Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is preparing for its first new terminal in nearly four decades, with American Airlines selected as the anchor carrier for the planned West Terminal.
The airport announced that American will serve as the primary airline for the new facility, strengthening the carrier’s long-standing presence in Phoenix and supporting the airport’s plans for future passenger growth.
American Airlines to Anchor New Phoenix Terminal
The selection follows months of analysis by the Phoenix Aviation Department, which identified American as the anchor tenant for the proposed terminal.
Phoenix Aviation Director Chad Makovsky said the airport intends to work with American and other airlines to develop facilities that are operationally efficient and designed around future travel demand.
For American, the agreement reinforces its commitment to Phoenix, where the airline has maintained operations for almost a century.
American Already Leads Phoenix Traffic
American is currently the largest airline at Phoenix Sky Harbor, operating more than 300 peak daily departures and accounting for approximately 40% of the airport’s traffic, according to the supplied information.
The new terminal could provide additional capacity for the carrier while creating opportunities for expanded passenger facilities and premium travel spaces.
American Airlines CEO Robert Isom described Phoenix as an important part of the airline’s network and said the carrier plans to continue investing in the airport and the surrounding region.
The airline also highlighted potential benefits including job creation, stronger connectivity and additional premium facilities for passengers.
New Terminal Still in Early Planning
Details about the design, size and specific passenger facilities at the West Terminal have not yet been announced.
The project remains in its early planning stages, with construction not expected to begin before 2029.
For Phoenix Sky Harbor, the planned terminal represents a major infrastructure development as the airport prepares for future demand. For American Airlines, becoming the anchor carrier provides an opportunity to deepen its role at one of its key U.S. airports.
The development will be one to watch as Phoenix continues planning for the next phase of its aviation infrastructure.
