Beginning May 22, access to Philadelphia International Airport’s facilities will be limited to those with airport business, including badged employees, ticketed passengers and people who are transporting those with airport business. The regulation is consistent with policies implemented in other major airports, including New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Dallas.

PHL is among many airports in the country dealing with the difficult balancing act of engaging individuals without shelter with compassion, while keeping passengers, employees and the facility safe. The COVID-19 pandemic has created an unprecedented strain on social services throughout the region. PHL’s leadership team has worked closely with the City's Office of Homeless Services and the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services to coordinate outreach services and engage individuals experiencing homelessness at PHL to get them the assistance they need.

To that end, the airport is moving toward a solution that meets the needs of these individuals for a safe place to stay and other supports, while allowing the airport to fulfill its primary mandate -- to maintain and operate a functional facility that enables safe air travel.