Philadelphia International Airport - AbsoluteAstronomy.com

"Philadelphia Airport" redirects here. For other airports serving Philadelphia, see List of airports in the Philadelphia area. For the airport in Mississippi, see Philadelphia Municipal Airport
Philadelphia Municipal Airport
Philadelphia Municipal Airport is a city-owned public-use airport located two nautical miles northwest of the central business district of Philadelphia, a city in Neshoba County, Mississippi, United States. This airport is included in the FAA's National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems for...

.

Philadelphia International Airport is a major airport

Airport

An airport is a location where aircraft such as fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and blimps take off and land. Aircraft may be stored or maintained at an airport...

in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, and is the largest airport in the Delaware Valley

Delaware Valley

The Delaware Valley is a term used to refer to the valley where the Delaware River flows, along with the surrounding communities. This includes the metropolitan area centered on the city of Philadelphia. Such educational institutions as Delaware Valley Regional High School in Alexandria Township...

region and in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a U.S. state that is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The state borders Delaware and Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York and Ontario, Canada, to the north, and New Jersey to...

. The airport is the second largest hub and the primary international hub of US Airways

US Airways

US Airways, Inc. is a major airline based in the U.S. city of Tempe, Arizona. The airline is an operating unit of US Airways Group and is the sixth largest airline by traffic and eighth largest by market value in the country....

and has service to destinations in the United States

United States

The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...

, Canada

Canada

Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...

, the Caribbean

Caribbean

The Caribbean is a crescent-shaped group of islands more than 2,000 miles long separating the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea, to the west and south, from the Atlantic Ocean, to the east and north...

, Latin America

Latin America

Latin America is a region of the Americas where Romance languages – particularly Spanish and Portuguese, and variably French – are primarily spoken. Latin America has an area of approximately 21,069,500 km² , almost 3.9% of the Earth's surface or 14.1% of its land surface area...

, Europe

Europe

Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...

, and the Middle East

Middle East

The Middle East is a region that encompasses Western Asia and Northern Africa. It is often used as a synonym for Near East, in opposition to Far East...

.
Most of the airport property is located in Philadelphia. The international terminal

Airport terminal

An airport terminal is a building at an airport where passengers transfer between ground transportation and the facilities that allow them to board and disembark from aircraft....

and the western end of the airfield are located in Tinicum Township

Tinicum Township, Delaware County, Pennsylvania

Tinicum Township, more popularly known as "Tinicum Island" or "The Island", a census-designated place and township in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 4,353 at the 2000 census. Included within the township's boundaries are the communities of Essington and Lester...

, Delaware County

Delaware County, Pennsylvania

Delaware County is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of 2010, the population was 558,979, making it Pennsylvania's fifth most populous county, behind Philadelphia, Allegheny, Montgomery, and Bucks counties....

History

Starting in 1925, the Pennsylvania National Guard

Pennsylvania National Guard

The Pennsylvania National Guard is composed of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard and the Pennsylvania Air National Guard. It is one of the largest National Guards in the nation. It has the largest Army National Guard of all the states and the fourth largest Air National Guard. These forces are...

used the PHL site (historically known as Hog Island

Hog Island, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Hog Island is the historic name of an area southwest of the central part of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania along the Delaware River, to the west of the mouth of the Schuylkill River. Philadelphia International Airport now sits on the land that was once Hog Island....

) as a training airfield. The site was dedicated as the "Philadelphia Municipal Airport" by Charles Lindbergh

Charles Lindbergh

Charles Augustus Lindbergh was an American aviator, author, inventor, explorer, and social activist.Lindbergh, a 25-year-old U.S...

in 1927, but it had no proper terminal building until 1940; airlines used the airfield (at 39.930°N 75.078°W) in nearby Camden, New Jersey

Camden, New Jersey

The city of Camden is the county seat of Camden County, New Jersey. It is located across the Delaware River from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city had a total population of 77,344...

. Once Philadelphia's terminal was completed (on the east side of the field) (American

American Airlines

American Airlines, Inc. is the world's fourth-largest airline in passenger miles transported and operating revenues. American Airlines is a subsidiary of the AMR Corporation and is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas adjacent to its largest hub at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport...

, Eastern

Eastern Air Lines

Eastern Air Lines was a major United States airline that existed from 1926 to 1991. Before its dissolution it was headquartered at Miami International Airport in unincorporated Miami-Dade County, Florida.-History:...

, TWA

Twa

The Twa are any of several hunting peoples of Africa who live interdependently with agricultural Bantu populations, and generally hold a socially subordinate position: They provide the farming population with game in exchange for agricultural products....

, and United

United Airlines

United Air Lines, Inc., is the world's largest airline with 86,852 employees United Air Lines, Inc., is the world's largest airline with 86,852 employees United Air Lines, Inc., is the world's largest airline with 86,852 employees (which includes the entire holding company United Continental...

) began flights.

In 1947 and 1950 the airport had runways 4, 9, 12 and 17 all 5400 ft or less. In 1956 runway 9 was 7284 ft; in 1959 it was 9499 ft and runway 12 had been closed. Not much change occurred until the early 1970s, when runway 4 was closed and 9R opened with 10500 ft.

World War II use

During World War II

World War II

World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...

, the United States Army Air Forces

United States Army Air Forces

The United States Army Air Forces was the military aviation arm of the United States of America during and immediately after World War II, and the direct predecessor of the United States Air Force....

used the airport as a First Air Force

First Air Force

The First Air Force is a numbered air force of the United States Air Force Air Combat Command . It is headquartered at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida....

training airfield.

Beginning in 1940, the Coatesville

Coatesville, Pennsylvania

Coatesville is the only city in Chester County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 13,100 at the 2010 census. Coatesville is approximately 39 miles west of Philadelphia....

