Phoenix airport reached nearly 45 million passengers in 2018

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A record of nearly 45 million passengers passed through Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport in 2018, a 2.3 percent increase from the year before.

The state’s growing economy and tourism contributed to the growth, the airport said. The Phoenix area is also a popular spring-break travel destination.

“Sky Harbor’s record passenger numbers are a testament to Phoenix’s growing economy,” Mayor Thelda Williams said. “Phoenix is a destination for business and leisure travel. Through key investments, Sky Harbor is continually improving to better the travel experience for passengers.”

The airport has been making investments in its infrastructure to accommodate an increasing number of travelers.

Two projects are underway and are expected to be completed early next decade: The Terminal 3 north concourse is being renovated to add new restaurants and shops, and the PHX Sky Train is being extended to the Rental Car Center.

A remodeled post-security lobby area in Terminal 3 and a new south concourse opened in January. The renovation added customer amenities, a new Delta Sky Club, public art displays, and new shops and restaurants.

Ground has been broken for the eighth and final concourse at Terminal 4 that will provide eight new gates for Southwest Airlines. The project is expected to be completed in 2022.