Discover 5+ Major Airports in Pennsylvania (2024)

Pennsylvania is a U.S. state covering the Mid-Atlantic, Northeastern, Appalachian, and Great Lake regions. It is the 5th most populous state in the country.

The state of Pennsylvania features beautiful landscapes, higher mountains, dense forests, picturesque farms, and other scenic beauties.

If you are traveling to or within Pennsylvania, there are several airports located in different cities. The state features some of the major airports including primary commercial, and smaller regional airports.

In this article, we will explore all the airports in Pennsylvania, including their locations, amenities, services, airlines, destinations, travel tips, and more.

What are the major airports in Pennsylvania?

There are more than 200 airports in Pennsylvania including international airports, regional airports, private airfields, and other smaller airports.

You can find a total of 14 passenger service airports in the state out of which 5 are international airports.

Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), Pittsburgh International Airport, Harrisburg International Airport, Lehigh Valley International Airport, and Wilkes-Bare/Scranton International Airport are the major commercial airports in the state.

Now, let’s explore these airports in detail.

Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)

Philadelphia Int’l Airport (ICAO: KPHL, IATA: PHL, FAA LID: PHL) is the biggest international airport in Pennsylvania. The airport is owned, and operated by the Philadelphia Department of Aviation.

Located in Delaware County, the airport serves Delaware Valley with regular commercial flights. PHL is the primary hub for American Airlines, and UPS Airlines while it is also a focus city for Frontier Airlines.

Related: Explore American Airlines Terminal at PHL Airport

PHL occupies a total area of 2,302 acres (932 ha), and features four asphalt runways: 8/26 (5,001 ft.), 9L/27R (9,500 ft.), 9R/27L (12,000 ft.), and 17/35 (6,500 ft.).

The airport has six terminals, namely Terminal A, Terminal B, Terminal C, Terminal D, Terminal E, and Terminal F, each providing modern facilities to passengers. Terminal A is further divided into two sections – Terminal A-West and Terminal A-East – and both offer a variety of amenities to travelers. 

Terminals B and C are connected by a shopping mall and food court, making it easy for passengers to navigate and find everything they need in one place.

PHL Amenities, and Services

• Baggage Services
• Lost & Found
• TSA Security Screening
• Mothers’ Nursing Stations
• Adult Assisted Care Restrooms
• Liberty USO
• Airline Lounges, and Concierge Services
• Charging Stations
• Free Wi-Fi
• Kids Corner
• ATM Banking Service
• Animal Relief Areas
• Airport Parking
• Car Rental Services, and more.

Terminal A – West

• Airlines – Aer Lingus, British Airways, Lufthansa, Eurowings Discover, and Qatar Airways
• Shopping Options – Hudson News, Duty-Free by 3Sixty, Evolve, LEGO, and more.
• Dining Options – Chickie’s & Pete’s, Dunkin’, La Tapenade

Terminal A – East

• Airlines – American Airlines
• Shopping Options – Kylie Cosmetics, Duty-Free by 3Sixty, and Stellar News
• Dining Options – Jack Duggan’s Pub & Restaurant, Currito Burrito, Yummy Pretzels, 

Terminal B/C

• Airlines – American Airlines
• Shopping Options – Johnston & Murphy, Heritage Books, Brighton Collectibles, InMotion Entertainment, Pandora, Brooks Brothers, Sunglass Hut, Tumi, and Time to Fly 
• Dining Options – Cibo Bistro & Wine Bar (B), Subway (B/C), Chick-Fil-A (B/C), Vino Volo (B/C), Philly PHLavors (B/C), Sky Asian Bistro (C), Jamba Juice, and more.  

Terminal D

• Airlines – Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Spirit Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, and United Airlines
• Shopping Options – Sound, Tech Showcase, Tumi, Lids & Lids Kids, and Life is Good
• Dining Options – Auntie Anne’s, Jamba Juice, Earl of Sandwich (D/E), Currito Burrito (D/E), Chickie’s & Pete’s (D/E), Vino Volo (D/E), Good 2 Go (D/E), and more.

Terminal E

• Airlines – Frontier Airlines, JetBlue, and Southwest Airlines
• Shopping Options – Pennsylvania Market, Sound, and Kiehl’s
• Dining Options – Yummy Pretzels, Chickie’s & Pete’s

Terminal F

• Airlines – American Eagle, Contour Airlines
• Shopping Options – Hudson News, 5th & Sunset, Sound Balance, and FuelRod
• Dining Options – Good 2 Go, Philly Pretzel Factory, Smashburger, Sbarro, Le Bus Cafe, Qdoba, Tony Luke’s, Local Tavern, re:vive, and more.

