The City of Philadelphia Department of Aviation recently hosted its second State of the Airport, “Celebrating Wins, Embracing the Future,” at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Department of Aviation CEO Atif Saeed, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, and Philadelphia City Council President Kenyatta Johnson addressed leaders from across the Greater Philadelphia region on improvements made at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and Northeast Philadelphia Airport (PNE) over the last year and the pivotal role PHL and PNE play in welcoming millions of visitors to the Greater Philadelphia region. The Department of Aviation also unveiled PHL’s and PNE’s new brand.
“More than 30 million travelers pass through Philadelphia International Airport’s (PHL) gates every year,” said Philadelphia City Council President Kenyatta Johnson (Second District), who represents PHL Airport in City Council. “The PHL Airport is truly the Greater Delaware Valley’s front door to the world. PHL Airport is not just prepared for all of the events Philadelphia will be hosting in 2026, but our city is excited to welcome the world.”
Since the 2024 State of the Airport last September, the Department of Aviation has delivered on its strategic plan to be ready for 2026 and beyond with key enhancements at PHL including:
Improve Conditions of Current Facilities
- Completing eight restroom sets in Phase Five and commencing eight more to be complete in 2026 as part of Phase Six of the Restroom Renovation Program
- Installing new exit doors in Terminals D and E that welcome guests with Philadelphia murals
- Refreshing terminals inside and out with a major landscaping upgrade underway, new signage, carpets and seating in gate areas
Elevate Airport Experience
- Celebrating the American Airlines Flagship Lounge and Admirals Club in Terminal A-West; the opening of the Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club in the Terminal D/E Connector; and the additions of new “Founded in Philly” Oyster House and Federal Donuts and Chicken concessions in the B/C Food Court
- Launching the new Park PHL program with valet and Economy Lot reservation service
- Establishing the new Guest Experience Customer Care Team and strengthening the airport’s commitment to customer service with airport-wide PHL WORKS customer service training
Enhance Business Opportunities
- Hosting its third annual PHL Airport Concessions Academy – helping small, regional companies learn the ins and outs of operating at the airport and presenting its 13th annual Business Opportunity Forum which brings together more than 500 businesses in the Philadelphia area to network with staff and contractors and learn the dynamics of doing business with PHL and PNE.
Build for the Future
- Improving recruiting and hiring more than 100 new team members to fill essential positions, including facilities and maintenance
- Expanding non-stop service to Europe with American Airlines serving 19 destinations with the launch of new service to Budapest and Prague (coming 2026) and Edinburgh and Milan (2025)
- Welcoming new airline partner Aeroméxico and service to new domestic and international destinations
- At PNE, kicking off construction on the renovation of airport’s administration building
“Good things start here! It’s how we feel about our city, a city of firsts, and how we feel about our airports, the first stop for over 30 million travelers who come through our gates each year,” said Department of Aviation CEO Atif Saeed. “Our airports are a reflection of Philadelphia’s energy, progress, and pride. This is about renewing our commitment to the city we love. It’s about saying that, on the cusp of 250 years, we are still innovating, growing, and surprising people with what Philadelphia has to offer.”
