Philadelphia Airports: How Many Are There, and What They Power

Philadelphia’s skyline is defined not only by its historic architecture but by the dynamic uncertainty of its air corridors—where terminals span a unique duality of capacity, location, and purpose across multiple airports. With regional influence stretching across Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey, and the Delaware Valley, the region’s aviation infrastructure is anchored by two primary commercial hubs and a network of smaller, specialized facilities. Understanding the number and roles of these airports reveals far more than simple statistics—it illuminates the pulse of economic connectivity, transportation strategy, and future growth across a major metropolitan area.

The Two Main Commercial Airports: Philadelphia International & Newark Liberty

At the heart of Philadelphia’s aviation system are two principal commercial airports: - **Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)** - **Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)** — though operated largely by New Jersey, it is functionally a key gateway serving Philadelphia’s broader metropolitan region. Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) stands as the region’s primary air traffic hub. - Located approximately 9 miles southwest of downtown Philadelphia in Chester County, PHL spans over 2,800 acres and features five runways, endless gate capacity, and modernized terminal infrastructure.

- Classified as a hub by American Airlines, PHL handled over 30 million passengers in 2023, making it one of the busiest U.S. airports by passenger volume. - Its strategic centrality in the Northeast Corridor ensures frequent domestic flights to major cities and a growing list of international destinations spanning Europe, Canada, and the Caribbean.

- With more than 50 airlines operating from PHL, including United, Delta, Southwest, and international carriers, its role as a connector between East Coast cities and global markets remains unparalleled. Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), though administratively based in New Jersey, serves Philadelphia’s commuter base extensively due to its proximity and extensive rail and highway links. - Located just 15 miles east of Philadelphia’s core, EWR operates as one of the region’s most critical air gateways.

- With two major terminals and over 150 gates, EWR processes more than 22 million passengers annually—ranking among the top 20 busiest airports in the U.S. - As a primary hub for United Airlines, it features strong cross-Atlantic services to London, Dublin, and Frankfurt, along with robust domestic routes to New York, Chicago, and the South. - Its integration with Amtrak, NJ Transit, and the PATCO Speedline makes EWR a linchpin in multi-modal travel across the tri-state area.

Though Philadelphia International and Newark define the commercial story, regional connectivity is further strengthened by smaller but vital airports.

The Regional Network: Lehigh Valley, Camden County, and Beyond

Beyond the major hubs, Pennsylvania and New Jersey share a constellation of mid-sized airports supporting business, med evac, and general aviation. - **Lehigh Valley Airport (ABE)**: Serving Allentown and the Lehigh Valley, ABE boasts commercial service from American Eagle, offering direct flights to Charlotte, Dallas, and Philadelphia—designed to feed into larger regional networks.

- **Camden County Airport (CAM)** and **Medford Airport (MFD)**: Primarily supporting private, corporate, and firefighting aircraft, these airports play essential roles in emergency response and local economic activity, with infrastructure upgraded to meet modern safety and accessibility standards. - **Erie Airport (ERG)** and **Trenton Municipal Airport (URE)** add further reach,