Lounges at PHL Airport

• American Airlines Admirals Club – Terminal A-East, Terminal A-West, Terminal B/C Connector, and Terminal F
• American Express Centurion Lounge – Terminal A-West
• British Airways Galleries Club Lounge – Terminal A-West
• Delta Sky Club – Terminal D/E Connector
• United Club – Terminal C/D Link
• Minute Suites – Terminal A/B Link
• Sky Squad – Terminal A-East, and Terminal B/C

Airlines at PHL Airport

There are several national, and international airlines operating flights to domestic, and international routes from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL).

• U.S. Airlines at PHL – Alaska Airlines, American Airlines/American Eagle, Contour Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, and United Airlines.
• International Airlines at PHL – Aer Lingus, Air Canada, British Airways, Lufthansa, Eurowings Discover, and Qatar Airways.

Top 10 Busiest Domestic Routes from PHL – Orlando, Atlanta, Chicago–O’Hare, Miami, Dallas/Fort Worth, Boston, Charlotte, Fort Lauderdale, Los Angeles, and Phoenix–Sky Harbor.

Top 10 International Routes from PHL – Cancun, London–Heathrow, Doha, Montego Bay, Punta Cana, Dublin, Toronto–Pearson, Oranjestad, Nassau, and Athens.

PHL Airport Travel Tips

Here are some of the important travel tips which you can follow when traveling via PHL Airport for an enhanced experience.

• Plan ahead: Make sure to plan your trip well in advance, including booking your flight, arranging ground transportation, and packing your luggage.
• Arrive early: Arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before your flight’s scheduled departure time to allow for check-in, security screening, and boarding.
• Check your flight status: Keep an eye on your flight’s status to ensure that there are no delays or cancellations. You can do this through the airline’s website or mobile app.
• Know the airport layout: Familiarize yourself with the airport’s layout, including the location of your terminal, gates, baggage claim, and other amenities.
• Pack smart: Make sure to pack your carry-on bags in a way that complies with TSA regulations, including restrictions on liquids, gels, and other items.
• Take advantage of airport amenities: PHL offers a wide range of amenities, including shops, restaurants, lounges, and even a yoga room. Take advantage of these facilities to make your time at the airport more comfortable and enjoyable.
• Consider parking options: PHL offers a variety of parking options, including short-term, long-term, and economy lots. Consider which option is best for your needs and budget.
• Stay connected: Stay connected with friends and family using the airport’s free Wi-Fi, available throughout the terminal. You can also charge your devices at one of the many charging stations located throughout the airport.

If you are traveling with your pets via PHL Airport, make sure you are following the pet travel policies of the respective airlines. For detailed information on pet travel policies, you can refer to the following articles.

• American Airlines Pet Travel Policy
• Alaska Airlines Pet Travel Policy
• Delta Air Lines Pet Travel Policy
• Frontier Airlines Pet Travel Policy
• JetBlue Pet Travel Policy
• Southwest Airlines Pet Travel Policy
• Spirit Airlines Pet Travel Policy
• United Airlines Pet Travel Policy

Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT)

Pittsburgh Int’l Airport (ICAO: KPIT, IATA: PIT, FAA LID: PIT) is one of the primary commercial airports in Pennsylvania located 10 miles west of downtown Pittsburgh. The airport is owned by Allegheny County, and operated by Allegheny County Airport Authority.

Located at an elevation of 1,202 ft (366 m) AMSL, PIT airport serves Pittsburgh Metropolitan Area with commercial operations. It is the primary hub for Southwest Airways Express, and also the focus city for Allegiant Air.

PIT covers a total area of 10,000 acres (4,000 ha), and is equipped with 4 asphalt/concrete runways: Concrete Rwy 10R/28L (11,500 ft.), Asphalt/Concrete Rwy 10C/28C (10,775 ft.), Asphalt/Concrete Rwy 10L/28R (10,502 ft.), and Concrete Rwy 14/32 (8,101 ft.)

The airport infrastructure features a terminal building that holds four Concourses: Concourse A, Concourse B, Concourse C, and Concourse D.

Concourse A

• Airlines – Southwest Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, and United Airlines
• Shopping Options – Gaby et Jules, GNC
• Dining Options – Local Craft, Penn Brewery, Auntie Anne’s, and Cinnabon

Concourse B

• Airlines – Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, JetBlue, Southern Airways Express, and Spirit Airlines
• Shopping Options – River Market by Hudson, and Hudson Booksellers
• Dining Options – Joe & The Juice, Bruegger’s Bagels, Burgh Sportz Bar

Concourse C

• Airlines – Air Canada, and British Airways
• Shopping Options – FuelRods Kiosk

Concourse D

• Airlines – Breeze Airways, Delta Air Lines, and Frontier Airlines
• Shopping Options – CNN Newstand
• Dining Options – Friday’s Pub, Burgh Sportz Bar

Note: There are more dining, and shopping options in the Airside, and Landside areas.

