Philadelphia's Airport: A Travel Gateway To The City

what airport is in philadelphia pa

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is served by several airports, including Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), which is the closest major airport to the city. Located 13 miles from the city centre, Philadelphia International Airport offers both international and domestic flights. The airport has undergone several expansion projects over the years, including the addition of new terminals, runways, and parking garages. With its range of amenities and services, Philadelphia International Airport caters to the needs of travellers passing through the city.

Characteristics Values
Name Philadelphia International Airport
Acronym PHL
Location 13 miles from the center of Philadelphia, PA
Terminals A, B, C, D, E, F
Airlines American Eagle, Contour Airlines, American Airlines
Transport to/from airport SEPTA Regional Rail's Airport Line, bus routes 37, 108, 115, shuttles from local colleges and universities
Runway 9R/27L is the longest civil runway in Pennsylvania at 12,000 feet
Facilities Free WiFi, shops, restaurants

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Philadelphia International Airport

A brief history of Philadelphia International Airport:

Terminals and Ground Transportation:

PHL has multiple terminals, including Terminal A, the international terminal, Terminal F, and others. Terminal A-West, which opened in 2003, boasts a spacious 1,500-space parking garage. Terminal F, designed by Odell Associates, Inc. and The Sheward Partnership, opened in 2001 and features special jet bridges for regional jet boarding. The Overseas Terminal, a converted hangar, served international flights until it was replaced by Terminal A in 1991.

Ground transportation to and from the airport is facilitated by various SEPTA bus routes, including Route 37, Route 108, and Route 115. Additionally, local colleges and universities provide transportation shuttles for students during peak travel periods. American Airlines also offers a unique "tarmac-to-tarmac" bus service between PHL and nearby airports, enhancing connectivity through the hub.

Recent Developments and Art Installations:

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Northeast Philadelphia Airport

The history of the Northeast Philadelphia Airport dates back to the 1930s when it was known as the Northeast Airport. It started as a grass field without any paved runways, coexisting with two other small airports in the area: Boulevard Airport and Budd Field. The site underwent significant changes during World War II when the United States Army Air Corps initiated the construction of a 545-acre airbase. However, the project was never completed, and the land was transferred to the city in 1944. The city continued the development, and in June 1945, the Philadelphia Northeast Airport opened its doors.

In 1948, the airport's name was changed to North Philadelphia Airport, and it underwent its first expansion in 1960 with the extension of Runway 6/24. During this expansion, Runway 10/28 was abandoned due to construction on its western end. The airport played a crucial role as the headquarters and maintenance facility for Ransome Airlines, which operated scheduled passenger flights to destinations like Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia International Airport starting in September 1973. In 1980, the airport's name was changed again to its current designation as Northeast Philadelphia Airport.

Today, Northeast Philadelphia Airport boasts two asphalt runways: Runway 6/24, which spans 7,000 by 100 feet, and Runway 15/33, measuring 4,999 by 150 feet. In the year ending December 7, 2022, the airport recorded 83,551 aircraft operations, averaging 229 per day. The airport is surrounded by low-density development and residential areas, requiring pilots to observe noise abatement procedures. Two fixed-base operators provide various services, including fuel, major aircraft repair, hangar rental, aircraft rental and charter, flight instruction, and aircraft sales.

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Runway and terminal extensions

The Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is the primary airport serving Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is located approximately seven miles from downtown Philadelphia and is the fifth-largest hub for American Airlines. The airport has seven terminals (A-East, A-West, B, C, D, E, and F) and four runways (9R/27L, 9L-27R, 17/35, and 8/26).

Over the years, there have been several terminal and runway extensions at the Philadelphia International Airport to accommodate the increasing passenger traffic and the newest fleet of large aircraft. In 2003, the new International Terminal A-West was opened, followed by Terminal B/C in 2005. Terminal F, the second newest terminal building, opened in 2001.

The Runway 17–35 Extension Project and the PHL Capacity Enhancement Program were two studies conducted in 2005 to address the expanding runway capacity at PHL. The Runway 17–35 Extension Project included additional taxiways and aprons, relocation of perimeter service roads, and modifications to nearby public roads.

One of the most significant runway extensions at the Philadelphia International Airport was the extension of Runway 27L. The project began in 2014 and was completed and opened for operations in November 2019. The runway was extended by 1,500 feet to a total length of 12,000 feet, making it the longest civil runway in Pennsylvania. The $120 million project also included the construction of queuing bays and new taxiways, improving safety and increasing capacity for travellers.

