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Philadelphia International Airport (IATA: PHL, ICAO: KPHL, FAA LID: PHL) was opened in 1940 as Philadelphia Municipal Airport. The airport was dedicated on June 20, 1940, and served approximately 40,000 passengers in its first year of operation. During World War II, the airport was closed for security reasons, and commercial air service was restored in 1945 when it was renamed Philadelphia International Airport. The airport has since undergone numerous expansion and modernization projects, including the construction of new terminals and runways, to accommodate the growing aviation industry and passenger traffic.
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What You'll Learn
Philadelphia Municipal Airport opened in 1940
The Philadelphia International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the United States, has a long and fascinating history that dates back to the early 20th century. The airport, located just 7 miles (11 km) from the city's downtown area, is a crucial component of the region's economy, serving 12.4 million passengers annually as of 2022.
In the early 1920s, an adjoining shipbuilding yard called Hog Island on the Delaware River fell into disuse. The City of Philadelphia seized the opportunity and purchased the land in 1930 from the United States Shipping Board for $3 million, intending to use it for airport expansion. However, due to the Great Depression, the project was delayed until 1936 when construction of a terminal building and landing field finally commenced.
On June 20, 1940, the airport, known then as the Philadelphia Municipal Airport, officially opened its doors. In its inaugural year, the airport served approximately 40,000 passengers and accommodated four carriers: American, Eastern, TWA, and United. These airlines primarily operated two-motor Douglas DC-3 21-passenger planes, and the airport did not charge any landing fees.
The Philadelphia Municipal Airport boasted an excellent location, with convenient access to waterways, railways, and highways. This strategic position contributed to its success and growth in the following years. The airport's opening was a significant milestone in the history of aviation in Philadelphia, as it provided a dedicated facility for the four major airlines serving the city at the time.
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It became Philadelphia International Airport in 1945
The Philadelphia International Airport has a long and fascinating history. The airport was originally known as the Philadelphia Municipal Airport and was opened on June 20, 1940. However, its story began earlier, in the early 1920s, when an adjoining shipbuilding yard on the Delaware River called Hog Island became derelict. In 1930, the city purchased this land with the intention of expanding the airport, but due to the Great Depression, the project was delayed until 1936. Construction of the terminal building and landing field began in 1937, and by 1940, the airport was officially opened.
During World War II, the airport was forced to close for security reasons, and commercial air service was not restored until 1945. That year, the airport was renamed Philadelphia International Airport as it began offering transatlantic service with direct flights to Europe operated by American Overseas Airlines. This marked a significant expansion in the airport's reach and a shift towards accommodating international travel.
The post-war era saw the airport undergo numerous developments and improvements. In December 1953, a new terminal building was completed, featuring modern amenities and architectural designs. This new terminal included what are now known as Terminals B and C, which are the oldest parts of the present terminal complex. By the 1950s, the airport was serving over 1 million passengers annually, and this number doubled to 2 million by 1960.
Over the years, Philadelphia International Airport has continued to expand and modernize its facilities to meet the evolving needs of the aviation industry and its passengers. Today, it is one of the busiest airports in the United States, serving more than 30 million passengers annually and offering flights to over 130 destinations worldwide. The airport has become an integral component of the regional economy, contributing billions to economic activity and supporting tens of thousands of jobs.
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The airport has been expanded and modernised over the years
Philadelphia International Airport (IATA: PHL, ICAO: KPHL, FAA LID: PHL) has undergone numerous expansions and modernisations since its opening in 1940. Initially known as Philadelphia Municipal Airport, the airport has grown and evolved over the years to accommodate the increasing demand for air travel and changing industry needs.
One of the earliest expansions occurred in the late 1940s when the airport began construction on a new terminal building. This new terminal, completed in 1953, featured two "loading fingers" that are now known as Terminals B and C. The airport also added a coffee shop, a main dining room, and various other amenities to enhance the passenger experience.
In the 1970s, Philadelphia International Airport underwent a significant $300 million expansion designed by Arnold Thompson Associates, Inc. This expansion included the modernisation of Terminal B/C, which was completed in 1970, followed by the opening of Terminal D in 1973 and Terminal E in 1977.
