Completed projects at PHL helped welcome 8.6 million guests during Philly’s historic summer
PHILADELPHIA — The City of Philadelphia Department of Aviation has made major progress on the biggest reinvestment in its history: nearly $2 billion in modernization designed to improve the passenger journey and reflect the world-class city and region Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and Northeast Philadelphia Airport (PNE) serve. Through Transform PHL, the airports are upgrading the spaces and systems passengers rely on every day. A significant number of projects were completed at PHL to be ready for 2026. These are improving the passenger experience at every touchpoint including remodeled restrooms, new seating with integrated charging, upgraded terminal exits and signage, enhanced accessibility, and new automatic exit portals designed to make leaving the terminal faster and more secure.
Additional work will strengthen PHL’s baggage and utility systems, advance sustainability, and improve airfield infrastructure. Together, these projects are creating a more comfortable, accessible and reliable airport while keeping PHL operating throughout a complex, multi-year transformation.
We are making real, visible progress to improve the passenger journey while planning for the future of our airport,” said City of Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. “Nearly $2 billion in infrastructure improvements, expanded staffing, and award-winning customer service are all part of our work to build better airports that reflect the world-class city and region they serve.
“Passenger experience matters, and the improvements travelers can see throughout PHL are only the beginning as we map a long-term future for the airport,” said Department of Aviation CFO and Interim CEO Tracy Borda. “New restrooms, seating with charging capabilities, exits, lighting and accessibility enhancements are serving travelers today. PHL is changing in real time, and we are continuing to make improvements.”
“We dramatically accelerated our capital program over the last two years,” said Api Appulingam, Department of Aviation Chief Development Officer. “Historically we have invested about $150 million a year in our capital projects and last year we doubled that to $301 million and are on track to maintain that level this year. We recognize the need and are building efficiency into our program to deliver more critical improvements.”
The progress comes as airport satisfaction and the passenger experience are expected to receive renewed national attention with the pending release of the 2026 J.D. Power North America Airport Satisfaction Study. The study evaluates many of the same areas PHL is actively improving, including ease of travel, terminal facilities, departure and arrival experience, and food, beverage and retail.
J.D. Power has previously reported that passenger satisfaction rises when airports complete renovations and create a stronger sense of place. “PHL is in the midst of that work, not at the end of it, and the Airport recognizes that construction itself can affect a traveler’s experience. Each completed project, however, moves PHL closer to a more seamless journey and gives passengers new ways to experience the transformation for themselves,” said Borda.
Transform PHL is funded through airline revenue, federal and state grants, facility charges, and bonds, not local tax dollars. The program also supports Philadelphia’s competitiveness as the city prepares to welcome visitors for major national and international events and invests in its long- term economic future.
Passengers can learn more about Transform PHL and current projects at phl.org/transform.
