You can call us a nonagenarian, you can call us aged like fine wine, but don’t say we’re done, because we are just getting started.
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is about to mark its 90th anniversary of city of Phoenix ownership by looking forward to a busy future as it takes a look back at its rich history.
The city of Phoenix paid $100,000 in 1935 to purchase a remote airfield nicknamed “The Farm” that today sits centered in Phoenix and is considered the economic engine for the state of Arizona.
That price is a steal today and it turned into the deal of the century:
- Today PHX has a total economic impact of more than $44.3 billion annually;
- More than 56,000 jobs are currently supported by the airport and the surrounding Sky Harbor Center facilities.
- In 2024, PHX welcomed the 50 millionth passenger of the year, the first time this airport surpassed that benchmark when more than 52.3 million travelers flew through PHX.
Culture Corner was the first special attraction unveiled to kick off the 90th anniversary celebrations. Passengers and employees can watch and take part in cultural activities and artistic performances like live art demonstrations, crafts, musical performances, public readings, and more each month. Culture Corner events take place in Terminal 3 and are free to everyone. Visit skyharbor.com/culturecorner to see past and upcoming events.
The popular Traveling Tunes program with live musical performances in the terminals is showcasing music through the decades, and the Phoenix Airport Museum is featuring the 90th anniversary with a special exhibition, From Farm Field to Airfield, in Terminal 4, level 3 west of the food court, with historic photographs and life-size images of individuals who have made a significant impact on the airport.
Other exhibitions throughout the airport reflect the history of PHX, like Fly Back in Time, an intriguing look at aviation in the years when flying was a novelty and pilots were daredevils. See the Phoenix Airport Museum exhibition pages at https://www.skyharbor.com/at-the-airport/amenities/airport-museum/current-exhibitions/terminal-4-museum-the Museum pages on skyharbor.com.
Coming up July 9, a 90s Dance Party with Navigator Buddies will be held to commemorate the occasion. It will include a costume parade of the popular airport therapy dogs, 90s music and more. Visitors can collect special trading cards promoting the 90th anniversary.
Check out PHX’s social media channels – you can find them all at the bottom of skyharbor.com. We’ve been posting profiles and spotlights on employees who have worked at Phoenix Sky Harbor for years. Read about the airport’s history in the special feature, 90 Years at PHX, each month in the PHX Check-In newsletter and on the special 90th anniversary section, which can be found at skyharbor.com/90years, and features historic photos, interviews with longtime employees and fun facts about the airport.
It’s been an eventful and historic 90 years here at Phoenix Sky Harbor, and who knows what the future brings!