The airport continued to expand and improve its infrastructure in the following decades. In 2003, Terminal A-West opened with a 1,500-space parking garage, providing additional convenience for travellers. Around the same time, studies were conducted to explore options for expanding runway capacity, demonstrating the airport's proactive approach to meeting future demand.
Philadelphia International Airport has also seen the development of new facilities and the expansion of existing ones. For example, the construction of a new vehicle storage and maintenance building, as well as the establishment of new offices and headquarters for aviation companies operating at the airport. The Aviation Institute of Maintenance even broke ground on an additional training facility to meet the growing demand for student mechanics.
Today, Philadelphia International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the United States, serving more than 30 million passengers annually and offering air service to 131 domestic and international destinations. The airport remains committed to serving the needs of its travellers and adapting to the evolving expectations of the aviation industry.
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It is the 21st-busiest airport in the US
Philadelphia International Airport (IATA: PHL, ICAO: KPHL, FAA LID: PHL) is the 21st-busiest airport in the US. It is the primary international airport serving Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and is located 7 miles (approximately 11 km) from the city's downtown area. The airport has a significant economic impact on the region, contributing $15.4 billion in economic activity, $5.4 billion in total earnings, and supporting over 96,000 direct and indirect jobs, according to a 2017 report.
PHL covers 2,302 acres (932 hectares) and has four runways. It is a major hub for several airlines, including American Airlines, for which it is the fifth-largest hub and the primary hub in the Northeastern US. It also serves as a regional cargo hub for UPS Airlines and a focus city for Frontier Airlines. The airport offers service to destinations in North America, Europe, the Middle East, and beyond.
The history of Philadelphia International Airport dates back to the early 1920s when an adjoining shipbuilding yard on the Delaware River became derelict. In 1930, the city purchased the land for airport expansion, but the project was delayed due to the Great Depression. Construction of the terminal building and landing field began in 1937, and the airport was officially opened as "
Over the years, the airport has undergone numerous expansions and improvements. A new terminal opened in December 1953, and modernisation projects continued through the 1970s, including the completion of Terminal B/C in 1970, Terminal D in 1973, and Terminal E in 1977. The airport has continued to expand and improve its facilities to meet the evolving needs of the aviation industry and its passengers. Today, PHL serves more than 30 million passengers annually, solidifying its position as one of the busiest airports in the country.
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It is an important part of the local economy
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is an important component of the local economy. The airport opened in 1940 as Philadelphia Municipal Airport, with approximately 40,000 passengers and four carriers in its first year of operation. In 1945, the airport began operating as Philadelphia International Airport, providing direct flights to Europe. Since then, the airport has undergone numerous expansions and improvements to accommodate the evolving needs of the aviation industry.
PHL covers 2,302 acres and has four runways, serving as a primary international airport for Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. In 2022, it served 12.4 million passengers annually, making it the busiest airport in Pennsylvania and the 21st busiest in the United States. The airport offers nearly 500 daily departures to over 130 destinations worldwide, contributing significantly to the local economy through passenger spending and employment opportunities.
The airport is a major hub for several airlines, including American Airlines, for which it is the fifth-largest hub and the primary hub in the Northeastern United States. It also serves as a regional cargo hub for UPS Airlines and a focus city for Frontier Airlines. The presence of these airlines and the high volume of passenger traffic generate substantial revenue for the region.
In 2017, an 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 demonstrates the significant role the airport plays in driving economic growth and creating job opportunities in the region.
Additionally, the airport has attracted businesses and facilities that support the aviation industry, such as the Aviation Institute of Maintenance, which provides training for student mechanics. The airport's expansion and improvement projects have also created construction and development opportunities, further enhancing its impact on the local economy.
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Frequently asked questions
Philadelphia International Airport was built in the 1930s and opened on June 20, 1940, as Philadelphia Municipal Airport.
The original name of the airport was Philadelphia Municipal Airport. It became Philadelphia International Airport in 1945.
Approximately 40,000 passengers used the airport in its first year of operation.
The airport began offering international flights in 1945 when American Overseas Airlines began direct flights to Europe.
