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Published: June 19, 2020
Introduction
On Saturday, June 20th, it will be exactly 80 ago years that Philadelphia International Airport was opened. Despite the fact that this year there's not much to celebrate, we did not want to pass the chance to reflect on this magnificent airport's great history.
Therefore, we have prepared this photo feature with a fantastic selection of photos chronicling "PHL's" evolution over the past 80 years!
I would like to thank Heather Redfern, Public Affairs Managerat PHL and David Rosenblum, photographer at PHL for their kind assistance in the preparation of this article.
Therefore, we have prepared this photo feature with a fantastic selection of photos chronicling "PHL's" evolution over the past 80 years!
I would like to thank Heather Redfern, Public Affairs Managerat PHL and David Rosenblum, photographer at PHL for their kind assistance in the preparation of this article.
The early years
1920's
The City of Philadelphia officially entered the field of air transportation in 1925 when it provided 125 acres of land (now part of the northeast corner of Philadelphia International Airport) for training aviators of the Pennsylvania National Guard.
In 1926, the City executed an agreement with Ludington Exhibition Company, the forerunner of Eastern Airlines, to operate the facility as the "Municipal Aviation Landing Field."
October 22, 1927 was an historic day for Philadelphia and its Airport as the Spirit of Saint Louis, piloted by Charles A. Lindbergh, touched down at Philadelphia Airport. The arrival in Philadelphia occurred during a tour of the United States following Lindbergh's historic solo flight from New York to Paris. During his visit, Lindbergh ceremoniously raised the American flag to dedicate what was then called Philadelphia Municipal Airport.
1930’s
By this time, the adjoining 1,000-acre Hog Island site, which contained the giant emergency shipbuilding yards of World War I, had become derelict. In 1930, the City purchased Hog Island from the Federal Government for $3 million to provide for Airport expansion.
However, because of the Great Depression, the Airport project lay dormant until 1936. Actual construction of the building and landing field began in 1937, and the Airport was formally opened as Philadelphia Municipal Airport on June 20, 1940.
The four airlines then serving Philadelphia through Central Airport in nearby Camden, NJ (American, Eastern, TWA, and United) terminated their operations at that location.
The City of Philadelphia officially entered the field of air transportation in 1925 when it provided 125 acres of land (now part of the northeast corner of Philadelphia International Airport) for training aviators of the Pennsylvania National Guard.
In 1926, the City executed an agreement with Ludington Exhibition Company, the forerunner of Eastern Airlines, to operate the facility as the "Municipal Aviation Landing Field."
October 22, 1927 was an historic day for Philadelphia and its Airport as the Spirit of Saint Louis, piloted by Charles A. Lindbergh, touched down at Philadelphia Airport. The arrival in Philadelphia occurred during a tour of the United States following Lindbergh's historic solo flight from New York to Paris. During his visit, Lindbergh ceremoniously raised the American flag to dedicate what was then called Philadelphia Municipal Airport.
1930’s
By this time, the adjoining 1,000-acre Hog Island site, which contained the giant emergency shipbuilding yards of World War I, had become derelict. In 1930, the City purchased Hog Island from the Federal Government for $3 million to provide for Airport expansion.
However, because of the Great Depression, the Airport project lay dormant until 1936. Actual construction of the building and landing field began in 1937, and the Airport was formally opened as Philadelphia Municipal Airport on June 20, 1940.
The four airlines then serving Philadelphia through Central Airport in nearby Camden, NJ (American, Eastern, TWA, and United) terminated their operations at that location.
TWA and aerial of NE PHL Airport
1940's
Approximately 40,000 passengers were transported in the Airport's first year of operation. The airlines primarily flew two-motor Douglas DC-3 21-passenger planes, including sleepers. During World War II, military security forced the closing of the Airport (1943).
Commercial air service was not restored until June 26, 1945, with the dedication of the $3.5 million Northeast Philadelphia Airport.
