Phoenix Airports Travel Guide

Key Highlights

• Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is the main airport in the area. It takes care of over 130,000 people each day.

• The region also has Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport. This airport gives another good choice for people who want to travel.

• For general and business flying, Phoenix Deer Valley and Scottsdale Airport play a big part in the airport systems in Phoenix.

• Phoenix Sky Harbor is known as America’s Friendliest Airport®. It brings in over $44 billion for the local economy.

• People at the big airports can use many good things and services.

• This guide will show you all you need to know. It talks about airport history, airlines, getting around, and parking.

Introduction

Welcome to your easy guide for getting around the airports in Phoenix, Arizona. No matter if you fly for work or for fun, knowing about the local airports can make the trip better. The main airport in this area is the busy Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. This airport connects Phoenix to many places in the world. In this guide, you will learn about the important airports, the services they give, and some tips. These can help you have a smooth travel experience. You will also see how to get the most out of your time in the Valley of the Sun.

Overview of Phoenix Airports

The Phoenix metropolitan area has many airports to meet the different travel needs of people. The Phoenix Aviation Department owns and runs three main airports. These are Phoenix Sky Harbor, Phoenix Deer Valley Airport, and Phoenix Goodyear Airport. These airports are an important part of the airport systems in Maricopa County.

There are also other airports like Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport and Scottsdale Airport that help serve the area. Each airport does something different. One may handle a lot of world travelers. Some help general aviation or business flights. This means everyone can find flights that meet their needs in the Phoenix and Scottsdale area, or even at Mesa Gateway Airport. Now let’s see the main and regional airports in Phoenix you might use.

Major Airports Serving Phoenix

When you fly into Phoenix, you will most likely arrive at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (IATA: PHX). Phoenix Sky Harbor is one of the busiest airports in the United States. Every day, the airport handles more than 1,000 airplane landings and takeoffs. Over 130,000 people pass through the airport daily. The airport’s big network connects Phoenix with many cities in the United States and other countries.

Another important airport near Phoenix is the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (IATA: IWA). Mesa Gateway Airport is a good second choice for people who need to travel in or out of the region. The airport serves many places and gives travelers more choices when picking flights from the Phoenix area.

Both Phoenix Sky Harbor and Mesa Gateway Airport play key roles for this part of the country. Each year, they help millions of people get to and from their destinations. Your pick between these two airports will depend on your airline, where you need to go in the valley, and what flights are available. Both airports are made to meet the needs of today’s air passengers.

Regional and Private Airports in Phoenix

Besides the big commercial centers, the Phoenix area also has some important general aviation airports. These places are used a lot by people flying corporate jets, private planes, and those who want to train or use air taxi services. The Phoenix Aviation Department manages two of these airports: Phoenix Deer Valley and Phoenix Goodyear. These airports help by taking on some flights, so Sky Harbor stays less crowded.

Phoenix Deer Valley Airport has all the main services. You can get fuel, plane maintenance, and flight training there. Phoenix Goodyear Airport is known for helping large planes with big maintenance, repair, and overhaul jobs, but it also handles general aviation needs.

There is also Scottsdale Airport (IATA: SDL), which belongs to the City of Scottsdale. Many business travelers and private flyers like to use Scottsdale Airport. These smaller airports are well known for the special help they provide, and they are a big part of the aviation system in Phoenix.

History of Aviation in Phoenix

The history of aviation in Phoenix shows big growth and smart planning. At first, Phoenix had small airfields. Now, the city has one of the best airport systems in the world. Arizona’s capital city has always had an important place in the world of flying. The sunny weather there is good for flying and helped a lot with flight training, especially in World War II. This time of training and good weather led to a lot more planes and airports.

The early start helped Phoenix join the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems. This made the city important for the whole country. Over the years, the airport systems in Phoenix kept changing and getting better. Let’s look at some big events from this past.

Early Aviation Development in the Valley

The early days of aviation in Phoenix were full of hard work and new ideas. People needed more ways to get around, so air travel and transport slowly started to grow in the first half of the 1900s. The great flying weather in the region was a big reason why pilots and early aviation companies came here. This helped build a strong general aviation community in Phoenix.

When World War II started, things moved much faster. Phoenix turned into an important place for military flight training. There were many new airfields built and old ones made bigger. These airfields later became the start of the airport systems we see in Arizona now.

After the war, a lot of these airfields started serving the public, making both commercial and private flights possible. Arizona State University kept growing, and more people moved to Phoenix. This made the city need better aviation and airport systems. Because of that, Phoenix and all of Arizona saw a lot of progress in aviation through the next years.

