said David Krietor, Aviation Director for the City of Phoenix.

The busiest month at Sky Harbor last year was July, followed very closely by March. However, Sky Harbor set a new record every month of 2004. Passenger counts ranged from 2.9 million per month in January and February to 3.5 million per month in March and July.

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport has a number of improvements underway to accommodate its growing number of passengers. A new concourse and security checkpoint will provide eight new gates for Southwest Airlines beginning March 8. In April, Sky Harbor will open 16 new shops in Terminal 4, which handles about 75% of the airport’s passenger traffic. The new shops are only Phase One of a redevelopment project which will make Terminal 4 more attractive and user friendly. When the redevelopment is complete in 2007, Terminal 4 will offer more than 40 new shops and nine new and updated restaurants in the lobby.

Sky Harbor is also building a new Rental Car Center, which is set to open in early 2006. The center will consolidate all of Sky Harbor’s rental car operations under one roof and will simplify the process for travelers. A new air traffic control tower is also under construction at Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl. Airport. That project is scheduled to be complete in 2006.

“Our ability to handle this type of growth is a positive reflection on the decisions that have been made to invest in our aviation facilities,” added Krietor. “We need to continue to look forward.”