Lois Larson
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is the only major airport serving Philadelphia, the nation's seventh-largest metropolitan area. It is located just seven miles from downtown Philadelphia and is easily accessible via taxi, train, limousine, shuttle services, and car. The airport covers 2,302 acres and has four runways, seven terminals, and nearly 19,000 parking spots. PHL is an important economic hub, contributing billions to the region's economy and supporting tens of thousands of jobs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Philadelphia International Airport |
| Acronym | PHL |
| Location | 7 miles from downtown Philadelphia |
| Year of opening | 1927 |
| No. of terminals | 7 (A-West, A-East, B, C, D, E, and F) |
| No. of runways | 4 |
| Area | 2,302 acres |
| No. of parking spots | 19,000 |
| No. of passengers (2022) | 25.24 million |
| No. of daily departures | 323 |
| Destinations | 120+ |
| Airlines | 27, including British Airways, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa, American Airlines, Alaska, Air Canada, Delta, Spirit, Sun Country, United, Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest |
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What You'll Learn
Philadelphia International Airport's history
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is an important component of the economies of Philadelphia, the Delaware Valley metropolitan region, and Pennsylvania. In 2017, the airport accounted for $15.4 billion in economic activity, $5.4 billion in total earnings, and over 96,000 direct and indirect jobs.
The history of the airport dates back to 1925 when the Pennsylvania National Guard used the present airport site, known as Hog Island, as a training airfield. In 1927, the site was dedicated as the "Philadelphia Municipal Airport" by Charles Lindbergh. However, it did not have a proper terminal building until 1940, with airlines using Camden Central Airport in nearby Pennsauken Township, New Jersey, until then.
During World War II, military operations at Philadelphia Municipal Airport increased, and it served as an Army Air Corps base. In 1943, the airport had to discontinue commercial flights due to military safety concerns. After the war, travel restrictions to Europe were lifted, and the airport became an international airport in 1945 when American Overseas Airlines began direct flights to the continent.
Over the years, the airport has undergone multiple renovations and expansions. A new terminal opened in December 1953, and the oldest parts of the present terminal complex (B and C) were built in the late 1950s. In 1956, runway 9 was extended to a length of 7,284 feet (2,220 m), and by 1959, it had reached 9,499 feet (2,895 m). In 2003, Terminal A-West opened, offering 13 gates for international and domestic flights.
In 2019, the airport offered flights to 140 destinations, including 102 domestic and 38 international locations. PHL consists of seven terminals (A-West, A-East, B, C, D, E, and F) and has a unique layout, with departures in the main terminal building and baggage claim across the road. The airport continues to expand and improve its facilities, with recent projects including restroom renovations and runway extensions to accommodate larger aircraft for long-haul flights.
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Terminals and their facilities
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) consists of seven terminals: A-West, A-East, B, C, D, E, and F. The terminals are conveniently connected in a line, allowing passengers to walk from one end of the airport to the other. Each terminal has its own unique facilities and offerings.
Terminal A-West is the main international terminal, serving airlines such as British Airways, Qatar Airways, and Lufthansa, while also operating some domestic flights. It has 13 gates located on level 2, with the international arrivals area and baggage claim on levels 3 and 1, respectively. A-West provides two security checkpoints and a variety of shopping and dining options. Level 2 also features exclusive lounges for eligible passengers, including the British Airways Galleries Lounge and the Centurion Lounge.
Terminal A-East caters to both international and domestic flights. It has its own ticketing area, a bridge to parking garage A, and access to a SEPTA train station. Ticketing for American Airlines is located on level 1, with a security checkpoint directly above. A-East offers 12 gates and a range of shops, restaurants, and cafes. Additionally, there is an American Airlines Admirals Club located near gate A4.
Terminals B and C are solely occupied by American Airlines for their domestic and international flights. These terminals share a ticketing area and baggage claim, and they offer two concourses, B and C.
Terminal D serves flights within the United States and Canada, with airlines such as Alaska, Air Canada, Delta, and United operating from this terminal. Ticketing and baggage claim are located on level 1, and the terminal shares a security checkpoint with Terminal E. Concourse D boasts 16 gates and a selection of bars and cafes, including the Delta Sky Club.
Terminal E is operated by airlines such as Frontier, JetBlue, and Southwest. Similar to Terminal D, it has 16 gates, with ticketing and baggage claim services on level 1. A bridge connects Terminal E to the parking garage, providing easy access to the SEPTA train station.
Philadelphia International Airport offers a range of amenities and convenient access to transportation options, ensuring a smooth travel experience for its passengers.
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Transport to and from the airport
The Philadelphia Airport, officially known as the Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), is located about 7 miles (11 km) south-southwest of the city's downtown area. It is the largest airport in the Delaware Valley region and the main airport serving Philadelphia and its surrounding areas. With a convenient location and a range of transport options, here are some details on how to get to and from the airport:
By Car:
The airport is easily accessible by car via the Interstate 95 (I-95) and Route 291. If you are driving, there are several parking options available at the airport, including short-term, daily, and economy lots, as well as a cell phone waiting lot for those picking up arriving passengers.
