Pennsylvania's Airport: Is There One?

Pennsylvania has a vast number of airports catering to both public and private use. The state has 121 public-use airports, 229 private-use airports, and 278 private-use heliports. The busiest airports in Pennsylvania are Philadelphia International Airport and Pittsburgh International Airport. The third-largest airport in the state is Harrisburg International Airport, which offers daily non-stop flights to seventeen cities.

Philadelphia International Airport

Pennsylvania has 121 public-use airports, and one of the busiest and most important among them is Philadelphia International Airport (IATA: PHL, ICAO: KPHL, FAA LID: PHL). It is the primary international airport serving Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, located 7 miles (11 km) from the city's downtown area.

The airport covers 2,302 acres (932 ha) and has four runways. Terminal A is the international terminal, with Terminal A East used for international arrivals and Terminal A West for international departures. Terminals B, C, D, E, and F serve various domestic and international airlines, with Terminal F being a regional terminal used by American Eagle and Contour Airlines.

The airport has a significant economic impact, contributing $15.4 billion in economic activity, $5.4 billion in total earnings, and supporting over 96,000 direct and indirect jobs in 2017. It has undergone numerous expansion projects over the years, including the addition of new terminals, runways, and entrance ramps, to accommodate increasing passenger traffic and maintain its status as a major hub for American Airlines.

Pittsburgh International Airport

Pennsylvania has 121 public-use airports, and one of the primary airports serving the state is Pittsburgh International Airport (IATA: PIT, ICAO: KPIT, FAA LID: PIT). The airport is located in Findlay Township and Moon Township, about 10 miles (15 km) west of downtown Pittsburgh. It is the primary international airport serving the Greater Pittsburgh Region, as well as adjacent areas in West Virginia and Ohio. The airport covers 10,000 acres (40 km2), making it the largest civil/public airport in terms of land area in Pennsylvania.

The airport has experienced both highs and lows in terms of traffic and operations. In the late 1990s, traffic peaked at 20 million passengers, but the September 11 attacks and the subsequent downturn in air travel negatively impacted US Airways, which was a major operator at the airport. US Airways eventually reduced its operations at Pittsburgh International Airport, which led to a decline in the airport's significance as a hub. However, the airport has since experienced a resurgence, attracting new airlines and increasing the number of carriers to 16. Southwest Airlines is now the largest carrier at the airport in terms of passenger numbers.

The airport has a wide range of facilities, including four runways, a freight business, and an AirMall with numerous retail and dining options. It also offers ground transportation options, such as onsite parking, bus services, and access to nearby interstate highways.

Local airports in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has a vast aviation network, with 121 public-use airports, 229 private-use airports, and 278 private-use heliports. Here is a detailed overview of some of the local airports in the state:

Allegheny County Airport

A local airport located in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County.

Butler County Airport

This airport is situated in Butler County, Pennsylvania.

Hazleton Municipal Airport

Serving Hazleton, this municipal airport is one of the local aviation facilities in the state.

Indiana County-Jimmy Stewart Airport

Indiana in Pennsylvania is served by this airport, named after the famous actor and local resident, Jimmy Stewart.

William T. Piper Memorial Airport

This airport is a memorial to William T. Piper, located in Pennsylvania.

Pocono Mountains Municipal Airport

Pocono Mountains Municipal Airport is a local airport serving the Pocono Mountains region in Pennsylvania.

Northeast Philadelphia Airport

Despite its name, this airport is not located in the city of Philadelphia but is still within close proximity to it.

Mid-State Regional Airport

This regional airport serves the central region of Pennsylvania.

Horsham Valley Heliport

Horsham Valley Heliport is a local heliport located in Horsham Valley, Pennsylvania.

Reading Regional Airport

Reading Regional Airport is a local aviation hub for the city of Reading, Pennsylvania.

Mifflin County Airport

Mifflin County Airport is located in Mifflin County, Pennsylvania, serving the local community.

Saint Marys Municipal Airport

Saint Marys Municipal Airport is a local airport serving the town of Saint Marys in Pennsylvania.

Penns Landing Seaplane Base Airport

Penns Landing Seaplane Base Airport is a unique local airport in Pennsylvania, catering to seaplanes and small aircraft.

Pottstown Limerick Airport

Also known as Heritage Field, this airport is situated in Pottstown, Pennsylvania.

Wilkes-Barre Wyoming Valley Airport

Wyoming Valley Airport serves the city of Wilkes-Barre and the surrounding Wyoming Valley area in Pennsylvania.

Private-use airports

Pennsylvania has a vast number of airports catering to public, private, and military use. Notably, the state is home to 229 private-use airports and 278 private-use heliports. Here is a detailed list of some of the notable private-use airports in Pennsylvania:

Millard Airport

Previously a public-use airport, Millard Airport now serves private aviation. It is located in the state and has the FAA code N76.