-based Rising Sun School of Aeronautics performed primary flight training at the airport under contract to the Air Corps. After the Pearl Harbor Attack, the I Fighter Command

I Fighter Command

The I Fighter Command is an inactive United States Air Force unit. Its last assignment was with the First Air Force, based at Mitchel Army Airfield, New York...

Philadelphia Fighter Wing

The Philadelphia Fighter Wing is an inactive United States Air Force unit. Its last assignment was with the I Fighter Command, stationed at Philadelphia Airport, Pennsylvania It was inactivated on 3 April 1946....

provided air defense of the Delaware Valley

Delaware Valley

area from the airport. Throughout the war, various fighter and bomber groups were organized and trained at Philadelphia airport and assigned to the Philadelphia Fighter Wing before being sent to advanced training airfields, or being deployed overseas. Known units assigned were the 33d, 327th, 58th, 355th and 358th Fighter Group

358th Fighter Group

The 358th Fighter Group is an inactive United States Army Air Force unit. Its last assignment was with the Second Air Force stationed at La Junta Army Air Field , Colorado. It was inactivated on 7 November 1945....

s.

In June 1943, I Fighter Command transferred jurisdiction of the airport to the Air Technical Service Command (ATSC). ATSC established a sub-depot of the Middletown Air Depot at the airport. The 855th Army Air Forces Specialized Depot unit repaired and overhauled aircraft and returned them to active service. In addition, the Army Air Forces Training Command

Army Air Forces Training Command

Army Air Forces Training Command was a command of the United States Army Air Forces. It was redesignated Air Training Command on 1 July 1946 as part of the reorganization of the Army Air Forces after World War II....

established the Philco Training School, on January 1, 1943 which trained personnel in radio repair and operations.

Throughout 1945, the Air Force reduced its use of the airport, with it being returned to full civil control in September of that year.

Modern use

Philadelphia Municipal became Philadelphia International in 1945, when American Overseas Airlines

American Overseas Airlines

American Overseas Airlines was an airline that operated between the United States and Europe between 1945 and 1950. It was headquartered in Midtown Manhattan, New York City.-Early history:...

began direct flights to Europe. (For a short time AOA's flights skipped the New York stop; that was probably Philadelphia's only international nonstop until circa 1964.) A new terminal opened in December 1953; the oldest parts of the current terminal complex (B and C) were built in the late 50's.

The April 1957 OAG shows 30 weekday departures on Eastern, 24 TWA, 24 United, 18 American, 16 National, 14 Capital, 6 Allegheny and 3 Delta. To Europe, five Pan Am DC-6Bs a week via Idlewild and Boston and two TWA 749As a week via Idlewild; one TWA flight continued to Ceylon. Eastern and National had nonstops to Miami, but aside from one TWA 1049G to LAX no nonstop flights reached west of the Mississippi.

In the 1980s, PHL hosted several hub operations. The Airline Deregulation Act

Airline Deregulation Act

The Airline Deregulation Act is a United States federal law signed into law on October 24, 1978. The main purpose of the act was to remove government control over fares, routes and market entry from commercial aviation...

of 1978 allowed the regional carrier called Altair Airlines

Altair Airlines

Altair Airlines was an airline based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. It was in service from 1967 to 1982.The airline was established in 1967 as a regional airline. In 1967, Altair's main shareholder was Tristram Colket and it had 587 employees. In May 1970, Altair Airlines was...

to create a small hub at PHL using Fokker F-28 jet aircraft. Altair began in 1967 and operated flights to smaller markets such as Rochester, New York

Rochester, New York

Rochester is a city in Monroe County, New York, south of Lake Ontario in the United States. Known as The World's Image Centre, it was also once known as The Flour City, and more recently as The Flower City...

, Hartford, Connecticut

Hartford, Connecticut

Hartford is the capital of the U.S. state of Connecticut. The seat of Hartford County until Connecticut disbanded county government in 1960, it is the second most populous city on New England's largest river, the Connecticut River. As of the 2010 Census, Hartford's population was 124,775, making...

and to Florida until it ceased operations in November 1982. In the mid-1980s, Eastern Air Lines

Eastern Air Lines

opened a hub in Concourse C. The airline declined in the late 1980s and sold aircraft and gate leases to Chicago-based Midway Airlines. Midway operated its Philadelphia hub until it ceased operation in 1991—the same year Eastern liquidated. During the 1980s, US Airways

US Airways

(then called USAir) developed a hub at PHL.

US Airways

US Airways

became the dominant carrier at PHL through the 1980s and 1990s and shifted the majority of its hub operations from Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh International Airport

Pittsburgh International Airport , formerly Greater Pittsburgh Airport, Greater Pittsburgh International Airport and commonly referred to as Pittsburgh International, is a joint civil–military international airport located in the Pittsburgh suburb of Findlay Township, approximately west of...

to Philadelphia in 2003. In 2004, Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines Co. is an American low-cost airline based in Dallas, Texas. Southwest is the largest airline in the United States, based upon domestic passengers carried,...

announced it would begin flights from PHL, challenging US Airways in some of its important East Coast and Midwest markets. It is currently US Airways' largest competitor at the airport.

Today, Philadelphia International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world and among the fastest growing in the United States. Its status as a US Airways hub and the growth of Southwest Airlines and other low-cost carriers have helped passenger traffic to reach record levels. In 2004, a total of 28,507,420 passengers flew through Philadelphia, up 15.5% over 2003. In 2005, 31,502,855 passengers flew through PHL, marking a 10% increase since 2004. In 2006, 31,768,272 passengers travelled through PHL, a 0.9% increase.

