1960s 

In the late 1960s, the City and the airlines based at PHL began intensive planning for a vast improvement project to meet the challenges of the jet age. Subsequently, the City of Philadelphia Division of Aviation erected new passenger and airfield facilities to meet the needs of the traveling public. 

The scheduled airlines were also committed to a massive airport modernization and development project, which created the present airport facility. 

1970s 

The keystone of the project, a $22 million all-weather runway (9R-27L), including related high-speed taxiways, was dedicated on December 11, 1972 

The airport's $3 million Overseas Terminal opened in April 1973. This facility handled international and charter flights until the new Richardson Dilworth International Terminal replaced it. 

In spring 1977, the $300 million modernization and development of the domestic terminal area was completed, replacing the "central type" terminal with four-unit terminals (B, C, D, and E). 

The project also included the erection of two multi-level parking garages, costing $24 million, financed through the issuance of revenue bonds by the Philadelphia Parking Authority.