Later in 1945, Philadelphia Municipal Airport became Philadelphia International Airport when American Overseas Airlines inaugurated transatlantic service at the facility.
Approximately 40,000 passengers were transported in the Airport's first year of operation. The airlines primarily flew two-motor Douglas DC-3 21-passenger planes, including sleepers. During World War II, military security forced the closing of the Airport (1943).
Commercial air service was not restored until June 26, 1945, with the dedication of the $3.5 million Northeast Philadelphia Airport.
Later in 1945, Philadelphia Municipal Airport became Philadelphia International Airport when American Overseas Airlines inaugurated transatlantic service at the facility.
A new terminal
1950's
(Virtually every major means of transportation is found within the borders of the Airport, including railways, waterways, and highways. There are even pipelines for the transmission of oil from ocean vessels docked at the adjoining Delaware River across Airport premises to nearby refineries.)
Construction was started in 1950 on a new $15 million terminal building, which was completed and dedicated on December 15, 1953. The main building was 1,100 feet long. The two piers or fingers loading docks were 525 feet long. Inside, the terminal was equipped with many modern facilities including a baggage room, bar, barber shop, drugstore, doctor's office, nursery and a huge dining room with a capacity for seating 400.
(Virtually every major means of transportation is found within the borders of the Airport, including railways, waterways, and highways. There are even pipelines for the transmission of oil from ocean vessels docked at the adjoining Delaware River across Airport premises to nearby refineries.)
Construction was started in 1950 on a new $15 million terminal building, which was completed and dedicated on December 15, 1953. The main building was 1,100 feet long. The two piers or fingers loading docks were 525 feet long. Inside, the terminal was equipped with many modern facilities including a baggage room, bar, barber shop, drugstore, doctor's office, nursery and a huge dining room with a capacity for seating 400.
A 1953 aerial view of the new USD 15,000,000 million terminal. The main building was 1,100 feet long. The two piers or fingers loading docks were 525 feet long. Inside, the terminal was equiped with many modern facilities including a baggage room, bar, barber shop, drugstore, doctor's office, nursery and a huge dining room with a capacity for seating 400.
Philadelphia enters the Jet Age
1960's.
In the late 1960s, the City and the airlines based at Philadelphia International Airport began intensive planning for a vast improvement project to meet the challenges of the jet age. Subsequently, the Division of Aviation erected new passenger and airfield facilities to meet the needs of the traveling public.
The scheduled airlines were also committed to a massive Airport modernization and development project, which created the present Airport facility.
1970's
The keystone of the project, a $22 million all-weather runway (9R-27L), including related high-speed taxiways, was dedicated on December 11, 1972
The Airport's $3 million Overseas Terminal opened in April 1973. This facility handled international and charter flights until it was replaced with the new Richardson Dilworth. International Terminal A in March 1991.
In the spring of 1977, the $300 million modernization and development of the domestic terminal area was completed, replacing the "central type" terminal with four unit terminals (B, C, D, and E).
In the late 1960s, the City and the airlines based at Philadelphia International Airport began intensive planning for a vast improvement project to meet the challenges of the jet age. Subsequently, the Division of Aviation erected new passenger and airfield facilities to meet the needs of the traveling public.
The scheduled airlines were also committed to a massive Airport modernization and development project, which created the present Airport facility.
1970's
The keystone of the project, a $22 million all-weather runway (9R-27L), including related high-speed taxiways, was dedicated on December 11, 1972
The Airport's $3 million Overseas Terminal opened in April 1973. This facility handled international and charter flights until it was replaced with the new Richardson Dilworth. International Terminal A in March 1991.
In the spring of 1977, the $300 million modernization and development of the domestic terminal area was completed, replacing the "central type" terminal with four unit terminals (B, C, D, and E).
An aerial view of the revamped terminal area. The project also included the erection of two multi-level parking garages, costing $24 million, financed through the issuance of revenue bonds by the Philadelphia Parking Authority.