By Taxi or Ride-sharing:
Taxis and ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are readily available at the airport. You can find the taxi stands and ride-sharing pick-up locations outside the baggage claim areas of each terminal. Fares to and from the airport are metered and vary depending on your exact destination within the city.
By SEPTA Public Transportation:
The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) provides public transportation options to and from the airport. The SEPTA Airport Line offers direct rail service from PHL to Center City Philadelphia and other parts of the city. The station is located next to Terminals A and B, and you can purchase tickets at the SEPTA Kiosks or by using the SEPTA App. Additionally, several SEPTA bus routes serve the airport, providing connections to various parts of the city and the wider region.
By Shuttle or Hotel Courtesy Services:
Some hotels in the area offer complimentary shuttle services to and from the airport for their guests. Check with your hotel beforehand to see if this service is available and to arrange pick-up or drop-off times. Additionally, shared-ride shuttle services are also available at the airport, offering transportation to various locations in Philadelphia and the surrounding areas.
With these transport options, getting to and from the Philadelphia International Airport is convenient and efficient, allowing travellers to reach their desired destinations with ease. Whether you choose to drive, take public transportation, or utilize ride-sharing services, there are plenty of choices to suit your needs and preferences.
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The airport's economic impact
Philadelphia International Airport (IATA: PHL, ICAO: KPHL, FAA LID: PHL) is the primary airport serving Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. The airport is located 7 miles (11 km) from the city's downtown area. It served 12.4 million passengers annually in 2022, making it the busiest airport in Pennsylvania and the 21st busiest airport in the United States.
Philadelphia International Airport is an important component of the economies of Philadelphia, the Delaware Valley metropolitan region, and Pennsylvania. The airport covers 2,302 acres (932 ha) and has seven terminals (A-West, A-East, B, C, D, E, and F) and four runways.
The economic impact of the airport is significant. In 2017, a new economic impact report found that the airport accounted for $15.4 billion in economic activity, $5.4 billion in total earnings, and over 96,000 direct and indirect jobs. This included 54,000 direct jobs on or near the airport. The airport also generates state and local tax revenues of $547 million annually, which helps fund important public services such as schools, roads, and emergency services.
The airport is also a major hub for airlines such as American Airlines, which has made significant capital investments in its PHL facilities, and Southwest Airlines. Philadelphia International Airport has seen growth in passenger numbers, freight, and flights from low-cost airlines. This has contributed to the airport's economic impact and recovery after the 2008 recession.
In addition to its economic impact, Philadelphia International Airport has a diverse workforce of over 17,000 badged employees and promotes community connections and internal growth through employee resource groups. The airport also plays a crucial role in welcoming guests and ensuring smooth travel experiences during major events in Philadelphia, such as the PGA Truist Championship and the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps' 250th-anniversary celebration.
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Art and exhibitions at the airport
Philadelphia International Airport, also known as PHL, has one of the oldest curated art programs in the country, which has been running for over 25 years. The airport has over 20 galleries across its seven terminals, showcasing artwork by local artists and art institutions from the Philadelphia area. The Exhibitions Program at PHL is a nationally recognised, award-winning visual arts initiative that aims to humanise the airport environment, enrich the experience of travellers, and showcase Philadelphia's unique cultural life.
The art exhibitions at PHL are varied and constantly changing. They include a range of media, such as photography, glass art, yarnbomb installations, and paintings. For example, one exhibition featured a 40-foot-long and 8-foot-high case with a bright yellow backdrop adorned with hundreds of small glass pieces crafted by artists Anna Booth and Nancy Cohen. Another exhibition featured a yarnbomb installation by an artist known as Marbufs, while another showcased paintings by Michel Delgado, who creates artwork based on the arrangement of gum spots on pavements.
The airport's support for arts and culture is evident in its commitment to showcasing the region's cultural and historical vibrancy. The Exhibitions Program provides a unique opportunity for creative communities to display their work to millions of travellers from around the world. The program also adds to the airport's identity and provides passengers with a visually engaging and educational experience.
In addition to the indoor art exhibitions, PHL also boasts an 85,000-square-foot mural along the sides of the airport parking garages facing I-95. This mural, completed in 2011, features images of Philadelphians dancing, captured by local photographer JJ Tiziou. More than 800 people came together to paint this mural over a period of four months.
PHL, covering 2,302 acres with four runways, is an important hub for the economies of Philadelphia, the Delaware Valley metropolitan region, and Pennsylvania. The airport has a unique layout, with departures located in the main terminal building and baggage claim across the road. This layout encourages a smooth flow of passenger traffic.
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Frequently asked questions
The name of the airport in Philadelphia is Philadelphia International Airport.
The airport has seven terminals: A-West, A-East, B, C, D, E, and F.
The airport is located just seven miles from downtown Philadelphia and is easily accessible via taxi, train, limousine, shuttle services, and car services.
The Pennsylvania National Guard used the present airport site as a training airfield starting in 1925. The site was dedicated as the "Philadelphia Municipal Airport" in 1927 by Charles Lindbergh.