Such growth has not come without difficulties. There are questions as to how much more passenger growth can occur. PHL's present terminal and runway configuration are reaching full utilization and PHL remains the world's largest airport without an inground fueling system thus requiring fuel to be trucked to each airplane. These two factors have led to congestion and flight delays for all carriers. Additionally, the airport's parking facilities have been severely taxed. Complete exhaustion of all 17,000 parking spaces at the airport has become a regular occurrence. However, airport officials have ambitious plans for terminal and runway expansion to resolve these issues.

PHL's fastest growing airline, Southwest, has been working with the city and the airport to expand and improve its facilities. Southwest recently completed construction of a joint ticket counter lobby for the D and E terminals, one large security check point for the two terminals, and additional concessions. A hammerhead expansion to the E concourse was finished in February 2010.

Air traffic and rankings

With 460,779 aircraft movements in 2010, Philadelphia International Airport ranks 12th busiest in the world in terms of aircraft movements

World's busiest airports by traffic movements

The thirty world's busiest airports by aircraft movements are measured by total movements . One total movement is a landing or take off of an aircraft.- 2010 final statistics :-2009 final statistics:...

. In 2010, 30,775,961 passengers passed through Philadelphia International Airport, a 0.3% increase compared to 2009.

Economic impact

Philadelphia International Airport is important to Philadelphia, its metropolitan region and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth's Aviation Bureau reported in its Pennsylvania Air Service Monitor that the total economic impact made by the state's airports in 2004 was $22 billion. PHL alone accounted for $14 billion or 63% of total. The calculations include both direct spending and the multiplier effect of that spending throughout the state's economy.

Runway expansion

As of 2005, there are two studies which deal with expanding runway capacity at PHL airport. The first is the Runway 17-35 Extension Project EIS which has completed the Final Environmental Impact Statement and broken ground. The plan is to extend runway 17-35 to length of 6500 ft (1,981.2 m), extending it at both ends and incorporating the proper runway safety areas. The second study, the PHL Capacity Enhancement Program has a much larger scope and is considering more drastic ways to increase runway capacity at PHL. Manchester Airport's expansion plans for a second parallel runway involved working closely with PHL air traffic controllers to implement a training program due to similarities in runway configuration in which aircraft must taxi over an active runway.
Projected completion March 2009
In an effort to alleviate existing and forecast delays, the City of Philadelphia will complete major improvements to increase airfield capacity at PHL. The Capacity Enhancement Program is estimated to cost over $5 Billion and take 13 years largely due to the slow process of moving residents out of some 72 homes before major groundbreaking gets underway. The Runway 17-35 Extension Project will provide a short-term delay reduction. The major components of the entire project include:

Extension of Runway 17-35;
Extension of parallel Taxiways D and E;
Construction of a High Speed Taxiway for Runway 35 landings exiting to Taxiway E;
Construction of an Aircraft Holding Apron at Runway 35 end;
Relocation of Airside Perimeter Service Roads at Runway 17 and Runway 35 ends;
Installation of High Intensity Runway Lighting (HIRL) and Medium Intensity Taxiway Lighting (MITL);
Modifications to airfield signs;
Substantial relocation/modification of navigational aids (NAVAIDS):
Demolition of existing Taxiways D2 and E2;
Modifications to existing Economy Parking Lot;
Re-designation of existing State Route (SR) 291 north of Airport;
Modifications to Bartram Avenue from the SR 291 intersection to Island Ave., SR 291 and I-95 ramps;
Demolition of SR 291 at Runway 17 extension work area;
Construction of Landside Service Road adjacent to I-95 right-of-way limit;
Associated drainage, grading and utility relocations/modifications.

The first phase (IG), which allowed for the redesignation of Route 291, is complete. The remaining phases I, II and III are in progress.

Ground transportation

Taxis charge a flat rate, currently $28.50, for transportation from the airport to downtown Philadelphia.

SEPTA operates regional rail service between the airport and Center City Philadelphia via the Airport Line with convenient stops at University City, Amtrak’s 30th Street, Suburban, and Market East Stations. The fare is $7 if purchased on board, or $6 if purchased at a station in center city. An unlimited ride day pass may be purchased either at a station or on board for $11 for all SEPTA services except to stations in New Jersey. SEPTA also operates various bus routes to the Airport: Route 37 (South Philadelphia to Eastwick and Chester Transportation Ctr via Philadelphia International Airport), Route 108 (69th Street Terminal to Philadelphia International Airport or UPS), and Route 115 (Ardmore/Darby Transportation Center to Philadelphia International Airport). These are $2 or 1 token ($1.55; available at major El and Subway stops), with a transfer for $1.00; exact change is required.

Rental cars are available through a number of companies, each operates a shuttle bus between its facility and the terminals.

As a benefit to students, local schools including The University of Pennsylvania

University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania is a private, Ivy League university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. Penn is the fourth-oldest institution of higher education in the United States,Penn is the fourth-oldest using the founding dates claimed by each institution...

, Villanova University

Villanova University

Villanova University is a private university located in Radnor Township, a suburb northwest of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the United States...

, Swarthmore College

Swarthmore College

Swarthmore College is a private, independent, liberal arts college in the United States with an enrollment of about 1,500 students. The college is located in the borough of Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, 11 miles southwest of Philadelphia....

, Haverford College

Haverford College

Haverford College is a private, coeducational liberal arts college located in Haverford, Pennsylvania, United States, a suburb of Philadelphia...

and Saint Joseph's University

Saint Joseph's University

Saint Joseph's University is a private, coeducational Roman Catholic Jesuit university located partially in the Wynnefield section of Philadelphia and partially in Lower Merion Township and located in the Pennsylvania Main Line, Pennsylvania, United States.The school was founded in 1851 as Saint...

traditionally operate transportation shuttles to the Airport during heavy travel periods such as Spring and Thanksgiving Breaks.