Another phase of the expansion project, Phase 3, includes plans to construct a new runway, 12R 30L, and replace terminals B through F with centrefield terminals. These plans are currently undergoing a detailed screening process to evaluate their efficiency, environmental impact, and other factors.

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Transport to the airport

Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is located in the northeast part of the City of Philadelphia. It is accessible by car via I-95, and by public transit via bus, train, or metro.

By Car

If you are driving to the airport, you can access it by taking I-95 northbound and using Route 291. There is a parking garage at Terminal A-West with 1,500 spaces. However, parking at the airport can be expensive, so some people choose to park elsewhere and take public transit to the airport.

By Public Transit

Philadelphia International Airport is served by the SEPTA Regional Rail's Airport Line, which runs seven days a week between 5 am and 12 am. The train departs from Center City Philadelphia and reaches the airport in approximately 25 minutes, with one intermediate stop at Eastwick Station. The Airport Line serves all terminals at the airport, with trains departing every 30 minutes on weekdays and hourly on weekends.

Several bus routes also serve the airport, including Route 37, Route 108, and Route 115. The T5 BUS is the first metro that goes to the airport, stopping nearby at 4:44 am, while the T5 BUS is also the last metro, stopping at 12:37 am. The AIR is the first train of the day, and the 108 is the last bus, stopping nearby at 3:25 am.

Local colleges and universities, including the University of Pennsylvania, Villanova University, and Swarthmore College, operate transportation shuttles to the airport for students during heavy travel periods such as spring and Thanksgiving breaks.

Additionally, some people choose to take a bus to 30th Street Station and then transfer to the SEPTA Regional Rail to get to the airport. This can add 45 minutes to an hour to your trip, but it may be worth it to save on parking costs.

You can use the Moovit app to help plan your trip to the airport and navigate public transit options, including bus and train schedules, arrival times, and step-by-step directions.

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Airport amenities

Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is the 20th busiest airport in the US, serving more than 32 million passengers in 2019. The airport consists of seven terminals (A-East, A-West, B, C, D, E, and F) and is located approximately seven miles from downtown Philadelphia. PHL offers a range of amenities to cater to the needs of its travellers.

Transportation

PHL offers various ground transportation options, including SEPTA buses and trains, rental cars, and ride-sharing services. SEPTA bus routes serving the airport include Route 37, Route 108, and Route 115. Local colleges and universities, including the University of Pennsylvania and Villanova University, also operate transportation shuttles for students during heavy travel periods. Additionally, American Airlines provides a "tarmac-to-tarmac" bus service between PHL and nearby airports for convenient connections.

Parking

The airport provides parking options for travellers, including parking garages and lots. Terminal A-East features a dedicated bridge connecting it to parking garage A. In 2011, an 85,000-square-foot mural was completed along the sides of the airport parking garages facing I-95, showcasing images of Philadelphians dancing, captured by local photographer JJ Tiziou.

Dining and Shopping

PHL offers a variety of dining and shopping options throughout its terminals. Terminal A-East, for example, features several shops, restaurants, and cafes near its gates. Terminal F, which opened in 2001, provides a spacious food court area with an American Airlines Admirals Club located above it.

Lounges

PHL features an extensive selection of lounges, including three Admirals Clubs, the Centurion Lounge, and the United Club. These lounges offer travellers a comfortable and exclusive space to relax, work, or enjoy refreshments before their flights.

Special Services

Philadelphia International Airport is committed to accommodating the needs of all travellers. The airport provides special assistance and services to ensure a positive travel experience for its passengers. This includes accessibility options and TSA services to address any concerns or requirements travellers may have.

Frequently asked questions

The main airport in Philadelphia, PA, is Philadelphia International Airport (PHL).

Philadelphia International Airport is approximately 13 miles from the city centre.

Trenton-Mercer Airport (TTN) is another major airport near Philadelphia, located 34 miles from the city.

SEPTA operates bus routes to the airport, including Route 37, Route 108, and Route 115. Local colleges and universities also provide transportation shuttles for students during heavy travel periods.

Philadelphia International Airport offers various amenities, including free WiFi, dining options, and shopping areas. The airport also provides special assistance services to meet the needs of all travellers.

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