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1980's
During the 1980s, the Airport would see significant improvements with the implementation of a major $695 million capital improvement program. The decade opened with the dedication of a state-of-the-art $6.5 million Federal Aviation Administration air traffic control facility in December 1981.
In 1984, 500 ground-level short-term parking spaces were created as a result of the relocation of five car rental agencies to self-contained buildings just north of the parking garages. Work also commenced on an $11 million improvement project to the Airport's heating and air conditioning system.
In 1985, SEPTA inaugurated service on a new rail line connecting the Airport with downtown Philadelphia, and a new cargo facility became operative with construction on a second cargo facility being completed by the end of the decade.
A multi-faceted project to greatly improve the flow of traffic on the often-congested arrivals roadway was completed in 1986. The completion of this project doubled the traffic lanes from three to six, separated public and private transportation traffic, created new exits and entrances at two multi-level parking garages and established additional ground-level parking.
In the late 1980's, a $695 million, six-year capital improvement program began that called for construction to begin on a new $100 million international terminal (Terminal A, completed in 1991); the total renovation of Terminals B, C, D and E; reconstruction of all public restrooms; a new 2,800-space multi-level parking garage; and enhanced roadway signs.
1990's
The newly consolidated Terminal B/C opened in June 1998 featuring a new ticketing pavilion with more than 50 check-in positions; the Philadelphia MarketPlace at the Airport with more than 30 national and local shops and eateries including Lids, The Gap, Sbarro's, TGI Friday's and many others; a US Airways Club on the third level overlooking the airfield; and a baggage claim connector with 7 new carousels.
On August 2, 1999, Philadelphia International Airport broke ground on new regional and international terminals. Terminal F opened in June 2001 with international Terminal A-West opening in May 2003.
On December 3, 1999, the Airport commissioned Runway 8/26. Constructed at a cost of $221 million, this 5,000 foot runway is used for regional and general aviation aircraft.
During the 1980s, the Airport would see significant improvements with the implementation of a major $695 million capital improvement program. The decade opened with the dedication of a state-of-the-art $6.5 million Federal Aviation Administration air traffic control facility in December 1981.
In 1984, 500 ground-level short-term parking spaces were created as a result of the relocation of five car rental agencies to self-contained buildings just north of the parking garages. Work also commenced on an $11 million improvement project to the Airport's heating and air conditioning system.
In 1985, SEPTA inaugurated service on a new rail line connecting the Airport with downtown Philadelphia, and a new cargo facility became operative with construction on a second cargo facility being completed by the end of the decade.
A multi-faceted project to greatly improve the flow of traffic on the often-congested arrivals roadway was completed in 1986. The completion of this project doubled the traffic lanes from three to six, separated public and private transportation traffic, created new exits and entrances at two multi-level parking garages and established additional ground-level parking.
In the late 1980's, a $695 million, six-year capital improvement program began that called for construction to begin on a new $100 million international terminal (Terminal A, completed in 1991); the total renovation of Terminals B, C, D and E; reconstruction of all public restrooms; a new 2,800-space multi-level parking garage; and enhanced roadway signs.
1990's
The newly consolidated Terminal B/C opened in June 1998 featuring a new ticketing pavilion with more than 50 check-in positions; the Philadelphia MarketPlace at the Airport with more than 30 national and local shops and eateries including Lids, The Gap, Sbarro's, TGI Friday's and many others; a US Airways Club on the third level overlooking the airfield; and a baggage claim connector with 7 new carousels.
On August 2, 1999, Philadelphia International Airport broke ground on new regional and international terminals. Terminal F opened in June 2001 with international Terminal A-West opening in May 2003.
On December 3, 1999, the Airport commissioned Runway 8/26. Constructed at a cost of $221 million, this 5,000 foot runway is used for regional and general aviation aircraft.
