Philadelphia International Airport

Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is the main international airport for Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is a very busy place, with about 30.8 million people flying there each year. It is the busiest airport in Pennsylvania and one of the busiest in the United States. The airport is about 7 miles from the center of Philadelphia and has almost 500 flights every day to over 130 places around the world.

The air traffic control tower at Philadelphia International Airport

American Airlines uses the airport as one of its biggest hubs, especially for flights in the Northeastern United States and to Europe. Other airlines, like UPS Airlines and Frontier Airlines, also fly from here. Passengers can travel to cities across the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Europe, and the Middle East.

The airport covers a large area of 2,302 acres and has four runways. Some parts of it are in Philadelphia, and others are in Tinicum Township. It helps the local economy by creating jobs and supporting many businesses. It also brings in billions of dollars to the area each year. In 2022, the airport got a direct connection to a fuel supply, which makes it easier to keep planes flying.

History

20th century

In 1925, the military began using an area called Hog Island near Philadelphia for airplanes. In 1927, pilot Charles Lindbergh named it the Philadelphia Municipal Airport. It didn’t have a proper building for passengers until 1940. Airlines used another airport nearby until then.

Over the years, the airport grew with longer runways and new buildings. During World War II, it helped train pilots. After the war, it became Philadelphia International Airport in 1945 when flights to Europe began. New terminals were built in the 1950s and 1970s, and many airlines started using the airport.

21st century

In the early 2000s, new roads were built to make it easier to reach the airport. A big new terminal opened in 2003. Runways were made longer for larger planes, and more people started flying each year.

Recently, the airport improved restrooms and added special facilities for families and people with disabilities. It remains an important place for travel to many parts of the world.

Facilities

Terminals

An aerial view of the airport in June 2007

Philadelphia International Airport has six terminals with 126 gates. Terminal A is for international flights that need customs checks. American Airlines has special lounges in Terminal A, between Terminals B and C, and in Terminal F. Terminal D has lounges for United and Delta Airlines, and Terminal E has a lounge for military members and families.

Terminal A

Terminal B

Terminal A has two parts: East and West. Terminal A West has 13 gates and was built in 2003. It is used by American Airlines, British Airways, and Discover Airlines. Terminal A East opened in 1990 and is used by Aer Lingus, Aeroméxico, American Airlines, Frontier Airlines, and Spirit Airlines. Both parts of Terminal A have many places to eat and special areas for travelers.

Terminals B and C

Terminal D/E and Connector, pictured in June 2014

Terminals B and C have 15 and 14 gates. These are the main terminals for American Airlines and were updated in 1998. They are connected by a shopping area called the Philadelphia Marketplace.

Terminals D and E

The shuttle stop at Terminal F, pictured in August 2022

Terminal D has 16 gates and opened in 1973. It is used by Air Canada, Delta, Spirit, and United Airlines. Terminal E has 17 gates and opened in 1977. It is used by Alaska Airlines, Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest, and Sun Country Airlines. These terminals are connected by a new walkway that has shops and restaurants.

Terminal F

Terminal F has 38 gates and is used for regional flights by American Eagle. It opened in 2001 and has special bridges for smaller planes. There is a special lounge area for American Airlines members above the food court.

Overseas Terminal (old international terminal)

The old international terminal was replaced by Terminal A in 1991.

Ground transportation

SEPTA Regional Rail's Airport Line stops near each terminal, connecting to Center City Philadelphia and other train services. The ride to the city takes about 25 minutes.

The airport can be reached by car from I-95 and PA 291. Rental cars, taxis, and ride-sharing services are available. SEPTA buses also go to and from the airport, and some local colleges run shuttles during busy travel times.

An outbound SEPTA Airport Line train at the Terminal A station, one of four SEPTA stops at the airport

Airline shuttle buses

American Airlines runs bus service between PHL and nearby airports, helping passengers connect through PHL without flying short distances. Passengers check their bags and go through security at their starting airport, then ride a bus directly to a secure gate at PHL.

Airlines and destinations

Philadelphia International Airport is a big airport used by American Airlines. It helps travelers fly between Europe and the United States. Many airlines fly from this airport to over 100 places around the world.

All countries served/will be served by PHL

Passenger

Cargo

Statistics

Philadelphia International Airport is the main airport for Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the United States. In 2024, about 30.8 million passengers used the airport. This makes it the busiest airport in Pennsylvania and the 21st busiest in the country.

The airport is about 7 miles from Philadelphia’s city center. It has many flights each day to over 130 places around the world.

**Busiest domestic routes from PHL (January 2025 – December 2025)**
Rank	City	Passengers	Carriers
1	Orlando, Florida	856,310	American, Frontier, Southwest, Spirit
2	Atlanta, Georgia	749,900	American, Delta, Frontier, Spirit
3	Chicago–O'Hare, Illinois	602,380	American, Frontier, United
4	Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas	555,590	American, Frontier
5	Boston, Massachusetts	494,450	American, Delta, Frontier, JetBlue
6	Charlotte, North Carolina	490,970	American, Frontier, Spirit
7	Miami, Florida	490,590	American, Frontier, Spirit
8	Denver, Colorado	463,100	American, Frontier, Southwest, United
9	Fort Lauderdale, Florida	422,900	American, Frontier, JetBlue, Spirit
10	Los Angeles, California	410,580	American, Frontier, Spirit

**Largest airlines at PHL (October 2024 - September 2025)**
Rank	Airline	Passengers	Share
1	American Airlines	12,183,000	47.11%
2	Frontier Airlines	3,065,000	11.85%
3	Delta Air Lines	1,667,000	6.45%
4	Southwest Airlines	1,359,000	5.26%
5	Spirit Airlines	1,243,000	4.81%
6	Other	6,341,000	24.52%

**Annual passenger traffic at PHL, 2001 to present**
Year	Passengers	Year	Passengers	Year	Passengers
2001	24,553,310	2011	30,839,175	2021	19,638,387
2002	24,799,470	2012	30,252,816	2022	25,242,133
2003	24,671,075	2013	30,504,112	2023	28,131,972
2004	28,507,420	2014	30,740,242	2024	30,896,572
2005	31,495,385	2015	31,444,403	2025	30,136,790
2006	31,768,272	2016	30,155,090	2026	3,742,420 (through February)
2007	32,211,439	2017	29,585,754	2027
2008	31,834,725	2018	31,691,956	2028
2009	30,669,564	2019	33,018,886	2029
2010	30,775,961	2020	11,865,006	2030

Reception

In 2023, a study by J.D. Power found that Philadelphia International Airport was ranked the lowest among 28 big airports in the United States. This ranking was for large airports, not the even bigger "Mega" airports.