5 Largest Airports in Pennsylvania

As one of the original 13 colonies, Pennsylvania is one of the most populous states in the country. Pennsylvania is an exciting state to visit, home to diverse geography and wildlife. Additionally, Pennsylvania is home to some very large airports. Although it is not home to the largest airports in the US, it is home to several airports of decent size. This article will cover the five largest airports in Pennsylvania according to their land area and some interesting facts about each of them.

#1 Pittsburgh International Airport — 10,000 acres 

Pittsburgh is home to the largest of all of Pennsylvania’s airports and is often referred to as the “Steel City” due to its historical steel and iron industry. Covering a land area of 10,000 acres, Pittsburgh International Airport is the largest airport —in land area — in Pennsylvania. In addition to a large land area, this airport features four runways, the largest being 11,500 feet. 

PIT is a Southern Airways Express hub and offers 135 nonstop flights departing daily. Also, this unique airport features an X-shape to help shorten the distance between gates and passenger transportation options. Although PIT offers access to 17 different airlines, its largest airlines are Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, Republic Airways, Spirit Airlines, and United Airlines 

#2 Philadelphia International Airport — 2,598 acres

“The City of Brotherly Love” is well known for its culture, cuisine, and local history, but did you know that it is also home to Pennsylvania’s second-largest airport? This airport has a land area of 2,598 acres and over 16,000 employees. Also, the Philadephia International Airport has four runways, the longest being 12,000 feet long. 

This airport has 3,254,354 square feet of terminal space and seven terminal buildings with 126 boarding gates. Additionally, it has non-stop passenger flights to 121 destinations in 25 countries. The top five airlines at this airport are American Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Delta Airlines, and United Airlines. 

#3 Lehigh Valley International Airport — 2,200 acres 

With a land area of 2,200 acres, it is no wonder that this airport is on Pennsylvania’s list of largest airports. Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) offers nonstop flights abroad: Allegiant, American, Delta, and United Airlines. ABE offers two runways, the larger being 7,599 feet long. 

This airport is home to key activities such as commercial services, corporate and business activity, air charters, medical transport and evacuation, and career training and flight instruction. ABE is considered the fourth busiest airport in Pennsylvania and the only commercial passenger service airport in the Lehigh Valley. 

#4 University Park Airport — 1,105 acres 

University Park Airport is a primary, non-hub commercial service airport. Located in Centre County, this airport has a land area of 1,105 acres. Delta Airlines, United Airlines, and US Airways are the three airlines that provide commercial service at this airport. The runway at this airport measures 6,701 feet long. 

A fun fact about this airport? This airport was founded in 1958 when pilots leased 108 acres from Penn State! Over the years, many improvements were made to accommodate the time and growth of the airport. Both Penn State and CCAA manage this airport.

#5 Bradford Regional Airport — 1,050 acres 

Another contender on the list of the largest airports in Pennsylvania is the Bradford Regional Airport. Having a land area of 1,050 acres, this airport earns its spot. The primary of its two runways is 6,307 feet long and has a strength of 92,000 pounds! This airport is surrounded by an oil field and serves Pennsylvania and western New York.

The top domestic destinations from this airport were Pittsburgh, PA, and Washington, D.C. Bradford Regional Airport offers flights on Southern Airways Express. You can take direct flights from this airport to Pittsburgh International Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport.

Summary Of The 5 Largest Airports in Pennsylvania