Modern Airport Expansions and Milestones

In recent decades, Phoenix Sky Harbor has undergone significant transformations to keep pace with growing demand. Under the guidance of the airport authority, modernization has been a constant priority. Major projects have included the construction of a new terminal and the addition of a new concourse, enhancing passenger capacity and comfort.

A key milestone was the integration of innovative facilities and services, solidifying its reputation as a leading-edge airport. These expansions are not just about size; they also involve incorporating new technologies and passenger-focused amenities. Looking ahead, the airport continues to plan for the future with new programs and services.

For example, Phoenix Sky Harbor consistently introduces new routes and enhances its cultural offerings, marking continuous progress. Here are a few examples of recent and upcoming milestones:

Milestone	Airport/Area	Year
Launch of New Nonstop Service to Taipei	Phoenix Sky Harbor	2026
Award-Winning Dementia Friendly Workshop	Phoenix Sky Harbor	2026
New Lineup of Arts and Culture Programs	Phoenix Sky Harbor	2026

Airlines and Destinations from Phoenix

Are you asking where you can fly from Phoenix? The airport systems here give you many choices. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is the main airport. It lets you travel to places all over the world. You can fly to big U.S. cities and to international destinations. There be a lot of options for you.

Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport also helps people in the area get around. It is a good and easy choice for travelers. If you want to go away for vacation inside the country or you plan an overseas trip, you can get a flight from Sky Harbor or other airports in the region.

Domestic and International Flight Options

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is a busy place. The airport has many daily flights that can take you to places all over the world. There are lots of nonstop flights to big cities in the United States, so it is easy for people to travel across the country for work or fun. Phoenix Sky Harbor is important for anyone wanting to get from one side of the country to the other.

Sky Harbor is not just for trips in the United States. The airport also has nonstop flights to international destinations. You can fly straight to cities in Mexico, Canada, Europe, or Asia. This makes Phoenix Sky Harbor a true world gateway. For example, STARLUX Airlines now has a nonstop flight between Taipei and Phoenix.

Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport is another good choice for people in the area. The airport gives more flight options, mostly to other cities in the United States. Mesa Gateway Airport is a hub for some airlines that connect travelers in the East Valley with many places across the country. This gives everyone in the Phoenix and Mesa area one more great option for taking a flight.

Airlines Operating from Phoenix Sky Harbor

Phoenix Sky Harbor has many large airlines from the U.S. and other countries. You can find all the big U.S. flight companies here. They have a lot of routes, so you can get to many places from Phoenix. The Bureau of Transportation Statistics often shows that PHX is a top airport.

Along with the biggest airlines, Sky Harbor has low-cost options too. You can get cheap tickets through these. Allegiant Air, for example, also flies out of Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport. This means travelers have more ways to fly out of Phoenix. If you want to go to Burbank, Las Vegas, or a big city like Denver, there are many airlines to pick from.

With so many choices, prices stay low. Flight times are flexible, too. The Wall Street Journal has pointed out how this makes things better for people flying from the Phoenix metropolitan area. You get more ways to reach your end point from Sky Harbor or Mesa.

Facilities and Traveler Amenities

The airports in the Phoenix metropolitan area focus on comfort and ease for all travelers. At Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, you can find many options at each terminal and concourse. Sky Harbor wants to show why people call it “America’s Friendliest Airport®.”

You will find places to eat and shop. There are also art shows and quiet spots if you want to relax. The team works hard to make travel better all the time, so your trip is good and easy. Let’s take a look at what Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and the main airports offer for you.

Terminal Services at Phoenix Sky Harbor

Getting around Sky Harbor International Airport is simple because the airport offers great services and things to help more people. The PHX Sky Train® is a free train you can use. It runs without a driver and it links the terminals to the airport’s economy parking and the Valley Metro Rail. This helps the passengers move fast at sky harbor.

You can get around easier with detailed maps of the airport. These maps are posted throughout the terminals and you can find them online. They show where the gates, restaurants, shops, and more good places are. The airport works hard to be helpful to all people and offers events like special workshops for travelers with dementia. There are also friendly volunteers at the info desks if you need help.

Here are some other main services you’ll find:

• Lost and Found help if you lose something.

• A switchboard that answers calls and questions at any hour.

• Paging help so you can reach someone at sky harbor.

• Many choices for food and shopping in every terminal.

Amenities at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport

Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport gives you a comfortable and easy way to travel. While the airport is not as large as Sky Harbor, it still has what you need for more passenger boardings. Its terminal was made to help you move quickly through each step. You will have no trouble getting from check-in to your gate.

