It’s mid-April and any threat of winter weather – even the very rare early spring occurrence -- in Philadelphia is past. So, what are planes doing on the deicing pad at the far west end of the airfield at Philadelphia International Airport, an area that usually sees activity in the winter months with aircraft lined up to be bathed in fluid to clear them of ice before take-off?

The COVID-19 pandemic has made a noticeable environmental impact at Philadelphia International Airport and around the world, but passengers flying out of PHL will notice the airport’s commitment to sustainability continues.

Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is home to hundreds of companies that are working tirelessly to adjust their operations in response to the COVID-19 crisis. The Airport does not have access to data around personnel adjustments within each company, and cannot speculate about potential reductions. PHL is owned and operated by the City of Philadelphia Division of Aviation, which supports 800 staff along with 200 police and fire department personnel.  

Airports are considered essential infrastructure that remain operational during crises to allow airlines to transport those that must fly and important cargo. PHL is home to 21,000 employees from hundreds of companies that help serve passengers. Many of these employees continue to report to the airport during the COVID-19 pandemic to keep PHL moving.   

For those who are traveling through airports during the COVID-19 health crisis, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has important information and things you should know before passing through the screening process.

The Federal Aviation Administration announced today that Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) can expect to receive approximately $116 million in CARES Act funding, which translates into about 3 months of cash on hand to support airport operations. PHL is owned and operated by the City of Philadelphia Division of Aviation, which supports 800 staff along with 200 police and fire department personnel.  

Not only does an airport’s custodial team clean up after thousands of passengers every day, they lead the facility’s infectious disease prevention efforts, too. During this period of reduced passenger volume due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, PHL’s custodians are working even harder to keep passengers, colleagues and themselves safe.   

Airports have a very different feel this spring. Instead of bustling with travelers heading off for vacation or family holiday celebrations, terminals are empty while passengers follow important Stay at Home orders to fight the coronavirus pandemic.

Leadership during crisis requires navigating challenges with courage and transparency. PHL CEO Chellie Cameron opened up about the surreal nature of directing a major airport during an unprecedented global crisis.

Topics of discussion include:

PHL is proud of the commitment its partners have made to the Greater Philadelphia region. Over the last month, MarketPlace PHL and the PHL Food & Shops have donated more than 6,000 pounds of food to the Philabundance member network. Food is picked up from the Airport and taken directly to agencies to help those in need as quickly as possible. The recent donations have helped agencies in Chester, PA and Camden, NJ.