Phoenix Sky Harbor among top 10 US airports in new ranking. Here's why

AirHelp’s annual airport ranking, released June 9, placed Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport at No. 9 in the U.S., returning to the top 10 after a dip to No. 12 in 2025. The airport scored 7.78 out of 10, down slightly from 7.88 in 2025, but still performed well in service—its score rose to 8.2 from 7.7 the prior year. The ranking assessed 279 airports globally, with Portland International Airport topping U.S. rankings and Tocumen International Airport in Panama City leading worldwide. AirHelp’s methodology evaluated on-time performance (60% of the score), passenger surveys on service (20%), and facilities (20%). Sky Harbor’s on-time performance for departures and arrivals stood at 77% and 79%, respectively, from April 2025 to March 2026, per Bureau of Labor Statistics data. However, this marked a decline from 2025, and facilities scored 7.3 compared to 7.5 last year. Travelers praised the airport’s size and maintenance but criticized long wait lines and congestion. The airport’s global ranking dropped to No. 73, partly due to the 43-day government shutdown in late 2025, which forced flight cuts of up to 10% at Sky Harbor and other U.S. airports. A separate 76-day Homeland Security shutdown earlier in 2026 exacerbated disruptions, fueling debates about privatizing airport security to avoid future shutdown-related delays. Despite challenges, Sky Harbor maintained a low cancellation rate below 1% annually since 2023. Its service improvements helped secure its top 10 U.S. position, though operational hurdles remain a concern for travelers and aviation officials.