Construction on a new Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport concourse begins this year

Construction for a new concourse at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport will begin this year.

The expected $356 million project will have six gates and a connector bridge between Terminals 3 and 4. It will also feature new shops, restaurants and a lounge.

In a statement, city of Phoenix Aviation Director Chad Makovsky says the investments in airport facilities are being made to “not only meet demand, but further elevate the passenger experience.”

Sky Harbor says construction for the project is not taking place in areas used for airline operations. Potential impacts to passengers will be shared on the airport’s website and social media.

The new concourse is expected to be completed by 2027.

In addition to the new gates, the project — encompassing more than 173,000 square feet — will include a lounge, as well as a tunnel that connects to Terminal 4.

“We are giving our passengers a feel of not feeling crowded and a spacious holding area,” said Roxann Favors, an assistant aviation director. “But also that amazing amount of glass we have, so that people can - when they are at Sky Harbor they know they are in Phoenix, they know they are in Arizona.”

Although Terminal 4, home to American and Southwest airlines, has long been the airport’s busiest, Terminal 3 has seen significant growth in recent years fueled by Delta, United and Frontier airlines.

“We wanted to make sure that as they are growing their air service for us, our airlines in Terminal 3, we have gate capacity when they want to bring those flights,” Favors said.

The lounge will be 10,000 square feet and include an outdoor terrace.

“As we often survey our passengers and customers, this seems to be a growing amenity they are looking for — with the lounge services,” Favors said. “We thought it was really important that we program that.”