Airports in Pennsylvania: An Overview
I have flown through a bunch of Pennsylvania airports over the years – work trips to Philly, family visits to Pittsburgh, that sort of thing. The state has more airport options than people realize. Here is the rundown.
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
This is the big one. PHL handles something like 30 million passengers a year and serves as a major American Airlines hub. Seven miles from downtown Philly, which means traffic can make the drive unpredictable. The terminal setup with shuttle buses connecting everything takes some getting used to, but once you know your way around, it is fine. Food options have improved over the years – I actually had a decent cheesesteak there last time.
Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT)
About 20 miles west of downtown Pittsburgh, PIT is the major airport for western Pennsylvania. What I like about it is the airside mall concept – once you are through security, there is this whole shopping area that almost makes you forget you are in an airport. The Franco Harris statue I mentioned in another article is here too. Worth seeking out even if you do not care about football.
Harrisburg International Airport (MDT)
Serves the state capital region out of Middletown. Over a million passengers annually, which surprised me – did not expect those numbers for Harrisburg. Modern terminal, easy to navigate. Good option if you are visiting central Pennsylvania or dealing with state government stuff.
Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE)
This one serves Allentown and the surrounding area. Decent regional airport with mostly eastern US connections. I have used it a few times when flying into the area was cheaper than driving from Philly. Parking is easier here, that is for sure.
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport (AVP)
Northeastern Pennsylvania option, sitting between both cities. Single terminal, straightforward setup. Free Wi-Fi, basic dining. Gets the job done for business and leisure travel to this corner of the state.
Erie International Airport (ERI)
Way up in the northwest corner serving Erie. Smaller passenger numbers but provides essential connectivity to larger hubs. If you are heading to the Lake Erie region, this is probably your best bet unless you want a long drive from Pittsburgh or Cleveland.
Arnold Palmer Regional Airport (LBE)
Named after the golf legend, located in Latrobe. Known for budget carriers flying to vacation spots – Spirit, Allegiant, that type of thing. If you are flexible on departure airport and looking for deals on leisure travel, worth checking what they have.
Reading Regional Airport (RDG)
No scheduled commercial service here – it is general aviation, flight training, maintenance. They do airshows sometimes. More relevant if you are a private pilot than a commercial traveler.
University Park Airport (SCE)
Near State College, primarily serving Penn State. Comfortable terminal, scheduled flights to major hubs. Essential for anyone visiting the university or central Pennsylvania regularly.
Allegheny County Airport (AGC)
Pittsburgh secondary airport focused on general aviation. One of the oldest airports in the region, located in West Mifflin. Private and corporate flights mostly. Takes some pressure off PIT.
Wings Field (LOM)
Blue Bell location serving executive and general aviation. Rich history – used to be an airmail stop back in the day. Now it is business travelers, aviation enthusiasts, flight training. Eastern Pennsylvania business aviation hub.
Johnstown-Cambria County Airport (JST)
Western Pennsylvania, serves Cambria County. Regional airline connections to larger hubs. Modest facilities but gets the job done for the area it serves.
Conclusion
Pennsylvania has way more airport options than the average traveler realizes. Each serves its purpose – from the international hub at Philly to the small regionals connecting rural areas. Depending on where you are headed, one of these smaller airports might save you time and hassle compared to the big two.
The Pilot Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge is an essential reference for aviation students.