Current airport improvement activity

Current development at the airport includes a new multi-level building which will connect Terminals D and E, a 50000 sq ft (4,645.2 m²) addition to the Terminal E concourse, a 9000 sq ft (836.1 m²) connector building between Baggage Claims D and E, renovations to interior areas of the two terminals and the adjacent heating and cooling facility.

Phases 1A and 1B involved a new multi-level building connecting Terminals D and E. The first level houses a new baggage make-up area and will replaces the existing areas in each terminal. This area also contains an Explosive Detection System (EDS), to be operated by the TSA as part of an in-line baggage screening system. Level two houses a 14-lane passenger security screening area serving both terminals, and the third level houses Division of Aviation offices and with space for an airline club. The Phase 1A entailed site work, constructing building foundations, utility relocation and structural steel placement for the connector building. Work on Phase IB commenced in July 2007 with the completed building opening in February 2010.

Modifications within existing D and E buildings included 23 additional ticket counter positions with expanded areas for queuing and public circulation, new concessions and other tenant spaces. The Terminal E Concourse was expanded with the construction of a 2-level addition at the end of the concourse. Airline Operations space are at ground level while the second level provides hold rooms, passenger amenities and space for three new gates and four relocated gates. The bag claim buildings for Terminals D & E are connected with a one story addition that contains two additional baggage carousels.

Capacity Enhancement Program

On December 30, 2010 a 13 year $5.2 billion project that will extend two existing runways, and add one new runway was passed by the FAA. The project will also create two new passenger terminals, the first terminal will be built where terminals A east & west, B, C, D, E, and F are currently located, and the second terminal will be built across from the current terminal complex. The project will also relocate the UPS facility, and redevelop cargo city, the cargo complex at PHL.

Terminals

Philadelphia International Airport has seven terminal buildings, which are divided into seven lettered concourses. Terminals A East and A West, B, C, D, and E are all interconnected, and it is possible to travel through all of these airside. Terminal F, completed in 2003, is separate from these terminals but can be reached by airside shuttle buses between Terminal F and Terminal C using gate C16, an old US Airways Express gate and between Terminal F and Terminal A, at gate A1. There is a large shopping/dining area between Concourses B and C.

Ongoing construction at the airport will add new passenger facilities between Terminals D and E, connecting E to the rest of the Terminal complex.

Terminal A West

One of the two newest terminal buildings at the airport, Concourse A West has a very modern and innovative design. Opened in 2003 as the new international terminal, it is now home to all international flights (except Canada), and also some US Airways domestic flights. It offers a variety of international dining options.

International Arrivals (except from locations with Customs preclearance
United States border preclearance
The United States operates border preclearance facilities at a number of ports and airports in foreign countries. They are staffed and operated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers. Travelers pass through Immigration and Customs, Public Health, and Department of Agriculture inspections...

) are processed at the Terminal A West arrival building.

Terminal A-West contains 13 gates: A-14 to A-26.

Terminal A East

This terminal, originally the airport's international terminal, is now used primarily by domestic carriers, but also sometimes by US Airways for international flights. A East is upgraded and well maintained, and recently received an upgrade to its baggage claim facilities.

Most of the gates in this terminal are equipped to handle international arrivals, and the passengers are led to the customs facility in terminal A-West. Upon completion of the merger between Northwest and Delta, the combined airline relocated its ticketing operations from Terminal A-East to Terminal E on January 19, 2010. However, passenger gates and baggage claim for the carrier is located in Terminal D.

Terminal A-East contains 13 gates: A-1 to A-13.

Terminals B and C

Terminals B and C are the two main US Airways terminals. They are connected by a very large shopping mall and food court named the Philadelphia Marketplace. Remodeling has begun in the gate areas, although these cosmetic changes will not solve the space problems at many of the gates. Overall, the facilities are fairly modern and dining options on the concourses are also available.

Terminal B contains 16 gates: B-1 to B-16, and Terminal C contains 16 gates: C-16 to C-31.

Terminal D

Terminal D and Terminal E were upgraded in late 2008 with a new concourse connecting the two terminals while providing combined ticketing, a variety of shops and restaurants and a link between Baggage Claims D and E. This is similar to the connector between Terminals B and C. This terminal is connected to the shopping area of Terminals B/C through a post-security walkway. AirTran Airways relocated operations from Terminal D to Terminal E. However, AirTran passengers still check-in and use the baggage claim at Terminal D.

Terminal D contains 16 gates: D-1 to D-16.

Terminal E

This terminal is also slated for renovations however, the February 2010 addition houses additional gates for Southwest Airlines. Like in Terminal D, food selections are generally limited. Ticketing areas are strained for space because of Southwest's rapid growth. Also strained by Southwest's growth is the baggage claim area. It serves Southwest passengers arriving in both Terminals D and E, in a very limited space. Overall, the baggage claim area is in dismal condition, requiring very heavy operations in a very cramped area. To help reduce the congestion problems in the baggage area, Southwest now shares AirTran's baggage carousel in the Terminal D baggage claim for passengers arriving there. It also has its own baggage services office located nearby in D. AirTran Airways, which previous operated from Terminal D, moved to Terminal E. However, check-in and baggage claim for AirTran is still handled at Terminal D. This configuration may change since the purchase of AirTran by Southwest on September 27, 2010 as the two airlines integrate operations.

On January 19, 2010, Delta relocated its ticket counters to Terminal E. However, Delta's gate operations and baggage claim are located at Terminal D.

Terminal E contains 17 gates: E-1 to E-17.

