Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport Celebrates Best Year Ever with Double Digit Passenger Growth in 2019
Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (Gateway Airport, Airport) has set a record for commercial passenger activity welcoming 1,774,763 passengers in 2019. This represents a 15.86 percent increase over last year, the previous high-water mark for Gateway Airport. In December 2019, 171,189 passengers traveled through the Airport, marking the 20th consecutive month of record year-over-year growth. New nonstop destinations, larger aircraft with more seats and increased frequency on several routes contributed to the successful year. In addition, WestJet and Swoop began their winter season earlier this year bringing more Canadians to enjoy the warm Arizona weather.
“The growth at Gateway Airport over the past few years has been phenomenal and important for the region’s economy,” said Gila River Indian Community Lieutenant Governor Robert Stone, Chair of the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Authority (PMGAA) Board. “Residents in the Greater Phoenix area, and out of state sun-seeking travelers, appreciate the value and unparalleled convenience of using Gateway Airport.”
In anticipation of this growth, the Airport has invested tens of millions of dollars in recent years completing various facility and infrastructure capacity enhancement projects designed to accommodate the increasing passenger traffic. Improvements to baggage handling systems, parking and roadways, and TSA security screening areas were completed during the past 18 months. Construction of additional restaurants and retail locations are currently underway. A new Starbucks opened in the terminal at the end of 2019 and Panera Bread, O.H.S.O. Brewery, Macayo’s Mexican, and Infusion Coffee and Tea will all open later this year.
J. Brian O’Neill, A.A.E. executive director/CEO of Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Authority added, “Gateway Airport would like to thank its airline partners, airport tenants, our passengers, and member community partners for making 2019 a record year. Arizona continues to be one of the fastest growing states in the nation and, as more businesses and families relocate here, the Airport looks forward to providing a Just Plane Easy travel experience to a growing number of new passengers.”
