Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport’s newest concourse is open for business today. The new concourse not only provides eight new gates for Southwest Airlines, it also adds a state-of- the-art security checkpoint to Sky Harbor’s busiest terminal.
Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon and Southwest Airlines CEO Gary Kelly
boarded a passenger transport vehicle on Monday and tore through the final construction wall on the concourse. “Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport continues to see record passengers,” said Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon. “This new concourse demonstrates the City of Phoenix Aviation Department’s commitment to serving a growing number of customers.”

Concourse “D” opened to the public March 8. It is designed not only to be functional but also aesthetically pleasing. Large windows take advantage of Arizona’s natural lighting and provide a panoramic view of the airfield. Passengers will be able to look at passing planes through
several vintage, free-standing binoculars placed in front of a
30-foot-tall window wall. Compass tiles on the floor point to destinations around the globe, including 16 Phoenix sister cities.

“This new concourse is certainly impressive, but it also has a comfortable feel,” said Phoenix Vice Mayor Michael Johnson. “It will remind passengers of the grand old airports and train stations.” Restaurant seating in the new concourse was designed with the air traveler in mind. Seats are placed in strategic locations, so that travelers can see their gates while they are eating.

New restaurants opening March 8 inside Concourse D include Clubhouse Bar and Grill and Starbucks. They will soon be joined by El Bravo Mexican Food, Yoshi’s Asian Grill and Wendy’s.

New shops inside the concourse include The Phoenix souvenir shop, CNBC News, AZ Grillin’ southwestern packaged foods and Brighton Collectibles on the passenger bridge which leads to the next concourse.

Construction on the $50 million project began in October of 2003. This new concourse is the seventh at Terminal 4, which has a total capacity of eight concourses.
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