PHOENIX, AZ – According to a study by Arizona State University’s W.P. Carey School of Business, the economic impact of the Phoenix airport system has increased by nearly 15% since 2016.
The study, which is based on calendar year 2022 figures, shows that Phoenix Sky Harbor, Deer Valley and Goodyear airports have a total economic impact of $44.3 billion per year.
The airport system, which remains the largest economic engine in the state of Arizona, supports nearly 246,000 jobs with an annual payroll of $14.8 billion, with Phoenix Sky Harbor supporting the most jobs in the state.
“The Phoenix Airport System is a critical asset to our community and state, and this new study highlights how vital it is to our economy,” said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego.
The mayor reiterated that Phoenix is thriving in large part because of the airports, and the continued investment in them.
Although the study data includes several years within the pandemic period, and 2022 was still within post-pandemic recovery mode, gains were made in economic output, total worker income and visitor spending.
In addition, visitor spending at Phoenix Sky Harbor increased 12% from $5.8 billion in 2016 to $6.5 billion in 2022. Domestic visitors are estimated to spend an average of $831 per person per trip, while international visitors spend more than $1,000 per person per trip. Total spending by domestic and international visitors amounts to $7 billion per year.
