December 2025
PHX Shines in 2025 with Historic Milestones and National Recognition
2025 has been quite the year for Phoenix Sky Harbor as the airport celebrated major anniversaries, welcomed historic new air service, and was honored with several prestigious industry awards. America’s Friendliest Airport® also embarked on projects to continue to elevate the passenger experience. Let’s look back at some of the key moments of 2025.
Coming off a record-breaking passenger year in 2024 when PHX welcomed more than 52.3 million travelers, the airport jumped right in to start commemorating its 90th anniversary. In 1935, the city of Phoenix purchased Sky Harbor for $100,000. To mark this milestone, the airport began a year-long celebration that featured social media campaigns, in-terminal engagement activities, an art exhibition and more. The signature event was a celebration featuring city leaders and Navigator Buddies as they participated in a 90s “Dance Paw-ty” that paraded through Terminal 3 and Terminal 4.
Additionally, as part of the anniversary celebration, a new program called Culture Corner was launched. This is a dynamic, in-terminal program that brings Arizona’s diverse culture to life through monthly interactive events. Located post-security in Terminal 3, Culture Corner offers travelers and employees a chance to engage with local heritage through live art, performances, crafts, and storytelling. Since its launch, Culture Corner has featured partners like the Heard Museum, Phoenix Zoo, Musical Instrument Museum (MIM), S’edav Va’aki Museum, and more.
The airport’s 90th anniversary wasn’t the only anniversary taking place in 2025. This year also marked the 25th anniversary of the volunteer Navigator Program. Easily recognizable in their purple shirts and jackets, the friendly volunteers are an integral part of the passenger experience at PHX. Each day, they answer questions and provide directions. This year, 387 volunteers have provided more than 54,000 hours of service, and since the beginning of the program, more than 1,800 individuals have volunteered and provided more than 1.6 million hours of service. The volunteers, which include not just Navigators but the Navigator Buddies therapy dogs, volunteer chaplains and Teen Navigator Program, are what truly make PHX America’s Friendliest Airport®.
In addition to anniversaries, PHX also celebrated a historic milestone with the launch of its first-ever nonstop Asian service. China Airlines began service to Taipei on Dec. 3, and STARLUX will begin nonstop service to Taipei on Jan. 15. This marks a significant achievement for Phoenix and the state of Arizona. Each airline operates flights three days a week, providing a vital connection between Arizona and Taiwan.
PHX also saw 2025 as the year it offered nonstop service to more destinations than ever before with more than 140 places served. New service announcements included the return of Aeromexico to PHX with service to Mexico City; Santa Maria; Anchorage; Sun Valley; and much more. Additionally, Porter Airlines, which began service from PHX in 2024 to Toronto, announced in 2026 they would be adding Vancouver and Ottawa service. This will be the first time there has ever been nonstop flights between Phoenix and Ottawa. Air France also celebrated one year of service between Phoenix and Paris and announced they would begin offering flight five days a week.
With growing passenger demand, it has been important for the airport to look to the future. PHX has an extensive capital development program underway. Currently, Taxiway U is under construction which will increase efficiency by adding a taxiway on the west side of the airport. In April, construction began on the second north concourse of Terminal 3. This new six-gate concourse will add approximately 173,000 square feet of space. It will feature new retail and dining options as well as a lounge. The airport also continues to make plans for a future west terminal.
PHX also received several awards in 2025 including The Airports Going Green Awards℠ for its Green Business Partner Program. The commitment to sustainability remains strong and PHX renewed its Level 4 certification in the Airport Carbon Accreditation program. For the first time ever, Phoenix Deer Valley and Phoenix Goodyear received a Level 3 status.
PHX also achieved the Level 3 rating in the Airport Workforce Development Accreditation Program. To ensure resiliency and accommodate the future needs of the community and travelers, the airport has embraced an extensive workforce development program. These efforts are vital in cultivating talent and creating pathways for career growth within the aviation sector. This is the first year Phoenix Sky Harbor has participated and is among four airports that have Level 3 rating or higher and only one of 12 airports in the program.
Another first the airport experienced in 2025 is the launch of a digital assistant. Amelia, which is available on skyharbor.com, is an AI tool designed to answer traveler questions.
These are only a few of the many achievements PHX has made throughout the year. As 2025 draws to a close, PHX stands as a shining example of progress and excellence in aviation. From welcoming new air service routes to celebrating historic anniversaries and earning national recognition, the airport has not only expanded its reach but also elevated the travel experience for millions. With innovation, community focus, and a commitment to service at its core, PHX is poised to continue to enhance the passenger experience in the future.