Philadelphia International Airport Live Cam

The Philadelphia International Airport is one of the largest airports on the East Coast of the United States and serves as the primary airport for the city of Philadelphia and the Delaware Valley region. Here's a brief overview of the airport's history:

• The airport was originally called the Philadelphia Municipal Airport and opened in 1925. It was located in what is now Eastwick, a neighborhood in Southwest Philadelphia.
• In 1940, the airport was renamed Philadelphia International Airport and became a hub for Trans World Airlines (TWA). It was during this time that the airport's iconic control tower, designed by architect William Pereira, was built.
• In the 1950s and 1960s, the airport underwent significant expansion and modernization. New terminals and runways were built, and international flights began operating out of the airport.
• In the 1970s and 1980s, the airport continued to grow, with the addition of more airlines and the construction of a new international terminal. The airport also became a hub for US Airways (formerly known as USAir).
• In 1994, the airport opened a new terminal, Terminal E, which was designed by famous architect Rafael Viñoly. This terminal is used exclusively by US Airways (now part of American Airlines).
• In 2001, the airport became the site of one of the most infamous incidents in American history when four terrorists hijacked United Airlines Flight 93, which was bound for San Francisco. The passengers fought back against the terrorists, and the plane crashed in a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, killing everyone on board.
• In the years following the 9/11 attacks, the airport underwent significant security upgrades to prevent similar incidents from happening again.

Today, Philadelphia International Airport serves more than 30 million passengers each year and is a hub for American Airlines. It has seven terminals and is located about 7 miles southwest of downtown Philadelphia.

• The airport's original terminal building, which was built in the Art Deco style, is still standing today and has been repurposed as office space for airport employees.
• In the 1980s, the airport was the subject of a major expansion project known as the "Philadelphia Plan." This involved the construction of a new international terminal, a new parking garage, and a new commuter terminal, as well as upgrades to the existing terminals and runways.
• In 1992, the airport became the first airport in the United States to install an automated baggage handling system, which was designed to increase efficiency and reduce delays.
• In 2015, the airport completed a $900 million renovation of its terminals, which included upgrades to the food and retail offerings, the addition of new seating areas, and the installation of new technology, such as touch-screen directories and charging stations.
• Today, the airport is a major economic engine for the region, generating billions of dollars in economic activity and supporting tens of thousands of jobs. It is also home to several aviation-related companies, including American Airlines' Northeastern hub operations center and Boeing's helicopter division.
• In recent years, the airport has also been working to become more environmentally sustainable. In 2021, it announced plans to build a solar farm on airport property that will generate enough energy to power 13,000 homes. The airport has also implemented other sustainability initiatives, such as the use of electric buses and the installation of energy-efficient lighting.

Philadelphia International Airport Geography

Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the eastern United States. It is situated about 7 miles (11 km) southwest of downtown Philadelphia and covers an area of approximately 2,370 acres (960 hectares).

The airport has seven terminals, lettered A through F (with no terminal E), that are connected by shuttle buses and moving walkways. Terminals A-East and A-West serve primarily domestic airlines, while Terminals B, C, and D serve both domestic and international airlines. Terminal F is used exclusively by Southwest Airlines.

The airport has four runways, with the longest being 12,000 feet (3,658 meters) in length. These runways allow the airport to accommodate a wide variety of aircraft, including commercial airliners, private jets, and military aircraft.

In addition to the airport itself, there are several other transportation options available to travelers, including taxi and rideshare services, public buses, and a rail connection to downtown Philadelphia via the SEPTA Airport Line. The airport also has several parking options, including an economy lot, a garage, and a valet service.

The airport covers a large area and is surrounded by a mix of residential and industrial areas.

To the north of the airport is the Eastwick neighborhood, which is primarily residential and is home to several parks, schools, and churches. To the south of the airport is the Tinicum Township, which is mostly industrial and includes a large oil refinery and several warehouses and distribution centers.

The airport is also located near several major highways, including Interstate 95 and Interstate 76, which provide easy access to downtown Philadelphia and other destinations in the region.

In recent years, the area surrounding the airport has seen some development, including the construction of a new hotel and conference center and the expansion of several industrial parks. However, the area still faces some economic and social challenges, including poverty, crime, and environmental concerns related to the nearby industrial facilities.