Phoenix marked the 90th anniversary of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport on July 29, 2025, with city leaders commemorating the airport’s growth and issuing a mayoral proclamation recognizing the milestone. Mayor Kate Gallego read the proclamation during a public event and credited the airport with economic and civic value to Phoenix.

The airport has seen what officials described as sustained growth in recent years. Mayor Kate Gallego said Sky Harbor “has been ranked number 1 by the Wall Street Journal” and noted the airport added “21 global destinations in the past year” and now offers nonstop service to “more than 140 cities.” Gallego also cited a new nonstop Air France route between Phoenix and Paris and said Starlux Airlines will begin nonstop service to Taipei in the coming months.

Why it matters: city officials framed the anniversary as a moment to highlight Sky Harbor’s role in the region’s economy and connectivity. Gallego said the airport had handled more than 52 million passengers in 2024 and that, since 1951, roughly 1,480,000,000 passengers have transited the facility between 1951 and 2024, figures she presented as historical context.

Aviation Director Chad Makovsky, who opened the event, praised past elected leaders’ decision in 1935 to purchase the airfield and described an ongoing capital investment program. Makovsky said the airport is focused on preparing for “the next generation” through infrastructure investment and customer-experience initiatives. He emphasized the workforce and airport partners as central to the airport’s identity: “It’s our people, their dedication to friendly customer service,” he said.

Officials noted infrastructure and service features that support growth. Gallego referenced the Skytrain and identified Sky Harbor as a top destination for Waymo autonomous rides. The city and airport leaders said investments also include terminal upgrades and commercial partnerships to increase local retail and dining options for travelers.

Ceremony and formal recognition: Mayor Kate Gallego formally recognized July 29, 2025, as the airport’s ninetieth anniversary during her remarks at the event.

Looking ahead, Makovsky framed the anniversary as part of a long-term program of capital investments and sustainability measures intended to support continued route expansion and passenger growth. He said the airport leadership hopes future milestones will reflect today’s investments and decisions made by city leaders.