Airlines at PIT Airport

Various national/international passenger airlines, and cargo carriers operate regular flights to and from PIT Airport connecting to several domestic, and international destinations.

U.S. Airlines at PIT Airport – Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Breeze Airways, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Southern Airways Express, Spirit Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, and United Airlines

International Airlines at PIT Airport – Air Canada, and British Airways

Top 10 Domestic Routes from PIT – Atlanta, Charlotte, Orlando, Chicago–O’Hare, Denver, Dallas/Fort Worth, New York–LaGuardia, Chicago–Midway, Boston, and Newark.

Top International Routes – London–Heathrow, and Toronto–Pearson

Harrisburg International Airport (MDT)

Harrisburg Int’l Airport (ICAO: KMDT, IATA: MDT, FAA LID: MDT) is the third busiest airport in Pennsylvania located in Middletown, a borough in Dauphin County. The airport is owned, and operated by Susquehanna Area Regional Airport Authority.

Located at an elevation of 310 ft (94 m) AMSL, MDT Airport serves Harrisburg, the capital city of Pennsylvania. A total of 6 commercial airlines operate regular passenger flights to and from the airport while there are cargo operations executed by 4 cargo operators.

MDT Airport covers a total area of 680 acres (280 ha), and features a single asphalt runway 13/31 (10,001 by 200 ft).

The airport infrastructure is equipped with a terminal building featuring three floors. The First Floor offers ticket counters, baggage claim service, and an information desk. Security Checkpoint, Concessions, arrival/departures, and boarding gates are located on the second floor. The third floor of the terminal building is allocated for airport administration offices, conference rooms, and observation desks.

MDT Airport Services and Amenities

• Baggage Services
• TSA Security Screening
• Lost & Found
• Accessibility & Assistance
• Shopping and Dining Options
• Free Wi-Fi Access
• Mamava Nursing/Pumping Pod
• Airport Parking
• Car Rental
• Ground Transportation, and more.

Concourse A

• Dining Options – Philips Seafood, and Subway

Concourse B

• Shopping Options – Hudson News
• Dining Options – Starbucks Coffee, and Capital Cafe

Concourse C 

• Dining Options – Auntie Anne’s, and Dunkin’ Donuts

Airlines at MDT Airport

Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, and United Airlines are the major airlines operating out of Harrisburg International Airport (MDT).

AIRLINES AT MDT AIRPORT	NON-STOP DESTINATIONS
Allegiant Air	Myrtle Beach (MYR-Seasonal), Nashville (BNA), Punta Gorda, FL (PGD), Sanford-Orlando (SFB), Sarasota-Bradenton (SRQ), Tampa-St. Pete (PIE) and Ft. Lauderdale (FLL-Seasonal)
American Airlines	Boston (BOS)Chicago O’ Hare (ORD)Charlotte (CLT)Dallas Fort Worth (DFW), and Philadelphia (PHL)
Delta Air Lines	Atlanta (ATL), and Detroit (DTW)
Frontier Airlines	Denver (DEN-Seasonal), and Orlando (MCO-Seasonal)
United Airlines	Chicago–O’Hare (ORD), and Newark (EWR)

Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE)

Lehigh Valley Int’l Airport (ICAO: KABE, IATE: ABE, FAA LID: ABE) is also one of the major commercial airports in Pennsylvania. The airport is owned, and operated by Lehigh–Northampton Airport Authority.

Located at an elevation of 393 ft (120 m) AMSL, the airport serves Lehigh Valley with commercial flights to several domestic destinations. It is also one of the focus airports for Allegiant Air.

Covering a total area of 2,267 acres (922 ha), ABE airport features two asphalt runways: Rwy 6/24 (7,599 by 150 ft), and Rwy 13/31 (5,800 by 150 ft).

The airport features a terminal building that facilitates passengers traveling to various destinations.

Lehigh Airport Amenities and Services

• Baggage Services
• TSA PreCheck
• Lost & Found
• Airport Parking
• Ground Transportation
• Car Rental Services
• Dining, and Shopping Options, and more.

Allegiant Air, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and American Airlines are the major U.S. airlines operating non-stop flights to various domestic destinations from ABE Airport.

