PHL Airport to finish major upgrades from $500 million investment in 2026

The Philadelphia International Airport is getting ready for an extra busy 2026 by completing $500 million in upgrades, including improved bathrooms and seating with integrated charging devices.

The upgrades are already being implemented and will be finished by May 2026, which is just in time for a busy year for PHL Airport.

The airport will be welcoming millions of guests as they fly in for major global events such as the FIFA World Cup, MLB All-Star Game and America’s 250th birthday celebration.

The total upgrade plan includes modern furniture, new seating with integrated charger devices, new exit lines, upgraded bathrooms with lactation suites, areas to care for travelers’ furry friends and even a new facade for Terminal E featuring art created by local artists.

“I think that there is a lot of pride in even the work that went into choosing what we were going to do,” said PHL Chief Development Officer Api Appulingam. “We want to make sure that it is the things that people would see. Obviously, it’s very important to make sure the bones behind the building are working, but sometimes we forget that a bathroom is going to make the difference.”

Chidera Dike, a student at Constitutional High School, is one of the artists having her piece displayed at PHL Terminal E. She told NBC10’s Shaira Arias that her work was inspired the LOVE sign, which was the first thing she saw when she moved to Philly from Nigeria.

“I really wanted to make sure that I draw, or paint, something that really represents Philadelphia the most,” Dike said. “When people come to visit Philadelphia, it’s always the LOVE Park people are trying to take pictures in.”

Another Constitution High School student, Jessica Cesar, said her painting was inspired by music.

“I feel amazing. I heard that people from the World Cup is coming, and, I’m also Haitian, so just seeing people see my work is nice,” Cesar said.

In addition to the permanent upgrades, PHL will have special terminal viewing areas for the FIFA World Cup.

“Passengers will be able to watch the FIFA World Cup match at the special terminal viewing lounges,” said PHL CEO Atif Saeed. “It’s going to be a jam packed year at PHL and we are ready to take off and show everyone that good things start here.”