Terminal F (Concourses 1, 2, and 3)

Terminal F is a regional terminal used by US Airways Express flights. It includes special jet bridges that allow passengers to board commuter planes without walking on the tarmac. Opened in 2001, Terminal F is the second newest terminal building at Philadelphia International.

When Terminal F opened in 2001, it contained 10000 sq ft (929 m²) of space for concessions.

Terminal F contains 39 gates: F-1 to F-39.

Passenger

Cargo

Statistics

**Top Ten Busiest Domestic Routes Out of PHL**
(July 2010 - June 2011)
Rank	City	Passengers	Carriers
1	Atlanta, GA	777,000	AirTran, Delta, US Airways
2	Orlando, FL Orlando International Airport Orlando International Airport is a major international airport located southeast of the central business district of Orlando. It is the second busiest airport in Florida, after Miami International Airport...	722,000	AirTran, Southwest, US Airways
3	Chicago, IL (ORD) O'Hare International Airport Chicago O'Hare International Airport , also known as O'Hare Airport, O'Hare Field, Chicago Airport, Chicago International Airport, or simply O'Hare, is a major airport located in the northwestern-most corner of Chicago, Illinois, United States, northwest of the Chicago Loop...	682,000	American, United, US Airways
4	Boston, MA	561,000	Southwest, US Airways
5	Dallas/Fort Worth, TX	425,000	American, US Airways
6	Charlotte, NC	394,000	US Airways
7	Phoenix, AZ Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is a joint civil-military public airport located southeast of the central business district of the city of Phoenix, in Maricopa County, Arizona, United States...	365,000	Southwest, US Airways
8	Denver, CO Denver International Airport Denver International Airport , often referred to as DIA, is an airport in Denver, Colorado. By land size, at , it is the largest international airport in the United States, and the third largest international airport in the world after King Fahd International Airport and Montréal-Mirabel...	358,000	Frontier, Southwest, United, US Airways
9	Tampa, FL Tampa International Airport Tampa International Airport is a major public airport located six nautical miles west of the central business district of Tampa, in Hillsborough County, Florida, United States. This airport is publicly owned by Hillsborough County Aviation Authority...	339,000	Southwest, US Airways
10	Detroit, MI Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport , usually called Detroit Metro Airport, Metro Airport locally, or simply DTW, is a major international airport covering in Romulus, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit. It is Michigan's busiest airport....	325,000	Delta, US Airways

{|
|
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size: 85%" width=align=
|+ Busiest International Routes from Philadelphia (2009–2010)
|-
! Rank
! Airport
! Passengers
! Carriers
|-
| 1
|

Frankfurt, Germany

Frankfurt Airport

Frankfurt Airport may refer to:Airports of Frankfurt, Germany:*Frankfurt Airport , the largest airport in Germany*Frankfurt Egelsbach Airport, a general aviation airport*Frankfurt-Hahn Airport , a converted U.S...

| 348,173
| Lufthansa, US Airways
|-
| 2
|

London (Heathrow), United Kingdom

London Heathrow Airport

London Heathrow Airport or Heathrow , in the London Borough of Hillingdon, is the busiest airport in the United Kingdom and the third busiest airport in the world in terms of total passenger traffic, handling more international passengers than any other airport around the globe...

| 334,905
| British Airways, US Airways
|-
| 3
|

Cancún, Mexico

Cancún International Airport

Cancún International Airport is located in Cancún, Quintana Roo, on the Caribbean coast of Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula. It is Mexico's second busiest airport, after Mexico City International Airport in Mexico City, but the biggest in Mexico and Latin America for International passengers...

| 283,530
| US Airways
|-
| 4
|

Toronto (Pearson), Canada

Toronto Pearson International Airport

Toronto Pearson International Airport is an international airport serving Toronto, Ontario, Canada; its metropolitan area; and the Golden Horseshoe, an urban agglomeration that is home to 8.1 million people – approximately 25% of Canada's population...

| 258,209
| Air Canada, US Airways Express
|-
| 5
|

Paris (Charles de Gaulle), France
| 243,271
| Delta Air Lines, US Airways
|-
| 6
|

Rome (Fiumicino), Italy
| 159,524
| US Airways
|-
| 7
|

Madrid, Spain
| 153,037
| US Airways
|-
| 8
|

Manchester, UK
| 151,187
| US Airways
|-
| 9
|

Montréal, Canada

Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport

Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport or Montréal-Trudeau, formerly known as Montréal-Dorval International Airport, is located on the Island of Montreal, from Montreal's downtown core. The airport terminals are located entirely in Dorval, while the Air Canada headquarters complex...

| 150,146
| US Airways Express
|-
| 10
|

Munich, Germany
| 109,293
| US Airways
|}

Passenger Airlines

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Airlines !! Aircraft Used
|-
| Air Canada

Air Canada

Air Canada is the flag carrier and largest airline of Canada. The airline, founded in 1936, provides scheduled and charter air transport for passengers and cargo to 178 destinations worldwide. It is the world's tenth largest passenger airline by number of destinations, and the airline is a...

|| Embraer 175
|-
| AirTran Airways

AirTran Airways

AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of the Dallas, Texas-based Southwest Airlines, is an American low-cost airline headquartered in Orlando, Florida. AirTran operates over 650 daily flights , primarily in the eastern and midwestern United States...

|| Boeing 717

Boeing 717

The Boeing 717 is a twin-engine, single-aisle jet airliner, developed for the 100-seat market. The airliner was designed and marketed by McDonnell Douglas as the MD-95, a third-generation derivative of the DC-9. Capable of seating of up to 117 passengers, the 717 has maximum range of...

