For the first time since the start of the pandemic, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is reporting an increase in passenger traffic compared to a year ago.

Spokesperson Heather Shelbrack says comparing March 2020 numbers to the same month in 2021 show a 25% increase. She says cargo numbers are also doing well. 

“Our cargo numbers for March of 2021 compared to March of 2020 were up 6.4% and that includes freight," Shelbrack said.

But she says traffic is still nearly 34% down when March 2021 is compared with pre-pandemic March 2019 numbers. 

Certain businesses within the airport remain closed, but open depending on flight and passenger activity.

→ Get The Latest News On COVID-19 In Arizona