After 2000: A construction extravaganza / Accelarated growth
2000s
The early 2000’s saw significant developments and upgrades to the footprint of the Philadelphia International Airport. The opening of two new terminals nearly doubled the size of the Airport complex from 1.4 million to 2.4 million square feet. Unprecedented demand for air travel, spurred by low-fare competition, in this decade steadily increased passenger traffic to 30.7 million in 2009.
In 2001, the Airport ushered in a new era of regional airline service with the opening of Terminal F. The $100 million, 185,000 square-foot terminal offers 3 concourses and 38 gates for regional aircraft, and was designed to accommodate 6 million passengers a year with a host of modern amenities. Terminal F was one of the first facilities in the country to use special jet bridges allowing passengers to transition directly from the terminal to commuter aircraft. The project also included construction of a new ramp control tower and a 3,400-space parking garage.
In 2002, PHL opened a $17 million, 11-story ramp control tower. Situated between Terminals A-East and B, the 7,000 square foot tower features positions for 21 airline ramp controllers, office space and a center to manage airfield operations. Extending 207 feet above the ground, the tower offers improved sightlines and modern technology to enhance the flow of aircraft movement.
A $20 million expansion of Concourse D and the Terminal D baggage claim was completed in 2003, which included the addition of four new gates, an expanded baggage claim facility, and new concession space.
Also in 2003, PHL celebrated the opening of its new International Terminal A-West. The $550 million, 800,000 square foot terminal is spread over four levels connected to Terminal A-East. Combined with A-East, the complex accommodates nearly 4 million international passengers annually. It features 13 international boarding gates, more than 50 Bureau of Customs and Immigration inspection positions, 8 high-speed baggage carousels, 60 ticket counter positions, and a uniquely designed Arrivals Hall dominated by an atrium and stunning artwork conveying Philadelphia's identity as America's birthplace.
PHL added several state-of-the art facilities, including a $53 million deicing facility located on 35 acres at the western border of the Airport and a high-tech Aircraft Fire Fighting Training Center, located on the southern boundary of the Airport.
In 2008, an all-new Terminal D/E Connector opened, featuring a combined 14-lane security checkpoint equipped with state-of-the-art X-ray screening technology, a dozen new food/beverage and retail shops, and permanent artwork.
In 2009, the $70 million Runway 17-35 project was dedicated, which extended the north-south runway by 1,040 feet to 6,540 feet. The added surface will enable larger jets that account for 75 percent of aircraft operations at PHL to use the runway, thereby alleviating congestion and delays on the Airport's two major runways.
During this decade, PHL broke into the global top 10 busiest airport rankings with 535,666 aircraft operations in 2009.
The early 2000’s saw significant developments and upgrades to the footprint of the Philadelphia International Airport. The opening of two new terminals nearly doubled the size of the Airport complex from 1.4 million to 2.4 million square feet. Unprecedented demand for air travel, spurred by low-fare competition, in this decade steadily increased passenger traffic to 30.7 million in 2009.
In 2001, the Airport ushered in a new era of regional airline service with the opening of Terminal F. The $100 million, 185,000 square-foot terminal offers 3 concourses and 38 gates for regional aircraft, and was designed to accommodate 6 million passengers a year with a host of modern amenities. Terminal F was one of the first facilities in the country to use special jet bridges allowing passengers to transition directly from the terminal to commuter aircraft. The project also included construction of a new ramp control tower and a 3,400-space parking garage.
In 2002, PHL opened a $17 million, 11-story ramp control tower. Situated between Terminals A-East and B, the 7,000 square foot tower features positions for 21 airline ramp controllers, office space and a center to manage airfield operations. Extending 207 feet above the ground, the tower offers improved sightlines and modern technology to enhance the flow of aircraft movement.
A $20 million expansion of Concourse D and the Terminal D baggage claim was completed in 2003, which included the addition of four new gates, an expanded baggage claim facility, and new concession space.
