Phoenix Sky Harbor Still Recovering After Monday’s Severe Dust Storm

(PHOENIX) Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is working through a second day of delays and repairs after a fast-moving dust storm and monsoon slammed the region on Monday evening, August 25, 2025. The Federal Aviation Administration ordered a ground stop at 5:29 p.m. because visibility fell close to zero and wind gusts reached up to 70 mph, temporarily halting all arrivals and departures. Flights began moving again around 6:30 p.m., but delays and cancellations stretched into the night as airlines cleared the backlog and crews checked safety systems across the airport.

Airport officials said Terminal 4—the hub for most domestic and many international flights—took the hardest hit. Portions of the roof peeled off in the storm, rainwater seeped into passenger areas, and teams spent the night mopping up and setting drying equipment. Heather Shelbrack, Phoenix Sky Harbor’s Deputy Aviation Director for Public Relations, said crews are “identifying leaks and attempting to clean up water where it has collected in passenger areas,” with some sections still roped off for inspections and repairs.

The PHX Sky Train was stopped during the worst of the storm, and the FAA control tower was briefly evacuated at the peak for safety reasons. Power problems rippled across Maricopa County, with more than 15,000 customers losing electricity Monday evening in areas that include neighborhoods around the airport. The National Weather Service issued severe thunderstorm and dust storm warnings and urged drivers to pull off the road until conditions improved.

By late Monday, flights were operating again with modest delays. On Tuesday, the airport remained open, though travelers faced pockets of slowdowns tied to repairs in Terminal 4 and staggered airline schedules. Airport teams focused on safety checks—roof integrity, electrical systems, and wet flooring—before reopening affected gates. Ground transportation crews also worked to restore PHX Sky Train service as conditions allowed, shifting passengers to shuttles when needed.

Airport Operations and Damage

Sky Harbor has seen dust walls before; they are part of Arizona’s monsoon season from June through September. But Monday’s wall arrived quickly and hit hard, according to Mark O’Malley, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Phoenix. He described the storm as typical for the season but said its force and rapid onset made it especially dangerous.

Visibility dropped to just a few dozen feet at times, forcing the FAA to stop air traffic until pilots and controllers could see and safely coordinate movements. The storm’s strength tore at Terminal 4’s roof, sending water into concourses and seating areas.

Maintenance teams moved quickly to:

• Pump out standing water
• Dry carpets and seating areas
• Check ceilings, wiring, and other infrastructure

Some gates reopened overnight, but other zones remained closed on Tuesday to keep passengers away from active repair work. Airport officials emphasized that safety comes first, even when repair work slows normal operations.

The disruption stretched beyond the terminals:

• The PHX Sky Train shutdown broke the usual link between terminals and parking areas, forcing temporary bus bridges and longer walks.
• The brief control tower evacuation required controllers to pause operations during the storm’s peak—a rare step that underscored the storm’s risk.
• Widespread power outages added pressure for homes, hotels, and small businesses supporting the airport, complicating rebooking and late-night lodging for stranded flyers.

Advice for Travelers and Recovery Timeline

Passengers should expect a bumpy few days as Phoenix Sky Harbor finishes repairs and airlines settle their schedules. Officials urged travelers to take four basic steps:

1. Check flight status often. Use airline apps and the airport’s website for real-time updates on departures, arrivals, and gate changes.
2. Arrive early. Plan extra time for check-in and security because Terminal 4 has restricted areas and routing may change as crews work.
3. Use alternate ground transport if needed. If the PHX Sky Train pauses or runs less often, follow signs to shuttle buses or ask staff for the fastest route between terminals and parking.
4. Contact your airline directly. Many carriers are waiving change fees for affected flights. Rebooking through the airline is the quickest way to find open seats after a weather delay.

These steps reflect airport guidance and common airline practices during major weather events. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the most useful actions right after a storm mirror these points: watch alerts closely, give yourself extra time at the airport, and work with your airline on rebooking if your original flight is no longer practical.

The National Weather Service forecast showed a 40% chance of rain on Tuesday, August 26, followed by drier conditions. That should help crews move faster on repairs, though full restoration for Terminal 4 and the PHX Sky Train could take several days, depending on the exact damage and any new storms.

For official weather updates and alerts, visit the National Weather Service Phoenix page.

Passenger Experience and Practical Tips

For many travelers—tourists, students, workers, and families—the delays brought long hours in crowded seating areas, missed connections, and late-night changes to plans. Some passengers reported waiting for hours as crews dried floors and cleared ceilings in Terminal 4, while airlines tried to move people to the next available flights once flying resumed.

Airport staff continued to make safety announcements and directed people toward open gates as sections reopened. The storm’s impact may prompt a review of emergency planning and roof resilience ahead of future monsoon seasons. While Phoenix Sky Harbor has handled dust scenarios before, officials and local partners often reassess procedures after major events to see what worked and what needs improvement.

For now, the airport’s focus remains on safe and steady service. If you fly in or out of Phoenix this week, plan for:

• Slower lines and staggered airline schedules
• Possible gate moves as repairs progress
• Longer walks or shuttle rides if PHX Sky Train service is limited

Practical steps if you face a last-minute change:

• Ask airline agents about meal or hotel vouchers if you’re stranded overnight due to weather-related cancellations (policies vary by carrier).
• Keep boarding passes and receipts if you plan to request refunds for unused segments or services you didn’t receive.
• If you booked through a third-party site, contact the airline first for rebooking, then follow up with the agency if you need a refund to the original form of payment.

Key takeaway: Check early and often, arrive ahead of schedule, and be prepared for plan changes as crews work to bring Phoenix Sky Harbor fully back online.

Airport officials will continue posting updates on cleanup progress, gate reopening, and ground transport options. Airlines are sending push alerts as they finalize Tuesday and mid-week schedules, with modest delays likely while maintenance teams finish drying and safety checks. The storm underscored how quickly a dust storm can disrupt even a large, well-prepared airport during the monsoon.