When visitors from around the world arrive in Philadelphia in 2026, the managers at Philadelphia International Airport hope they can make a good first impression, writes Mike De Nardo for KYW Newsradio.
To help them along, upgrades worth half a billion dollars are coming to the airport.
“The focus of the $500 million is passenger-facing infrastructure,” said PHL Airport Chief Development Officer Api Appulingam.
They already opened eight state-of-the-art restrooms in 2025, and eight more are coming in 2026.
Waiting areas will have new chairs and carpeting.
“We’re updating the seating to include charging outlets because we know that’s really important,” she said.
Allegiant Airlines will begin service at PHL in 2026. American Airlines will have new routes to Budapest and Prague.
Beginning this summer, the airport will have World Cup viewing lounges.
There will also be a year-long art exhibit featuring students from Constitution High School.
PHL has been at the bottom of a J.D. Power customer satisfaction survey for five years in a row. PHL staff hope the upgrades change that.
“That is our goal, and that is our hope,” Appulingam.
Read more about the $500 million in upgrades at the Philadelphia International Airport at KYW Newsradio.