Also in 2003, PHL celebrated the opening of its new International Terminal A-West. The $550 million, 800,000 square foot terminal is spread over four levels connected to Terminal A-East. Combined with A-East, the complex accommodates nearly 4 million international passengers annually. It features 13 international boarding gates, more than 50 Bureau of Customs and Immigration inspection positions, 8 high-speed baggage carousels, 60 ticket counter positions, and a uniquely designed Arrivals Hall dominated by an atrium and stunning artwork conveying Philadelphia's identity as America's birthplace.
PHL added several state-of-the art facilities, including a $53 million deicing facility located on 35 acres at the western border of the Airport and a high-tech Aircraft Fire Fighting Training Center, located on the southern boundary of the Airport.
In 2008, an all-new Terminal D/E Connector opened, featuring a combined 14-lane security checkpoint equipped with state-of-the-art X-ray screening technology, a dozen new food/beverage and retail shops, and permanent artwork.
In 2009, the $70 million Runway 17-35 project was dedicated, which extended the north-south runway by 1,040 feet to 6,540 feet. The added surface will enable larger jets that account for 75 percent of aircraft operations at PHL to use the runway, thereby alleviating congestion and delays on the Airport's two major runways.
During this decade, PHL broke into the global top 10 busiest airport rankings with 535,666 aircraft operations in 2009.
2010-PRESENT
For this decade, the Airport has been committed to focusing on projects designed to improve the customer experience, lay the groundwork for future development and capitalize on the role that the Airport plays as a regional economic engine. PHL also has a keen interest in welcoming new carriers and routes, giving passengers more choices and destinations in their travels either originating from Philadelphia or connecting through PHL.
A $45 million Terminal E expansion opened in 2010, featuring seven new aircraft gates, a 500-seat waiting area, a mini-food court, a high bay ceiling filtering in natural lighting and new permanent artwork. Also in 2010, the D/E baggage claim project opened, complete with two new carousels and new restroom facilities.
In 2011, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a Record of Decision (ROD) approving the Airport’s Capacity Enhancement Program (CEP), a multi-billion program with the purpose of enhancing airfield capacity to address delays at the Airport. At that time, the Airport had been long identified by the FAA as one of the airports contributing to delays throughout the National Airspace System (NAS). The CEP was based on the Airport’s Master Plan and included projects addressing runway length, airfield geometry, runway capacity, in addition to expansion and reconfiguration of the existing terminal complex.
Also in 2011, the FAA awarded a $466.5 million Letter of Intent (LOI) to provide some funding for airfield elements of the CEP. From 2007 through 2017, improvements to air traffic control were implemented by FAA, and some airfield improvements were completed by the Airport. These improvements, in conjunction with a decrease in operational activity during this same period (due in part to airline changes to their aircraft fleets and increase to average seats per operation), resulted in reduced aircraft movements and a reduction in delays at the Airport. As a result, the Airport and Airlines priorities shifted from airfield capacity and delay projects, such as a new runway, and focused instead on the terminal, gate capacity, landside, and cargo development. Additionally, airfield improvement priorities were reassessed by the Airlines, Airport and the FAA.
In 2017, the Airport and the FAA agreed to close the LOI, which resulted in the suspension of FAA’s Record of Decision and a formal closure notice posted by FAA in the Federal Register in October 2017. This closure allows the Airport to focus FAA Entitlement and future Discretionary Grant funding for other airfield improvements rather than projects associated with the new runway. The Airport Master Plan, which includes the new runway project, is still valid and the Airport intends to preserve the ability to construct the new runway and other projects when operational needs warrant it.
The shift in capital priorities to terminal, landside, and cargo development along with reprioritized airfield improvements, has resulted in the Airport implementing a revised capital plan that incorporates elements identified in the Master Plan in addition to near-term capital facility needs, including on-going rehabilitation and repair projects.
