Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport announced on Mar. 18 that it is accepting donations to support federal frontline employees who are working without pay due to the ongoing partial government shutdown.
The airport said these employees are essential to maintaining safe and secure operations, especially as March is its busiest month with increased passenger traffic. While operations have continued and checkpoint wait times have not significantly increased so far, the prolonged shutdown is having a significant impact on frontline staff and could lead to more callouts and longer wait times in the future.
To assist affected workers who received a $0.00 paycheck on March 13, Phoenix Sky Harbor is asking the public to donate non-perishable, pre-packaged food, gift cards for gas and groceries in denominations of $20 or less (excluding generic Visa, American Express or Mastercard gift cards), hygiene items, and baby essentials such as diapers, wipes, and formula. Cash donations will not be accepted. Donations can be dropped off at Compassion Corner in Terminal 4 near the B Security Checkpoint between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., with parking validation available. The donation center will remain open until the shutdown ends, distributing items based on inventory while supplies last.
Recent developments at Phoenix Sky Harbor include Breeze Airways announcing new services from Phoenix to Charleston, South Carolina, and Provo, Utah starting November 2, 2022. These flights operate twice weekly from Terminal 3 according to an August 10 announcement. Additionally, Roxann Favors was named Assistant Director/Chief Revenue Officer for the City of Phoenix Aviation Department in August 2022; she brings nearly two decades of management experience at the city as reported by the City of Phoenix. Jay DeWitt was also appointed Assistant Director/Chief Development Officer for the department around the same time; he oversees planning, environmental matters, design and construction services, as well as financial management divisions according to city announcements.
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport reports an annual economic impact exceeding $44 billion. On average each day, about 1,300 aircraft and over 140,000 passengers arrive at or depart from PHX. The airport operates using its own revenue without tax dollar support.
