As the busy summer travel season kicks off and the number of travelers continues to rise, Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is working on major upgrades to improve the guest experience. With flights arriving and departing from across the globe, the airport is focused on enhancing comfort, convenience, and accessibility from curb to gate. One of PHL's major improvement projects is the Restroom Renovation Program. This is significant to PHL's commitment to improve the guest experience ahead of major events in 2026, such as the FIFA World Cup and the 250th anniversary of the United States.
The goal of Phases 5-8 of the program is to modernize 29 existing restroom sets throughout the airport with a focus on quality, maintainability and cleanliness. Phase 5 consists of a new custodial operations center, eight reconstructed restroom sets, a new lactation suite and service animal relief area, all to be completed by July 2025. In line with this initiative, PHL has already completed construction of the new custodial operations center and upgrades of four restroom sets with locations at –A-East Baggage Claim, A-West Ticketing, the Terminal C gate area and A-West Customs Hall.
The newly renovated restrooms feature a modern design with neutral colors, touchless amenities, and smart technology. In order to accommodate travelers of all ages and needs, new restrooms include baby changes, built-in stepstools for children, assisted changing rooms, all-gender companion care rooms, water bottle filling stations, and ambulatory and handicap accessible private stalls with occupancy indicators. Restrooms located post-security, such the ones in Terminal C and A-West Customs Hall, have advanced technology features such as Avius tablets that allow users to rate their experience as happy, neutral, or sad and smart TVs that provide directional information to guide passengers to the next available restroom.
Custodial Operations Center
Also included in the Restroom Renovation Program was a new custodial operations center located in Terminal A-East. The new space includes five offices, two cubicles, a hoteling area with desks, and a conference room for managers and supervisors. Additionally, the space includes a supervisor's breakroom and staff breakroom, each with their own kitchenette/pantry areas, a men's restroom, women's restroom, and a shower room.
A-East Baggage Claim Restroom
The new 1,900 square feet restroom opened in the baggage claim section of Terminal A-East on March 4. To read more, click here.
A-West Ticketing Restroom Set
The upgraded restrooms in A-West Ticketing, located in the international departures' terminal, highlight the airport’s commitment to provide modern amenities in high-traffic areas.
Terminal C Gate Area Restroom
The restrooms in Terminal C, located near gates C28 and C30. The restrooms have Avius tablets for user feedback and smart TVs to provide directional guidance.
A-West Customs Hall Restroom
The latest airport restrooms opened inside PHL’s A-West Customs Hall on April 29. These facilities also offer Avius tablets and smart TVs, helping international travelers navigate the airport more smoothly.
“I’ve been working on the restroom program for nine years, and this is a completely different design with a whole new aesthetic,” said HNTB Project Manager Julie Coyle. “A big part of the design process has focused on how we can make these restrooms stronger and more durable by using more robust materials that hold up better over time. We’re excited about the results and confident this innovative approach will set a new standard for the future.”
Looking ahead, it will be a busy summer for the Capital Development Team. In June, three new restroom sets are scheduled to open—two in Terminal E and one in Terminal B. July will see two additional openings, one each in Terminals D and E. As these new facilities open, older restroom sets will be closed for Phase six of the ongoing construction project. At present, there are nine restrooms under active construction. “Phase 5 restrooms are part of the $500 million capital program to prepare the terminals, airfield, and landside of our airports for 2026,” shared Api Appulingam, Department of Aviation Chief Development Officer. “Phase 6 construction has already begun in line with the overall project schedule and is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2026.”