Additional infrastructure improvements have continued throughout the 2010’s. In 2013, the newly redesigned Terminal F Hub opened featuring 20 new food, beverage and retail shops, a 300-seat food court area, fascinating new permanent artwork and an enhanced bus shelter. In 2015, the E-F Secure Connector opened, enabling passengers to access all terminals and gates from the post-Security side. And in 2016, the new Terminal F Baggage Claim Building opened, completing the $127 million Terminal F renovation and expansion project; the $35 million baggage claim facility is the first LEED Gold project at the airport.
PHL continues to evaluate its capacity needs in a changing economic climate. In 2017, PHL and hub carrier American Airlines announced a $900 million commitment to continue critical improvements and develop new infrastructure at PHL Airport and Philadelphia Northeast Airport (PNE) over the next 5-to-7 years. This Capital Development Project (CDP) promises to deliver needed improvements to the facility and represents a unique growth opportunity for Philadelphia’s businesses and workforce. The on-going projects will generate almost $4 billion in regional economic output over a 5-year period, which equates to approximately 5,100 on-going jobs over the same 5-year period.
Other highlights include the 2011 dedication of the How Philly Moves mural by the Airport and the City’s Mural Arts Program. The mural, which is among the largest completed in the United States and occupies the largest square footage of any project completed by the City’s Mural Arts Program, celebrates Philadelphia’s longstanding dance traditions with images 26 dancers representing a variety of dance styles on the façade of the Airport’s parking garages.
PHL continues to welcome new carriers and routes to its service. In 2012, Virgin America began serving PHL with daily nonstop flights to the West Coast. Virgin was the first new airline to start service at PHL in eight years. Over the next six years, additional airlines began serving PHL with daily and seasonal flights, including Alaska Airlines, Frontier, Spirit Airlines, and JetBlue. In 2014, Qatar Airways became the first foreign flag carrier in more than a decade to begin service when it launched daily non-stop service to Doha. Icelandair launched seasonal service in May 2017, and Aer Lingus began non-stop flights to Dublin in March 2018.
As of December 2018, PHL offers nearly 450 daily non-stop flights to 99 domestic and 38 international destinations.
When it first opened in 1940, Philadelphia Municipal Airport transported more than 40,000 passengers. Today, PHL has grown exponentially, serving 31 million passengers annually from the Philadelphia region and beyond. A combination of airline mergers (most notably, between American Airlines and US Airways) and the aviation industry's modernization trend of using larger aircraft has shifted traffic at PHL; current operations stand at 379,665 takeoffs and landings.
For this decade, the Airport has been committed to focusing on projects designed to improve the customer experience, lay the groundwork for future development and capitalize on the role that the Airport plays as a regional economic engine. PHL also has a keen interest in welcoming new carriers and routes, giving passengers more choices and destinations in their travels either originating from Philadelphia or connecting through PHL.
A $45 million Terminal E expansion opened in 2010, featuring seven new aircraft gates, a 500-seat waiting area, a mini-food court, a high bay ceiling filtering in natural lighting and new permanent artwork. Also in 2010, the D/E baggage claim project opened, complete with two new carousels and new restroom facilities.
In 2011, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a Record of Decision (ROD) approving the Airport’s Capacity Enhancement Program (CEP), a multi-billion program with the purpose of enhancing airfield capacity to address delays at the Airport. At that time, the Airport had been long identified by the FAA as one of the airports contributing to delays throughout the National Airspace System (NAS). The CEP was based on the Airport’s Master Plan and included projects addressing runway length, airfield geometry, runway capacity, in addition to expansion and reconfiguration of the existing terminal complex.
Also in 2011, the FAA awarded a $466.5 million Letter of Intent (LOI) to provide some funding for airfield elements of the CEP. From 2007 through 2017, improvements to air traffic control were implemented by FAA, and some airfield improvements were completed by the Airport. These improvements, in conjunction with a decrease in operational activity during this same period (due in part to airline changes to their aircraft fleets and increase to average seats per operation), resulted in reduced aircraft movements and a reduction in delays at the Airport. As a result, the Airport and Airlines priorities shifted from airfield capacity and delay projects, such as a new runway, and focused instead on the terminal, gate capacity, landside, and cargo development. Additionally, airfield improvement priorities were reassessed by the Airlines, Airport and the FAA.
