Philadelphia International Airport is having a highly decorated year.
In 2026, the Department of Aviation and its leadership team have been recognized with an unprecedented number of local, national, and international awards, earning honors for environmental stewardship, infrastructure innovation, executive leadership, marketing excellence, employee engagement, and customer experience.
The recognition reflects a period of significant momentum for PHL as the airport continues to invest in modernization projects, expand global connectivity, strengthen community partnerships, and enhance the traveler experience.
“This year’s awards tell the story of an airport that is evolving on every front,” said Tracy Borda, interim CEO of Philadelphia International Airport. “They reflect the dedication of thousands of employees, partners, airlines, concessionaires, and stakeholders who work every day to serve the traveling public and strengthen Philadelphia’s position as a global gateway.”
Infrastructure and environmental stewardship
Among the year’s most notable achievements was the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence, presented by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection for the Tidal Wetland Creation at Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) Park. The joint project with the Department of Recreation and Fairmount Park Conservancy also earned an Engineering Excellence Award from the American Council of Engineering Companies of New York, highlighting the airport’s leadership in environmental restoration and resilience.
PHL also received recognition for innovation and infrastructure improvements. The airport’s Terminal D and E Secure Exit Lanes Upgrade Project was named Project of the Year in Technology and Innovation by the Construction Management Association of America Mid-Atlantic Chapter. The project improved security operations while enhancing the passenger experience, demonstrating how strategic investments can benefit both travelers and airport operations.
Leadership
The airport’s leadership team was honored as well. Allen Mehta, Chief Information Officer, was inducted into the Philadelphia Titan 100 Hall of Fame. Cassie Schmid, PHL’s Chief Strategy Officer, received the Philadelphia Business Journal’s Corporate Leadership Award, while Api Appulingam, Chief Development Officer, was named Airport Executive of the Year by the Northeast Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives.
Championing the airport’s brand
PHL’s communications and marketing efforts also attracted national attention. PHL won a silver award for Best Rebranding Effort- Visual Identity Refresh from the Titan Awards.
The airport earned multiple Stevie American Business Awards, including Gold Awards for its Aeromexico campaign and PHL WORKS employee engagement initiative. The Aeromexico campaign helped strengthen connections with Philadelphia’s Mexican and Hispanic communities while supporting international air service growth.
The PHL WORKS Airport Community Pep Rally was recognized for bringing together employees from across the airport business stakeholders around a shared commitment to customer service and operational excellence.
Additional Stevie Awards recognized the airport’s Park PHL marketing campaign and the popular PHL Fan Zone, created by the airport’s concessions partner, Marketplace PHL, an Eagles-themed activation that transformed airport space into an engaging destination for travelers. The Fan Zone also earned a Moodie Award for Best Direct Engagement Through Social and Digital Media, underscoring its success in connecting with audiences both on-site and online.
A World Record
Adding a uniquely Philadelphia chapter to the year, PHL and Marketplace PHL captured a Guinness World Record by assembling the world’s longest line of cheesesteaks—1,291 in total—an achievement that generated international media attention while celebrating one of the city’s most iconic traditions.
Taken individually, each award recognizes a distinct accomplishment. Together, they paint a picture of an airport that is investing in its future while delivering results today.
As Philadelphia prepares for a decade of major events, increased tourism, and continued economic growth, PHL’s record-setting year offers evidence that the airport is positioning itself not only as a transportation hub, but as one of the region’s most innovative and impactful public assets.
For Philadelphia International Airport, 2026 will likely be remembered as the year excellence across every aspect of the organization received national recognition.