, Boeing 737-700
|-
| American Airlines

American Airlines

|| Boeing 737-800, McDonnell Douglas MD-83
|-
| American Eagle

American Eagle Airlines

American Eagle Airlines is a brand name used by American Eagle Airlines, Inc. , based in Fort Worth, Texas, and Executive Airlines based in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in the operation of passenger air service as regional affiliates of American Airlines. All three airlines are wholly owned subsidiaries...

|| Bombardier CRJ-700
|-
| British Airways

British Airways

British Airways is the flag carrier airline of the United Kingdom, based in Waterside, near its main hub at London Heathrow Airport. British Airways is the largest airline in the UK based on fleet size, international flights and international destinations...

|| Boeing 767

Boeing 767

The Boeing 767 is a mid-size, wide-body twin-engine jet airliner built by Boeing Commercial Airplanes. It was the manufacturer's first wide-body twinjet and its first airliner with a two-crew glass cockpit. The aircraft features two turbofan engines, a supercritical wing, and a conventional tail...

, Boeing 777

Boeing 777

The Boeing 777 is a long-range, wide-body twin-engine jet airliner manufactured by Boeing Commercial Airplanes. It is the world's largest twinjet and is commonly referred to as the "Triple Seven". The aircraft has seating for over 300 passengers and has a range from , depending on model...

|-
| Caribbean Airlines

Caribbean Airlines

Caribbean Airlines Limited operating as Caribbean Airlines is the national airline of Trinidad and Tobago. The airline is also flag carrier to Jamaica through its subsidiary, Caribbean Airlines-Air Jamaica Transition Limited or Air Jamaica....

|| Boeing 737-800
|-
| Continental Airlines

Continental Airlines

Continental Airlines was a major American airline now merged with United Airlines. On May 3, 2010, Continental Airlines, Inc. and UAL, Inc. announced a merger via a stock swap, and on October 1, 2010, the merger closed and UAL changed its name to United Continental Holdings, Inc...

|| Boeing 737-500, Boeing 737-700, Boeing 737-800, Boeing 737-900
|-
| Continental Connection

Continental Connection

Continental Connection is a brand name under which several commuter airline carriers and their holding companies operate services marketed exclusively by Continental Airlines...

(CommutAir

CommutAir

Champlain Enterprises, Inc., operating name CommutAir, is an American regional airline with its headquarters in South Burlington, Vermont and its operations center in North Olmsted, Ohio. It operates under the name Continental Connection for United Continental Holdings, with its main bases at...

) || Bombardier Dash 8-200, Bombardier Dash 8-300
|-
| Continental Express

Continental Express

Continental Express is the operating brand name used by a number of independently owned regional airlines providing regional jet feeder service under agreement with Continental Airlines...

(Chautauqua

Chautauqua Airlines

Chautauqua Airlines, Inc. is a regional airline and a subsidiary of Republic Airways Holdings based in Indianapolis, Indiana, United States. Based on 2009 published flight schedules, it operates scheduled passenger services on more than 700 flights daily to 98 airports in 31 states, Washington, D.C...

and ExpressJet

ExpressJet Airlines

ExpressJet Airlines, Inc. is an American regional airline based in the A-Tech Center in College Park, Georgia. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlantic Southeast Airlines which is in turn a subsidiary of the airline holding company SkyWest, Inc., parent company of the air carrier SkyWest...

) || Embraer ERJ-145
|-
| Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines, Inc. is a major airline based in the United States and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. The airline operates an extensive domestic and international network serving all continents except Antarctica. Delta and its subsidiaries operate over 4,000 flights every day...

|| Airbus A319, Airbus A320

Airbus A320

The Airbus A320 family is a family of short- to medium-range, narrow-body, commercial passenger jet airliners manufactured by Airbus Industrie.Airbus was originally a consortium of European aerospace companies, and is now fully owned by EADS. Airbus's name has been Airbus SAS since 2001...

, Boeing 737-800, Boeing 757-200, Douglas DC-9-50, McDonnell Douglas MD-80, McDonnell Douglas MD-90

McDonnell Douglas MD-90

The McDonnell Douglas MD-90 is a twin-engine, short- to medium-range, single-aisle commercial jet aircraft. The MD-90 was developed from the MD-80 series. Differences from the MD-80 include more fuel efficient International Aero Engines V2500 engines and a longer fuselage...

|-
| Delta Connection (ASA

Atlantic Southeast Airlines

Atlantic Southeast Airlines is an American airline based in the A-Tech Center in College Park, Georgia, flying to 144 destinations as a Delta Connection carrier and, as of February 2010, commenced service as a United Express carrier. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of SkyWest, Inc. ASA operates...

, Comair

Comair

Comair is a wholly owned subsidiary of Delta Air Lines headquartered on the grounds of Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Airport in unincorporated Boone County, Kentucky, United States, west of Erlanger, and south of Cincinnati, Ohio...

, Mesaba

Mesaba Airlines

Mesaba Airlines is an American regional airline based in Eagan, Minnesota. The airline operates under Mesaba Aviation, Inc. a wholly owned subsidiary of Pinnacle Airlines Corporation...

, and Pinnacle

Pinnacle Airlines

Pinnacle Airlines, Inc. is an American regional airline, which is a subsidiary of Pinnacle Airlines Corp., and operates as Delta Connection for Delta Air Lines...

) || Bombardier CRJ-200, Bombardier CRJ-700, Bombardier CRJ-900, Embraer ERJ-145
|-
| Frontier Airlines

Frontier Airlines

Frontier Airlines, Inc., is an American airline headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, United States. The carrier, which is a subsidiary and operating brand of Republic Airways Holdings, operates flights to 83 destinations throughout the United States, Mexico, and Costa Rica and maintains hubs at...

|| Airbus A319, Airbus A320

Airbus A320

|-
| Frontier Airlines (Chautauqua

Chautauqua Airlines

and Republic Airlines

Republic Airlines

Republic Airline, Inc., operating as Republic Airlines is a regional airline subsidiary of Republic Airways Holdings that operates service as Frontier Airlines, Midwest Airlines and US Airways Express using a fleet of Bombardier Q400, Embraer 170, Embraer 175 and Embraer 190 aircraft...

