Soaring fuel prices are crippling the aviation industry and airlines are cutting back on their infrastructure plans. But plenty of construction is still taking off at the airport serving one of America’s literally hottest regions.
Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport had planned a $2.9-billion expansion over five years, but has stretched that out to 2020, says David Hensley, deputy aviation director for design and construction. This year, there are two major expansion projects: a $580-million, 2-mile on-airport people mover system that will connect to the area’s light rail line, and a security checkpoint expansion for “C” gates at Terminal 4.