Phoenix-Area Airports Earn Accreditation For Cleanliness

PHOENIX, AZ —The City of Phoenix Aviation Department, which owns and operates Sky Harbor, Deer Valley and Goodyear airports, announced Monday that all three airports have been recognized for their cleanliness and virus-prevention methods.

In a release, the Aviation Department said the airports were certified by the Global Biorisk Advisory Council's GBAC Star Accreditation Program, which is an outbreak, prevention, response and recovery accreditation for facilities.

In order to earn the accreditation, facilities are judged on 20 different components and must demonstrate they have established and maintained a cleaning and disinfecting program to minimize risk of infectious diseases like SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. Facilities also must have proper cleaning protocols and a staff trained for outbreak and infectious disease preparation and response.

"Since the pandemic started, the world has come to realize the significance and importance of proper cleaning and disinfection to protect our health," Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said. "To receive this distinction is a testament to our team's commitment to making sure our travelers, operators, airlines, concessionaires, tenants and business partners have the safest environment possible when interacting with us."

The Aviation Department said that throughout the pandemic, its airports have employed a number of methods to keep travelers and workers safe, like a robust cleaning program and the installation of plexiglass and UV-C LED sanitizing lights on escalator handrails.

"Receiving the GBAC Star Facility Accreditation at all three City of Phoenix airports is an outstanding achievement," said Carlos Garcia, District 8 Phoenix councilmember, who represents the district where Sky Harbor is located. "Travelers should feel assured that our facilities are clean and safe, with staff specifically trained to help stop the spread of COVID-19."

Learn more about what Sky Harbor International Airport is doing to keep travelers and workers safe.

Learn more about the GBAC Star Facility Accreditation.