In 2017, the Airport and the FAA agreed to close the LOI, which resulted in the suspension of FAA’s Record of Decision and a formal closure notice posted by FAA in the Federal Register in October 2017. This closure allows the Airport to focus FAA Entitlement and future Discretionary Grant funding for other airfield improvements rather than projects associated with the new runway. The Airport Master Plan, which includes the new runway project, is still valid and the Airport intends to preserve the ability to construct the new runway and other projects when operational needs warrant it.
The shift in capital priorities to terminal, landside, and cargo development along with reprioritized airfield improvements, has resulted in the Airport implementing a revised capital plan that incorporates elements identified in the Master Plan in addition to near-term capital facility needs, including on-going rehabilitation and repair projects.
Additional infrastructure improvements have continued throughout the 2010’s. In 2013, the newly redesigned Terminal F Hub opened featuring 20 new food, beverage and retail shops, a 300-seat food court area, fascinating new permanent artwork and an enhanced bus shelter. In 2015, the E-F Secure Connector opened, enabling passengers to access all terminals and gates from the post-Security side. And in 2016, the new Terminal F Baggage Claim Building opened, completing the $127 million Terminal F renovation and expansion project; the $35 million baggage claim facility is the first LEED Gold project at the airport.
PHL continues to evaluate its capacity needs in a changing economic climate. In 2017, PHL and hub carrier American Airlines announced a $900 million commitment to continue critical improvements and develop new infrastructure at PHL Airport and Philadelphia Northeast Airport (PNE) over the next 5-to-7 years. This Capital Development Project (CDP) promises to deliver needed improvements to the facility and represents a unique growth opportunity for Philadelphia’s businesses and workforce. The on-going projects will generate almost $4 billion in regional economic output over a 5-year period, which equates to approximately 5,100 on-going jobs over the same 5-year period.
Other highlights include the 2011 dedication of the How Philly Moves mural by the Airport and the City’s Mural Arts Program. The mural, which is among the largest completed in the United States and occupies the largest square footage of any project completed by the City’s Mural Arts Program, celebrates Philadelphia’s longstanding dance traditions with images 26 dancers representing a variety of dance styles on the façade of the Airport’s parking garages.
PHL continues to welcome new carriers and routes to its service. In 2012, Virgin America began serving PHL with daily nonstop flights to the West Coast. Virgin was the first new airline to start service at PHL in eight years. Over the next six years, additional airlines began serving PHL with daily and seasonal flights, including Alaska Airlines, Frontier, Spirit Airlines, and JetBlue. In 2014, Qatar Airways became the first foreign flag carrier in more than a decade to begin service when it launched daily non-stop service to Doha. Icelandair launched seasonal service in May 2017, and Aer Lingus began non-stop flights to Dublin in March 2018.
As of December 2018, PHL offers nearly 450 daily non-stop flights to 99 domestic and 38 international destinations.
When it first opened in 1940, Philadelphia Municipal Airport transported more than 40,000 passengers. Today, PHL has grown exponentially, serving 31 million passengers annually from the Philadelphia region and beyond. A combination of airline mergers (most notably, between American Airlines and US Airways) and the aviation industry's modernization trend of using larger aircraft has shifted traffic at PHL; current operations stand at 379,665 takeoffs and landings.
Acknowledgements
This concludes the sixth installment of our history on Kennedy Airport! In Part 7, to be launched next week, we will focus on Terminal City's expansion with two new terminals, the BOAC terminal and National's Sundrome. We'll also look at some of the fantastic schemes that were floated to increase JFK's runway capacity.
Did you miss Part 5 of our history on Kennedy Airport? You can read it here.
Did you miss Part 5 of our history on Kennedy Airport? You can read it here.