Recent Improvements

After an FAA capacity study recommended an additional runway in 1989, land acquisition and design development for construction of a third runway began. Runway construction started in 1997 and was completed in 2000. Total costs for all projects incidental to and including the runway are estimated at $128 million.

In January 2006, rental car counters were relocated from the terminals to a newly constructed Rental Car Center just west of the Airport. A new Air Traffic Control Tower and Terminal Radar Approach Control facility opened in January, 2007. Located on the east side of Terminal 3, the tower houses more than 100 FAA air traffic controllers and staff. At 326 feet, the tower dwarfs its predecessor by 148 feet. The old tower, used since the 1970s, was demolished in 2008.

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is constantly being upgraded and improved to meet the growing needs of the community.