Why March Is Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport’s Busiest Month

By Mythili Gubbi
Published: Friday, March 1, 2019 - 8:56am

Terminal 3 walkway
Christina Estes/KJZZ
Travelers at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport Terminal 3 in 2019.

With freezing temperatures and snow across much of the country, Arizona attracts people from all over at this time of year looking to thaw out. That makes March one of Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport’s busiest months.

“You know a lot of folks coming in and out of Phoenix throughout the whole month with spring training, with spring break,” said Greg Roybal, a spokesperson at the airport.

With plenty of sunshine — as high temperatures enter the late 70s — and a plethora of events happening, the Grand Canyon State becomes a popular destination.

NASCAR weekend from March 8-10 will mark of one the busiest periods for the airport. Additionally, the Cactus League, a group of 15 major league baseball teams that come to the Phoenix area for spring training from Feb. 21 to March 26, also brings fans from all over the country.

Both Arizona State University and the University of Arizona have spring break in the first week of March, while Northern Arizona University is on break during the third week of the month. And with other universities around the country going on break too, there's plenty of students coming in and out of the state.

Last year, out of the 45 million passengers at Sky Harbor, a little over 4.3 million had traveled in March.

So if you’re planning to rent a car or fly somewhere, make sure to plan ahead.Sky Harbor’s website has additional tips to make travel smoother, with information on when to arrive at the airport and what items should be checked in rather than hand carried.

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