To get the newest updates on what is at the airport, always look at the airport’s web page before you go. The web page will show you info on where to eat, shop, and use other stuff. The airport works hard so your trip is simple with no problems.

Key amenities often found at Mesa Gateway include:

• A good mix of food and drink spots.

• Rental car counters right in the terminal.

• Parking lots close to the entrance, so it is easy for you.

• Free Wi-Fi for all travelers.

Transportation and Parking at Phoenix Airports

Getting to and from the Phoenix airports is easy because there are many ways to travel. If you are going to Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) or another airport close by, you can use public transit, rideshare services, shuttles, and other options.

You will also find that there is a lot of parking. There are choices to fit every budget and all needs, like short-term and long-term parking. If you plan how to get to the airport before your trip, you can save time and feel less stress. Take a look at the options you have for getting around Phoenix and for parking your car at Sky Harbor Airport.

Public Transit, Rideshare, and Shuttles

One easy way for people to get to Phoenix Sky Harbor is to use the PHX Sky Train®. It is free and links straight to the Valley Metro Rail. You can ride the metro rail to reach downtown Phoenix, Tempe, and Mesa. This is why the PHX Sky Train® is a good and low-cost choice for your trip to or from the airport.

If you want to go right to your stop, you will find rideshare options like Uber and Lyft. You will see marked areas for pickup at every terminal. You can also find a taxi or schedule an airport shuttle before you fly. Shuttles give both shared rides and private rides to different places in the valley.

To travel between phoenix airports, you need to get a private ride, such as a rideshare, taxi, or shuttle. There is no public train or bus that goes straight to another airport.

• PHX Sky Train®: Links airport terminals to Valley Metro Rail.

• Rideshare: Use marked pickup spots for open access.

• Airport Shuttles: You can get both shared or private rides.

• Taxis: Available day and night outside baggage claim.

Long-Term and Short-Term Parking Options

Phoenix Sky Harbor has many parking spots to suit what you need. If you are just there for a quick drop-off or to pick someone up, you can use the short-term parking in the terminal garages. These garage spots are the closest to the action, so they are the best if you will just be there a few hours.

If you are leaving your car for a long trip, there are other long-term parking choices. You can park in the terminal garages for easy access, or save some money by using surface lots and uncovered spaces. Sky Harbor sets up the airport systems to make sure there is a way to park for every budget. If you have any questions or need to know if a lot is full, the 24-hour parking hotline is ready to help you out.

Parking prices can change from time to time, with new rates often starting around January 1st. It is a good idea to check the Phoenix Sky Harbor website to get the latest on costs.

• Terminal Garages: Use these for both short trips and long stays.

• East Economy Parking: This lot links to the main area through the PHX Sky Train®.

• Valet Parking: If you park at Terminals 3 and 4, this is the fastest and most relaxed option.

• Cell Phone Lots: These free spots let you wait in your car while picking up people.

Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport

Conclusion

To sum up, getting around the Phoenix airports is easy once you know your choices. There are big airports like Phoenix Sky Harbor, plus smaller and private airports. Each one gives you something different while you travel. You can travel in the country or to other countries. There are many airlines and plenty of places you can fly to, so there is always a good option for you.

Make sure to use easy transportation and parking at the airport. This will help you have a better and smoother trip at Phoenix Sky Harbor or any other Phoenix airport.

With this information, you can feel good about your next trip. If you want help that fits you, book a free consultation to get the best out of your Phoenix airport experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which airport should I use for domestic travel in Phoenix?

For flights within the U.S., Phoenix Sky Harbor is the biggest airport. It has many airlines and lots of places you can go. Still, Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport is a good other choice, mainly for people who live in the East Valley. The right airport for you will depend on your favorite airline, where you want to go, and how close you are to the airport you want to use.

You can choose phoenix sky harbor, sky harbor, phoenix sky, or mesa gateway airport, based on what works best for you if you are in phoenix or mesa.

How do I transfer between Phoenix airports?

There is not a direct public bus or train that goes between the Phoenix airports. To get from one airport to the other, you can use a rideshare like Uber or Lyft, take a taxi, or book a private airport shuttle. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to travel, especially when it is busy in Phoenix.

Are airport maps available for Phoenix Sky Harbor?

Yes, you can get airport maps for Phoenix Sky Harbor with no trouble. There are interactive maps on the Phoenix Sky Harbor web page, so you can look ahead and plan your way. When you are in the terminal, you can also find printed maps or guides. These will help you get to your gate, get food, or take the PHX Sky Train®.