) || Embraer ERJ-145, Embraer 170
|-
| Lufthansa

Lufthansa

Deutsche Lufthansa AG is the flag carrier of Germany and the largest airline in Europe in terms of overall passengers carried. The name of the company is derived from Luft , and Hansa .The airline is the world's fourth-largest airline in terms of overall passengers carried, operating...

|| Airbus A330-300, Airbus A340-300
|-
| Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines Co. is an American low-cost airline based in Dallas, Texas. Southwest is the largest airline in the United States, based upon domestic passengers carried,...

|| Boeing 737-300, Boeing 737-500, Boeing 737-700
|-
| United Airlines

United Airlines

|| Airbus A319, Airbus A320

Airbus A320

, Boeing 757-200
|-
| United Express

United Express

United Express is a brand name under which eight regional airlines operate feeder flights for United Airlines. They primarily connect smaller cities with United's domestic hub airports and “focus cities,” although they offer some point-to-point service such as Sacramento to Eureka.As of Sept...

(GoJet

GoJet Airlines

GoJet Airlines LLC is a company headquartered in Bridgeton, Missouri, United States and is wholly owned by Trans States Holdings with 570 employees. It operates commuter feeder services under the United Express name...

, Mesa

Mesa Airlines

Mesa Airlines, Inc. is an American regional airline based in Phoenix, Arizona. It is a FAA Part 121 certificated air carrier operating under air carrier certificate number MASA036A issued on June 29, 1979. It is a subsidiary of Mesa Air Group. It was known briefly as Mountain West Airlines from...

, and Trans States

Trans States Airlines

Trans States Airlines is the thirteenth largest American regional airline and is headquartered in Bridgeton, Missouri. It operates as United Express for United Airlines and US Airways Express for US Airways.- History :...

) || Bombardier CRJ-700, Embraer ERJ-145
|-
| US Airways

US Airways

|| Airbus A319, Airbus A320

Airbus A320

, Airbus A321, Airbus A330-200, Airbus A330-300, Boeing 737-300, Boeing 737-400, Boeing 757-200, Boeing 767-200, Embraer 190
|-
| US Airways Express

US Airways Express

US Airways Express is an airline brand name, rather than a fully certified airline, and as such, the US Airways Express name is used by several individually owned airlines or airline holding companies which provide regional airline and commuter service for US Airways.Operations are conducted from...

(Air Wisconsin

Air Wisconsin

Air Wisconsin Airlines Corporation is an airline based at Outagamie County Regional Airport in the town of Greenville, Wisconsin, United States, near Appleton. Air Wisconsin is the largest privately held regional airline in the United States...

, Chautauqua

Chautauqua Airlines

, Piedmont

Piedmont Airlines

Piedmont Airlines is an American regional airline operating for US Airways Express. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of the US Airways Group, headquartered in unincorporated Wicomico County, Maryland, near the city of Salisbury, it conducts flight operations using De Havilland Canada Dash 8 aircraft...

, PSA

PSA Airlines

PSA Airlines is an American regional airline headquartered at Dayton International Airport in Vandalia, Ohio, that flies under US Airways Express brand for US Airways. PSA is wholly owned by US Airways Group. PSA has crew bases in Knoxville, Tennessee, Charlotte, North Carolina and Dayton, Ohio...

, and Republic Airlines

Republic Airlines

) || Bombardier CRJ-200, Bombardier CRJ-700, De Havilland Dash 8-100, De Havilland Dash 8-300, Embraer ERJ-145, Embraer 170, Embraer 175
|}

Cargo Airlines

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Airlines !! Aircraft Used
|-
| Air Transport International

Air Transport International

Air Transport International LLC is an airline based in Little Rock, Arkansas, USA. It operates worldwide cargo and combi charters for the express package industry and freight forwarders, as well as for the United States Department of Defense and the automotive industry. It also wet-leases aircraft....

|| Douglas DC-8

Douglas DC-8

The Douglas DC-8 is a four-engined narrow-body passenger commercial jet airliner, manufactured from 1958 to 1972 by the Douglas Aircraft Company...

|-
| FedEx Express || Airbus A300

Airbus A300

The Airbus A300 is a short- to medium-range widebody jet airliner. Launched in 1972 as the world's first twin-engined widebody, it was the first product of Airbus Industrie, a consortium of European aerospace companies, wholly owned today by EADS...

, Airbus A310

Airbus A310

The Airbus A310 is a medium- to long-range twin-engine widebody jet airliner. Launched in July 1978, it was the second aircraft created by Airbus Industrie,a consortium of European aerospace companies, Airbus is now fully owned by EADS and since 2001 has been known as Airbus SAS. the consortium of...

, Boeing 727

Boeing 727

The Boeing 727 is a mid-size, narrow-body, three-engine, T-tailed commercial jet airliner, manufactured by Boeing. The Boeing 727 first flew in 1963, and for over a decade more were built per year than any other jet airliner. When production ended in 1984 a total of 1,832 aircraft had been produced...

, Boeing 757-200SF, McDonnell Douglas DC-10

McDonnell Douglas DC-10

The McDonnell Douglas DC-10 is a three-engine widebody jet airliner manufactured by McDonnell Douglas. The DC-10 has range for medium- to long-haul flights, capable of carrying a maximum 380 passengers. Its most distinguishing feature is the two turbofan engines mounted on underwing pylons and a...