Perkiomen Valley Airport

This airport is situated in the Perkiomen Valley of Pennsylvania and is dedicated to private aviation use.

Pittsburgh-Monroeville Airport

A dedicated private-use airport located in the city of Pittsburgh.

Blue Knob Valley Airport

Blue Knob Valley Airport is another private aviation facility in Pennsylvania. Its exact location is not specified, but it is presumed to be near the city of Pittsburgh, as it shares a similar name.

Beaver Springs Airport

Beaver Springs Airport is another airport on the list of private-use aviation facilities in Pennsylvania. Its exact location is not provided, but it is likely situated near a body of water, as "Beaver" in its name may refer to the aquatic mammal or a wetland area.

Captain S Folly Airport

Captain S Folly Airport is a privately-owned and operated airport in Pennsylvania. Its name suggests that it may be the realisation of one's aviation dream or a whimsical endeavour.

Thomas Field Airport

Thomas Field Airport is another private-use airport in Pennsylvania. It is unknown if this airport has any connection to the person with the name Thomas or if it is located in a rural area, as the term "field" often refers to an open expanse of land.

Donegal Springs Airpark Airport

This airport is a privately-owned facility in Pennsylvania. The name "Donegal Springs" may indicate a connection to a body of water, suggesting the presence of natural springs in the area.

Muir Aaf Fort Indiantown Gap Airport

This airport is a private-use facility in Pennsylvania. The "Muir" in its name may refer to a person or location, and "Fort Indiantown Gap" suggests a historical connection to indigenous peoples or a geographical feature.

Rocky Hollow Field Airport

Rocky Hollow Field Airport is a privately-owned airport in Pennsylvania. The name suggests that it may be located in a rocky or hollowed-out area, possibly in a rural setting.

Stroudsburg-Pocono Airport

Stroudsburg-Pocono Airport is a privately-owned aviation facility in Pennsylvania. It is likely located in or near the town of Stroudsburg and may be situated in an area known for its Pocono Mountains or Pocono Lake, a popular recreational destination.

Van Sant Airport

Van Sant Airport, formerly known as Vansant Airport, is a private-use airport in Pennsylvania. It is unknown if the airport is named after a person or a location.

Cherry Springs Airport

Cherry Springs Airport is a privately-owned airport in Pennsylvania. The name suggests that it may be located in an area with cherry trees or natural springs.

Former airports

Pennsylvania has a long history of aviation, with many airports serving the state over the years. Some of these airports have since closed down or ceased operations, leaving behind a legacy of aviation history. Here is a list of some of the notable former airports in Pennsylvania:

Miller Airport:

Miller Airport was a public-use airport that served the aviation needs of the local community. Unfortunately, it closed down in 2004, and its exact closing date is unknown.

McGinness Airport (McGinness Field):

McGinness Field was another public-use airport located in Pennsylvania. It closed down in 2014, and no further information is available about its history.

Cherry Springs Airport:

Cherry Springs Airport was a notable aviation hub that closed down in 2007. Its impact on the region's aviation history is unknown, but it left a mark on Pennsylvania's aerial landscape.

Battlefield Airport:

Battlefield Airport is a mysterious former airport in Pennsylvania, with an uncertain closing date. It is speculated to have closed down in the 1920s, but the exact date remains unknown, adding intrigue to its history.

Gettysburg Airport (formerly Forney Airfield):

Gettysburg Airport, previously known as Forney Airfield, is a closed airport in Pennsylvania. Its closing date is unclear, but it is no longer operational, joining the ranks of the state's former aviation hubs.

Olmsted Air Force Base:

Olmsted Air Force Base was a military airport that served the US Air Force until its closure in 1969. It played a role in the country's military aviation history, but its functions were eventually relocated to other bases.

Hershey Airpark:

Hershey Airpark was a unique airport that closed its doors in 1981. It likely played a role in the region's aviation history and contributed to the aerial accessibility of Hershey and the surrounding areas.

Indian Lake Airport:

Indian Lake Airport was a public-use airport that ceased operations in 1999. It served the local community and played a role in connecting people and businesses before its closure.

Kutztown Airport:

Kutztown Airport was a notable aviation hub that closed down in 2009. Its impact on the local community and the state's aviation history is unknown, but it left a mark on Pennsylvania's aerial landscape.

Husky Haven Airport:

Husky Haven Airport was a private-use airport that transitioned to public-use at some point in its history. However, it eventually closed down, and its exact closing date is unknown.

These former airports are a reminder of Pennsylvania's rich aviation history and the continuous evolution of aerial transportation in the state. While some of these airports have faded into obscurity, others have played significant roles in shaping the state's aerial connectivity and contributing to its progress.

Frequently asked questions