While it may be some time before travelers return to airports in pre-pandemic numbers, there are clear signs that air travel is picking up and airports are expected to be busy during the popular summer vacation months. On Memorial Day, the Transportation Security Administration announced that 1,900,170 individuals were screened at security checkpoints nationwide – the most since the start of the pandemic. The Memorial Day total eclipsed the 1,863,697 on May 23 and was followed by 1,650,454 on June 1.

As restrictions are being lifted and the country is opening up, people are eager to get flying again. Airlines are responding by bringing back air service, much of which was curtailed during the past year. Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is anticipating summer 2021 travel season to be its busiest since the start of the pandemic.

With the airport seeing more and more guests, the PHL Maintenance team has been working to get the facility spruced up for the increasing numbers of travelers coming through.

During the pandemic, the airport closed Terminal A-East bag claim due to the lack of passengers. In preparation for the bag claim’s re-opening, the PHL Maintenance team went in to get it ready for visitors. The Custodial unit deep cleaned the floors, scrubbed the walls and signs and disinfected the restrooms. Painters applied a fresh coat of paint which made the facility brighter.

While getting work done in that area, the Building Maintenance team renovated the Passenger Assistance/Volunteer Offices which are also located in Terminal A-East bag claim. They replaced the carpet, re-painted, changed the ceiling tiles and put in new furniture. In addition to the Passenger Assistance team, the area is ready to welcome back the PHL Volunteers as that program is looking to grow.

During the warmer weather, the Pavement and Grounds team on the overnight shift began power washing the sidewalks on Departures Road. In addition, the carpeting was replaced on the pedestrian bridges in Terminals B and C, in the passenger walkway in Terminal A-West, and the south side of Terminal E baggage claim.

This work complements the daily cleaning and other maintenance-related jobs the Maintenance team performs to keep PHL running and welcoming for the tens of thousands of guests and employees who use the facility every day.

“It is important to maintain a good first impression when passengers arrive at the airport,” noted Milton Robinson, PHL Facilities Manager. “Our maintenance team takes pride in the work they do each day to achieve that goal. And with the airport getting busier, their jobs are more important and appreciated.”