, McDonnell Douglas MD-11F
|-
| UPS Airlines

UPS Airlines

UPS Airlines is an American cargo airline owned by United Parcel Service Inc. . The company is headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky. Its home airport is located at Louisville International Airport...

|| Airbus A300-600RF, Boeing 747-400F, Boeing 757-200PF, Boeing 767-300F, McDonnell Douglas MD-11F
|}

Incidents

On Wednesday, February 7, 2006, a UPS cargo plane suffered an in-flight cargo fire and made an emergency landing at Philadelphia International Airport after filling with smoke. There were no injuries other than smoke inhalation affecting the crew, but the plane burned on the ground for hours into the night, though most of the cargo survived, and the fuselage was a total loss, with multiple holes burned through the roof skin. According to the NTSB, the firefighting crew did not have adequate training on using their skin-piercing extinguishing equipment and, not knowing how to open the main cargo door, attempted to force the handle and broke the latch, rendering the door unopenable. There were also difficulties in obtaining the cargo manifest to determine what if any hazardous materials were on board, due to confusion about protocol. However, despite these failings, the airport staff, including the firefighting staff, managed the incident successfully without injury or major disruption of the airport. The NTSB suspected lithium ion batteries were the source of ignition and made recommendations for more stringent rules and restrictions on their air transport, especially on passenger aircraft (unlike this one). For a cause of the incident, the NTSB focused on the delayed indication of fire by the required onboard fire detection system and criticized the standards to which such systems are tested, noting that the tests use an empty cargo hold and do not represent the real-world performance of the detection systems with the hold full of cargo, which significantly changes the flow patterns of hot air and smoke. The crew and air traffic control personnel were found to have behaved properly (with minor exceptions) and not to be at fault for the incident or its outcome.

On Sunday, November 16, 2008, Flight 4551, a US Airways Express
US Airways Express
US Airways Express is an airline brand name, rather than a fully certified airline, and as such, the US Airways Express name is used by several individually owned airlines or airline holding companies which provide regional airline and commuter service for US Airways.Operations are conducted from...

deHavilland Dash-8 turboprop operated by Piedmont Airlines
Piedmont Airlines
Piedmont Airlines is an American regional airline operating for US Airways Express. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of the US Airways Group, headquartered in unincorporated Wicomico County, Maryland, near the city of Salisbury, it conducts flight operations using De Havilland Canada Dash 8 aircraft...

, took off from Lehigh Valley International Airport
Lehigh Valley International Airport
Lehigh Valley International Airport , formerly Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton International Airport, is a public airport in Hanover Township, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania....

at 8:20am heading to Philadelphia International Airport, had to make an emergency landing
Emergency landing
An emergency landing is a landing made by an aircraft in response to a crisis which either interferes with the operation of the aircraft or involves sudden medical emergencies necessitating diversion to the nearest airport.-Types of emergency landings:...

. The flight crew indicated that the front nose gear hadn't come down and had to make a flyover the runway
Runway
According to ICAO a runway is a "defined rectangular area on a land aerodrome prepared for the landing and take-off of aircraft." Runways may be a man-made surface or a natural surface .- Orientation and dimensions :Runways are named by a number between 01 and 36, which is generally one tenth...

for confirmation. Of 35 passengers and 3 crew, there were no injuries.

On Saturday November 7, 2009, an engine caught fire on a Delta MD-88 (flight 1016) originating from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport , known locally as Atlanta Airport, Hartsfield Airport, and Hartsfield–Jackson, is located seven miles south of the central business district of Atlanta, Georgia, United States...

going to Philadelphia International Airport. All 138 passengers were evacuated without injury.

On Friday, October 29, 2010, two UPS
United Parcel Service
United Parcel Service, Inc. , typically referred to by the acronym UPS, is a package delivery company. Headquartered in Sandy Springs, Georgia, United States, UPS delivers more than 15 million packages a day to 6.1 million customers in more than 220 countries and territories around the...

planes were searched for bombs, due to bombs being found on a UPS plane in East Midlands Airport, UK. The planes were searched because of the packages being from Yemen
Yemen
The Republic of Yemen , commonly known as Yemen , is a country located in the Middle East, occupying the southwestern to southern end of the Arabian Peninsula. It is bordered by Saudi Arabia to the north, the Red Sea to the west, and Oman to the east....

, which is also where the bombs were from in East Midlands. The two planes however, were found to have no suspicious items aboard.

On Monday, March 28, 2011, a US Airways
US Airways
US Airways, Inc. is a major airline based in the U.S. city of Tempe, Arizona. The airline is an operating unit of US Airways Group and is the sixth largest airline by traffic and eighth largest by market value in the country....

Boeing 737-400, flying from Philadelphia to Charlotte
Charlotte/Douglas International Airport
Charlotte Douglas International Airport is a joint civil-military public international airport located in Charlotte, North Carolina. Established in 1935 as Charlotte Municipal Airport, in 1954 the airport was renamed Douglas Municipal Airport after former Charlotte mayor Ben Elbert Douglas, Sr...

, appeared to have a bullet hole in the side of the fuselage. The bullet did not pierce through into the cabin and no injuries were reported.

External links

Philadelphia International Airport (official site)
- Flight information
- Terminal map and airlines
FAA Airport Diagram, effective 24 Sep 2009

The source of this article is wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. The text of this article is licensed under the GFDL.

History

World War II use

Modern use

Air traffic and rankings

Economic impact

Runway expansion

Ground transportation

Current airport improvement activity

Capacity Enhancement Program

Terminals

Terminal A West

Terminal A East

Terminals B and C

Terminal D

Terminal E

Terminal F (Concourses 1, 2, and 3)

Passenger

Cargo

Statistics

Passenger Airlines

Cargo Airlines

Incidents

See also

External links

External links