PHX Sky Harbor’s Passenger Numbers up 5.3%
01-Feb-2012 The 2011 year-end travel numbers for Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport are in. Passenger numbers continued to show sustained growth as the airport served 40.6 million passengers in 2011. Up 5.3% from 2010, the overall improvement is comparable to the pre-recession numbers when Sky Harbor served 41 million passengers in 2005.PHX saw a record 42 million passengers in 2007.
"We are encouraged by the continued growth in passenger numbers in 2011. Sky Harbor is a vital gateway to the Southwest and the increase in activity indicates that our economy is improving," says Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton.
Events such as college bowl games, the Waste Management Open, Rock n' Roll Marathon and the Major League Baseball All-Star Game are some of the big events bringing thousands through the airport. But business and leisure travel is coming back as well. Spring and summer were the busiest seasons in 2011 and the airport has seen continual growth for 16 months in a row. Sky Harbor holds its status as one of the top ten busiest airports in the country.
"These numbers are an excellent reminder that we must continue to provide the facilities and services worthy of the world-class airport we have right here in Phoenix. To keep up with this demand, we must be planning now to serve over 50 million passengers in 2030," said Aviation Director, Danny Murphy.
One of the critical services the airport will offer the growing number of passengers is the PHX Sky Train™. Beginning early 2013, it will transport passengers between the regional METRO light rail system at 44th Street and Washington, East Economy parking and Terminal 4. Soon after, it will connect the rest of the terminals and by late 2020, the Sky Train will travel to the Rental Car Center.