Philadelphia International Airport

Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is the main international airport serving Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the United States. It is very busy, handling about 30.8 million passengers each year, making it the busiest airport in Pennsylvania and the 21st busiest in the whole country. The airport is located about 7 miles from Center City Philadelphia and offers almost 500 daily flights to over 130 places around the world.

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 use the airport for their flights and cargo services. Passengers can travel to cities across the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Europe, and the Middle East from here.

The airport covers a large area of 2,302 acres and has four runways. Parts of it are in Philadelphia, while others are in Tinicum Township. It plays a big role in the local economy, creating jobs and supporting many businesses. In fact, it helps bring in billions of dollars to the area each year. In 2022, the airport also got a direct connection to a fuel supply, making it easier to keep planes running.

History

20th century

In 1925, the military began using an area called Hog Island near Philadelphia as a place for airplanes. In 1927, famous pilot Charles Lindbergh officially named it the Philadelphia Municipal Airport, but 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 was used to train pilots and support the war effort. 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 as a major hub.

21st century

In the early 2000s, new roads were built to make it easier to reach the airport from highways. A big new terminal opened in 2003. Runways were lengthened to handle larger planes, and passenger numbers kept growing each year.

In recent years, the airport has improved restrooms and added special facilities for families and people with disabilities. It continues to be an important place for travel, with many flights to places around the world.

Facilities

Terminals

Philadelphia International Airport has six terminals with 126 gates in total. Terminal A handles international flights that need customs checks. American Airlines has special lounges in Terminal A, the area between Terminals B and C, and 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 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, 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

Terminals B and C have 15 and 14 gates respectively. 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

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 at stations 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.

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 an important place for American Airlines, which uses the airport to connect travelers between Europe and the United States. Many airlines fly from this airport to over 100 places around the world.

Passenger

Cargo

Statistics

Philadelphia International Airport is the main airport for the city of Philadelphia in Pennsylvania, United States. In 2024, it served about 30.8 million passengers, making it the busiest airport in the state and the 21st busiest in the country.

The airport is located about 7 miles from the center of Philadelphia and has many flights each day to over 130 places around the world.

Reception

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