AIRLINES AT ABE AIRPORT	NON-STOP DESTINATIONS
Allegiant Air	Fort Lauderdale/ Hollywood (FLL), Punta Gorda (PGD), Myrtle Beach (MYR), Nashville (BNA), Orlando Sanford (SFB), Sarasota/ Bradenton (SRQ), Savannah/ Hilton Head (SAV), and St. Pete/ Clearwater (PIE)
American Airlines	Charlotte (CLT), Chicago O’Hare (ORD), and Philadelphia (PHL)
Delta Air Lines	Atlanta (ATL)
United Airlines	Chicago O’Hare (ORD), and Newark (EWR)

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport (AVP)

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (ICAO: KAVP, IATA: AVP, FAA LID: AVP) is the fifth-largest commercial airport in Pennsylvania that is located in Pittston Township, a township in Luzerne County. It is owned/operated by Luzerne, and Lackawanna Counties.

Located at an elevation of 962 ft (293 m) AMSL, the airport serves Wilkes-Barre, Scranton, and Wyoming Valley

AVP Airport covers a total area of 910 acres (368 ha), and features two asphalt runways: Rwy 4/22 (7,502 by 150 ft), and Rwy 10/28 (4,300 by 150 ft).

Services offered by AVP Airport

• Baggage Services
• Security Screening
• Airport Parking
• Ground Transportation
• Fooding and Lodging
• Car Rental Services, and more.

Airlines at AVP Airport

American Airlines, and United Airlines are the only two carriers operating flights to some domestic destinations from AVP Airport.

AIRLINES AT AVP AIRPORT	DESTINATIONS
American Airlines	Charlotte (Seasonal)
American Eagle	Charlotte, and Chicago–O’Hare
United Express	Chicago–O’Hare, and Newark

Regional Airports in Pennsylvania

In addition to the major commercial airports in Pennsylvania, there are several other regions, and smaller airports in the state. These airports serve various cities, and regions within the state.

Some important regional airports in Pennsylvania are listed below.

• Arnold Palmer Regional Airport (LBE) – Serves the Latrobe, and Greensburg areas of Western Pennsylvania
• University Park Airport (SCE) – Serves the State College area, and central Pennsylvania
• Williamsport Regional (IPT) – Serves the Williamsport area of north-central Pennsylvania
• Erie International/Tom Ridge Field Airport (ERI) – Serves the Erie metropolitan area and northwestern Pennsylvania.
• Lancaster Airport (LNS) – Serves the Lancaster area of southeastern Pennsylvania.
• Bradford Regional Airport (BFD) – Serves the Bradford area and northwestern Pennsylvania.
• DuBois Regional Airport (DUJ) – Serves the DuBois area and northwest Pennsylvania.
• Altoona-Blair County Airport (AOO) – Serves the Altoona and Blair County areas of central Pennsylvania.
• John Murtha Johnstown-Cambria County Airport (JST) – Serves the Johnstown and Cambria County areas of western Pennsylvania.

What is the best airport to fly out of in Pennsylvania?

When considering the optimal airport to depart from in Pennsylvania, there are several key elements that come into play, including your location, travel itinerary, and individual preferences.

If your whereabouts are situated in the western region of the state, Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) could be the most suitable alternative for your departure. It stands as the busiest airport in western Pennsylvania and extends nonstop flights to numerous domestic and international destinations.

However, if you find yourself in the eastern part of the state, Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) may be more fitting. It boasts the highest capacity of any airport in the state and grants nonstop flights to destinations across the globe.

For those situated in the central region of the state, Harrisburg International Airport (MDT) might be the most favorable choice. It provides a range of domestic flights and some international routes.

In the end, the top airport to fly out of in Pennsylvania hinges on your travel plans and current location. It’s advisable to compare flight options and prices from multiple airports to secure the most optimal deal for your voyage.

Conclusion on Airports in Pennsylvania

In conclusion, Pennsylvania is home to several international and regional airports, each offering unique amenities and services to travelers. Whether you are flying for business or leisure, these airports provide convenient options for accessing different parts of the state and beyond.

The major international airports like Philadelphia International Airport, Pittsburgh International Airport, and Harrisburg International Airport provide a wide range of services and amenities including restaurants, shopping, and currency exchange. These airports are served by major airlines like Delta, United, and American, offering nonstop flights to destinations both within the United States and around the world.

Meanwhile, regional airports like Erie International/Tom Ridge Field Airport, Lancaster Airport, Bradford Regional Airport, Dubois Regional Airport, Altoona-Blair County Airport, and John Murtha Johnstown-Cambria County Airport offer convenient access to specific regions of the state.

When traveling to any of these airports, it is important to plan ahead and arrive early to ensure a stress-free travel experience. Checking flight status, packing smart, and taking advantage of airport amenities can also help make your trip more comfortable and enjoyable.

Overall, Pennsylvania’s airports provide a variety of options for travelers, whether they are heading to a big city or a small town. With a little bit of planning and preparation, flying in and out of these airports can be a breeze.

FAQs on Airports in Pennsylvania