‘We continue to promote Philadelphia as a desirable destination for Indian carriers’

As the major airport serving the seventh largest US metropolitan area, Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) handles over 28.1 million passengers annually, with 28 airlines and 360 daily departures to 120 nonstop destinations. Conveniently located seven miles from downtown Philadelphia, PHL is a significant economic driver in the region, generating $16.8 billion for the economy and supporting 106,000 full-time jobs. The airport is self-sustaining, operating without local tax dollars. It serves a community of about 8.5 million people across four states: Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland. In 2023, 190,000 passengers travelled between India and Philadelphia, though only 34 per cent used PHL due to the lack of direct flights.

In an exclusive interview with BW Hotelier, Edgar Vesga, Director of Air Service Development and Cargo Services, Philadelphia International Airport & Northeast Philadelphia Airport, talks about strategic partnerships in strengthening Philadelphia’s connection with India, enhance engagement with Indian travellers, plans to increase the number of travellers from India to Philadelphia and more. Excerpts:

How important is the Indian market to Philadelphia International Airport, and what specific initiatives are being planned to enhance engagement with travellers from India?

India is projected to be Philadelphia’s second largest overseas international tourism source market in 2024, with an estimated 62,500 visitors, gaining a 6.3 per cent increase year over year. We are proactively working with partners in India and at the local level to include an Indian collaboration group from the community that is helping us gather key information related to the travel trends of the community and the opportunities to support additional routes.

PHL Airport International Hall 

Are there any strategic partnerships or marketing campaigns aimed at strengthening Philadelphia’s connection with India in the coming years?

The Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB) is leading the efforts to welcome media outlets to Philadelphia and partner with key influencers to support the efforts.  We have a local newsletter being distributed in India to travel agents and other partners. The PHLCVB Global Tourism Department has had a representation office in India since 2014. This office acts as an extension of PHLCVB Global Tourism staff and is tasked with positioning Philadelphia as a top USA destination through targetted sales, marketing and PR activities.  

Please share insights into how PHL plans to cater to the growing number of travellers between India and Philadelphia in the future?

Given the growing number of Indian travellers, PHL is enhancing its infrastructure, services and guest experience to improve the overall travel experience. The goal is to streamline connectivity, improve passenger services, and support potential direct flights by working closely with airlines and understanding travel demand.

What direct and connecting flight options are available from major cities in India to Philadelphia International Airport? Are there any plans to increase the number of direct flights from India to Philadelphia, especially given the growing demand?

At present, the largest connecting points for PHL-India passengers include Doha (DOH), London (LHR) and Frankfurt (FRA). Passengers from Philadelphia include those traveling to Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Bangalore and Chennai, to name a few. We estimate the Indian population in the catchment area to be over 300,000. We continue to promote Philadelphia as a desirable destination for Indian carriers, given the catchment region around the airport has sizeable market for traffic to and from India.

What are some key demographic trends you’ve observed among travellers from India arriving at Philadelphia International Airport?

Business traffic between the two regions is driven by the presence in Pennsylvania of approximately 82 Indian companies across the pharmaceutical and IT sectors. Philadelphia also attracts a significant number of students and professionals due to its reputation as a hub for education and medicine. This adds to families and friends visiting these residents during college admissions, graduation and other holiday periods.

Has there been an increase in business versus leisure travel from India in recent years, and how does PHL accommodate these different types of passengers?

Philadelphia serves a balanced mix of business and leisure travellers from India. The airport supports these segments by offering modern lounges, business amenities, and a variety of dining and retail options to meet the needs of different travellers.

What services and amenities do Philadelphia International Airport currently offer to travellers arriving from India? And how does PHL cater to the cultural and religious needs of Indian travellers such as food options, prayer rooms, or other support services?

PHL offers a range of amenities for international travellers, including 150-plus restaurants, bars and shops with diverse food options, including vegetarian and global cuisines. Then, there are lounges such as the American Airlines Admirals Club, British Airways Lounge, and American Express Centurion Lounge. The new Chase Sapphire Lounge will open in early 2025. PHL’s biometric exit programme provides international travellers with a secure, touchless departure process for identity verification and that protects the privacy of all travelers. Now, at 25 gates in Terminals A-East and A-West, the biometrics equipment helps US Customs and Border Protection screen departing passengers on international flights safely and efficiently. We also extend interpretation services through GLOBO to assist passengers with limited English proficiency. The Quiet Room located between Terminals D and E is available for all passengers to take a break from the busy terminals for rest, meditation, prayer or other quiet activities.

Philadelphia International Airport

Are there any upcoming infrastructure developments or facility upgrades that will specifically improve the travel experience for passengers from India?

PHL is installing new furniture at gates in Terminals D, E and A-West. The upgrades include 392 seats with power access, workstations and more electrical outlets. Other projects include roadways and signage upgrades to PHL’s Departures Roadway that accommodate changing transportation needs and address safety and accessibility. Airport facade modernisation and update the exterior finish of Terminal D to provide a welcoming, energy efficient and architecturally sleek design. Refreshing Terminals A-F and curbside landscaping. The ongoing Restroom Renovation Programme will modernise all passenger-facing restroom facilities to improve quality and comfort, expanding accessibility and improving sustainability. The new restrooms include nursing suites, adult changing rooms and support animal service areas.