October 2025

90th Anniversary Employee Spotlight: Candace H.

When walking around all parts of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Deputy Aviation Director for Design and Construction Services Candace H. sees the finished product, and also recalls all the work that went into making it happen. Candace has worked in the City of Phoenix Aviation Department for 27 years, after beginning her career with the Washington State Department of Transportation, helping design floating bridges.

90 Years at PHX: 2010s

As part of our year-long 90th anniversary celebration, we’re looking back at the previous decades in our history. The 2000s were a time of change. The 2010s were a time of development at America’s Friendliest Airport^® as the airport strived to provide a world-class experience to the traveling public.

Phoenix Aviation Director Named Director of the Year

Airport Experience News (AXN) has awarded its prestigious Director of the Year award, Large Airports Division, to City of Phoenix Aviation Director Chad Makovsky.

New Service Connecting Santa Maria Starts

American Airlines kicked off inaugural service to Santa Maria, California started Oct. 15.

PHX Earns Spots in Top 10 of Readers' Choice Awards

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport has been recognized among the top 10 U.S. airports in four categories in the 2025 USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. These awards are determined by public votes and highlight the best in travel and hospitality across the country.

Phoenix Raceway Countdown Clock Goes Live

Engines on! The official NASCAR Championship Weekend Countdown Clock at Phoenix Sky Harbor was unveiled on Oct. 6 at the west end of Terminal 4, Level 1.

Honoring Longtime Navigator Volunteer Jo Van Loo

As Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport celebrates the 25th anniversary of its Navigator volunteer program in 2025, we are proud to highlight Jo Van Loo, one of our most dedicated and inspiring volunteers.

Wings for Autism Returns to PHX

The Arc of Arizona, in partnership with Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines and the Transportation Security Administration hosted the 10th annual Wings for Autism event on Oct. 3.

PHX FLT Club a Place to Slow Down

Lauryn Mangum Reed is no stranger to Phoenix Sky Harbor with more than a decade of business ownership. As executive vice president for TMG Hospitality USA, she has put down roots of entrepreneurship at America’s Friendliest Airport®. TMG Hospitality USA is the owner operator of The Refuge, Phoenix Magazine Café and Market, and Garrett Popcorn.

Porter Airlines Announces Vancouver, Ottawa Service

Porter Airlines expanded its 2025-2026 winter schedule, introducing Porter’s first-ever transborder service from Vancouver (YVR) with a non-stop flight to Phoenix.

Green Business Partner Program

Phoenix Sky Harbor’s Sustainability team recently welcomed a dozen businesses into the airport’s Green Business Partner Program. The businesses have demonstrated their commitment to sustainability, and they received plaques and decals to display.

Two New Restaurants Now Open at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

Travelers passing through Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport now have two new dining options to enjoy in Terminal 4’s Eighth Concourse (Gates D11-18).

Time and Place: A New Phoenix Airport Museum Art Exhibition

Tempe artist Martin Dimitrov finds inspiration close to home. The new Phoenix Airport Museum exhibition, Time and Place, features more than 75 paintings highlighting the artist’s ongoing exploration of the desert environment around him, including his own backyard. Rather than working from a photographic reference, Dimitrov brings his canvases outside to paint each subject from direct experience. 

First-Ever Flights to Canada’s Capital Begin in February

Porter Airlines recently announced new nonstop service between Phoenix and Ottawa starting Feb. 7 and running through April 13. This will be the first-ever nonstop service between Phoenix and Canada’s capital. With the new flights, it’s easier than ever to make a visit to this interesting city. Here are some recommendations of things to do once you’re there.

Local Favorites at Phoenix Sky Harbor Earn ‘Best of Phoenix’ Honors

Two businesses connected to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport were recognized in the Phoenix New Times “Best of Phoenix 2025” awards, celebrating the Valley’s standout spots for food, shopping and travel.

Save the Date: 2026 Aviation Business Summit

Join the City of Phoenix Aviation Department in person for the 8th Aviation Business Summit on March 10, 2026! This dynamic event offers valuable insights into how to do business with Phoenix Sky Harbor, Deer Valley, and Goodyear airports. We’re excited to welcome you back for this event that will include informational sessions, expert panels, and important networking opportunities to help you connect, learn, and grow.

Airport Employee Comforts Passenger

A panicked passenger couldn’t find her paratransit pickup spot, but an airport employee saved the day for her.

Travel Tips: Reserve Parking in Advance

At Phoenix Sky Harbor, October not only brings the beginning of sweater weather but also packed parking areas due to fall breaks and a high volume of passengers. Anyone planning to travel is encouraged to reserve their parking spot in advance.

Aviation Job Fair

The Oct. 7 Aviation Job Fair attracted 665 attendees - record attendance for the event. Phoenix Sky Harbor business partners interviewed 267 people and hired 58 new employees on the spot at the job fair. Next month’s Job Fair is on Nov. 4. More information at skyharbor.com/jobs.

Birdwatcher’s Report

A sighting of this GlobalX A320 aircraft recently made an appearance at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

Photo courtesy of @480avn on Instagram.