Honestly, the biggest mistake people make when looking at airlines to Phoenix AZ is assuming they only have one choice. Most travelers just default to Sky Harbor because it’s the big name, right? It is literally one of the busiest airports in the world—we are talking over 52 million passengers last year alone. But the landscape has shifted massively in 2026. If you are still booking flights like it’s 2019, you are probably overpaying or sitting through unnecessary layovers.
Phoenix isn't just a domestic hub anymore. It’s becoming a heavy-hitting international gateway.
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The Hub Reality: American vs. Southwest
Sky Harbor is a battlefield. Specifically, it's a battle between American Airlines and Southwest Airlines.
American Airlines basically owns Terminal 4. It’s their fifth-busiest hub globally, and as of early 2026, they have ramped up their peak-day departures to nearly 240 flights. They just added some pretty specific routes too—think Pasco, Washington, and even direct hops to Tijuana, Mexico. If you’re flying from a smaller regional airport like Abilene or Lincoln, Nebraska, American is likely your only direct ticket into the Valley of the Sun.
Then you have Southwest. They don't call it a "hub" because they use point-to-point logic, but Phoenix is their third-busiest operation in their entire network. If you're coming from Denver, Vegas, or anywhere in California, Southwest is usually the price leader. They’ve got about 60 routes running out of PHX right now.
But here is the kicker. Despite American having about 41% of the total seats at the airport, it isn't a "fortress hub" like Atlanta is for Delta. That competition between American and Southwest is exactly why you can still find $60 one-way tickets from LAX or San Diego if you time it right.
The 2026 International Boom
The real news for airlines to Phoenix AZ this year is the massive expansion across the Pacific. For decades, if you wanted to go to Asia, you had to fly to LAX or San Francisco first. That's over.
- STARLUX Airlines: This is the big one. On January 15, 2026, STARLUX officially launched nonstop service from Taipei to Phoenix. They’re running three times a week right now, but it’s moving to four times a week by March.
- China Airlines: They actually beat STARLUX to the punch by a few weeks, launching their own Taipei route in December 2025.
- Air France: They started service back in 2024, but they’ve solidified their presence in Terminal 4, making those direct hops to Paris a staple for local travelers.
Why the sudden interest in Taiwan? It’s basically the "TSMC effect." With the massive semiconductor plants opening in North Phoenix, business travel between Arizona and Taipei has exploded. It’s no longer just about tourism; it’s about microchips.
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Don't Ignore the Secondary Airport
Most people forget about Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA). Big mistake.
If you are trying to save money and don't mind a 30-minute Uber ride into Scottsdale or Tempe, AZA is a goldmine. Allegiant Air is the king here. They fly into Mesa from places most major carriers ignore, like Provo, Utah, or Cedar Rapids.
Sun Country also runs a significant number of flights into Mesa Gateway. Honestly, if you're flying in from the Midwest during the winter, check AZA before you commit to Sky Harbor. The security lines are shorter, the parking is cheaper, and the "February deals" often see round-trip tickets dip below $100.
Major Players and Niche Options
Beyond the big two, the diversity of carriers at Sky Harbor has grown to 24 commercial airlines.
- Delta and United: They maintain a strong presence in Terminal 3, mostly connecting Phoenix to their own hubs like Atlanta, Minneapolis, and Chicago O'Hare.
- The Low-Cost Squad: Frontier and Spirit are still here, though Frontier has been more aggressive lately with new routes to Reno and Spokane.
- Breeze Airways: A relatively new player that has been picking up odd-ball routes like Richmond, Virginia, which was previously a nightmare to reach from Phoenix.
- Alaska Airlines: They recently bumped up their San Diego-to-Phoenix frequency by 30%, which has been a lifesaver for business commuters.
Seasonal Shifts to Watch
Phoenix is a "seasonal" city. That’s a polite way of saying everyone wants to be here in February and nobody wants to be here in August.
Airlines know this. American Airlines just announced a massive summer expansion for 2026, targeting "cool" destinations. They are launching routes to Anchorage, Alaska, and Kalispell, Montana, starting in May and June. They also added seasonal ski-focused flights to Sun Valley, Idaho, which run through April.
If you're flying into Phoenix in the summer, you'll find plenty of empty seats and bottom-barrel prices. But if you're trying to visit for Spring Training in March? Good luck. You need to book at least four months out because airlines to Phoenix AZ during March operate at nearly 100% capacity.
The Logistics of Landing
Sky Harbor is actually pretty easy to navigate compared to O'Hare or DFW. It’s split into two main terminals: Terminal 3 (John S. McCain III) and Terminal 4 (Barry M. Goldwater).
Terminal 4 is where most of the action is. It handles American, Southwest, and all international arrivals. Terminal 3 is home to Delta, United, Alaska, and the smaller budget carriers like JetBlue and Breeze.
The PHX Sky Train is your best friend. It’s free, and it connects the terminals to the Valley Metro Rail and the Rental Car Center. It runs every few minutes, so don't bother with the old shuttle buses.
Actionable Tips for Your Next Flight
- Check the "Mesa" Alternative: Always search for both PHX and AZA. Allegiant’s prices to Mesa often offset the cost of a longer Uber.
- The 4-Month Rule: For travel between January and April, book 120 days in advance. This is the peak "Snowbird" season, and prices rarely drop last-minute.
- Tuesday/Wednesday Cycles: Data from early 2026 shows that mid-week flights into Sky Harbor are consistently 22% cheaper than Friday or Sunday arrivals.
- Terminal 3 for Peace: If you have a choice between airlines, Terminal 3 is generally less chaotic than Terminal 4, especially during the morning rush.
- Leverage the New Asia Routes: If you're heading to Southeast Asia, check the new Taipei connections. They are often cheaper and much faster than connecting through the West Coast.
The reality of airlines to Phoenix AZ is that the city has outgrown its "desert outpost" status. It’s a major international player now. Whether you're coming for a tech conference, a hike up Camelback Mountain, or just to escape the snow, the options have never been more diverse. Just make sure you aren't overpaying for the "convenience" of a hub that might not actually be your best option.
Next Steps for Your Trip
- Compare current fares between PHX and AZA using a multi-airport search tool.
- Check the 2026 Spring Training schedule to avoid peak pricing weeks in March.
- Look into STARLUX or China Airlines if you are planning a trip to Asia; the new direct Taipei routes are game-changers for Arizona travelers.