We are pleased to present the PHL Airport News Media Guide to reference as you cover Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and Northeast Philadelphia Airport (PNE) events. Included are our operations and policies. Both Airports are owned and operated by the City of Philadelphia, using no local tax dollars. All questions regarding the operation and policies of the Airport should be directed to the Public Affairs Department.
It is important to understand the types of emergencies that may occur at the Airport, who responds, and what takes place.
| Alert I | An aircraft experiences a possible problem (e.g. panel indicator light that advises of a potential operational problem, such as landing gear difficulty, etc.). Airport Operations, the Philadelphia Fire Department (Airport Unit), and the Philadelphia Police Department (Airport Unit) respond to the Alert. Off-Airport emergency units are also alerted. Personnel respond by assuming pre-designated positions on the Airport until Alert I status is terminated or secured. |
| Alert II | An aircraft accident or incident occurs on or proximate to the Airport. An Alert II activates all Airport and Off-Airport emergency units. The Airport Emergency Plan goes into effect with the Philadelphia Fire Department assuming control of the situation. The Airport may be closed and may only be re-opened by the CEO or her designee. |
| Alert III | A major aircraft accident or incident with potential for mass casualties occurs on or proximate to the Airport. An Alert III activates all Airport and Off-Airport emergency units, including multiple alarms from the Philadelphia Fire Department. The Airport Emergency Plan goes into effect with the Philadelphia Fire Department assuming control of the situation. The Airport is automatically closed and may only be reopened by the CEO or her designee. |
| Aircraft Hijacking/Hostage-Taking Incidents | Initially, all Airport emergency units respond to such incidents, with the Philadelphia Police Department taking charge of the scene. Upon arrival, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has jurisdiction over hijacking/hostage incidents when the aircraft is on the ground. Airport emergency units support agencies in charge. |
| Bomb Threats | There is reason to believe an explosive device or suspicious package has been found, or reported to be on Airport property or aircraft. The Philadelphia Police Department conducts the initial investigation. The Police Bomb Disposal Unit, the FBI, and other agencies may also become involved pending the results of the initial investigation. During such incidents, all Airport emergency units respond until the situation is secured. |
| Code Red | Auto accidents, fire, fuel, and smoke, unusual odors and the release or potential release of hazardous materials. During a Code Red, responding units include Airport Fire, Police, Operations, and other units as required. Full response is provided to Code Red incidents, and outside agencies may be notified as required. |
| Code Yellow | Medical emergencies on Airport property, or in close proximity to the Airport. During a Code Yellow, responders include the Airport’s Medic Unit, Police, Operations, and other units as required. Immediate medical assistance and transportation to the hospital are provided as needed. |
| Fuel Farm Fire | An incident at the Airport’s Fuel Farm. Responding units include Airport Fire, Police, Operations, and other units as required. During a Fuel Farm fire, the Airport may be closed. Other agencies will be notified as required. |
| Radiological Incident | Report of the release or potential release of radioactive material on Airport property. Responding units include Airport Fire, Police, and Operations. The Fire unit evaluates the incident and determines the need for evacuations/quarantines. Nuclear regulatory agencies are notified and other agencies may become involved as required. Off-Airport emergency units are also alerted. |
| Weather Emergencies | The Public Affairs Department is available around the clock to answer questions about Airport operations, including delays, runway/taxiway closures, and field/weather condition reports. |
Other Emergencies
Airport emergency units respond to other emergency situations as necessary. Other situations include:
- Movement Area Power Failure
- Civil Disorders
- Natural Disasters
- Emergency Maintenance
Contact the Public Affairs Department during any type of emergency situation or normal media coverage when a news crew is dispatched to the Airport. During an emergency situation, representatives of the Public Affairs Department will make every effort to have the news media escorted as close as possible to the emergency scene. In addition, a Command Post/Communication Center will be established at or near the emergency scene. Briefings and interviews will be held at or near the emergency when possible. In addition to the representatives of the Public Affairs staff listed on the Media Protocols page, the Airport CEO and senior staff are the only authorized spokespersons regarding the operation of Philadelphia International Airport. Every effort will be made to secure spokespersons from other involved agencies, airlines, and tenants for interviews when necessary. Please be prepared to present media credentials.
Directions to Media Parking for the Multipurpose Lot from I-95S
- Take Exit 12B, Rte. 291- Cargo City
- Make a left unto Rte. 291/Bartram Ave. at the traffic light at the end of the exit ramp towards Cargo City/Lester.
- Make a left unto Industrial Highway at "Wally Park".
- Follow sign for Arriving Flights
- Follow signs for Uber/Lyft to the sign that says "Commercial Vehicles Only" and stay to the right
- When you access the lot through the gate arms, follow the Uber/Lyft sign to the right. Follow this road past the hold lot and it will bring you directly to the South Commercial Road at Terminal A. Continue on South Commercial Rd. to the multipurpose lot.
- There are two entrances at either end.
- Enter the lot and park in a lined, marked space.
- Please do not set up equipment in parking spaces.
Restricted Area
Please be advised the Air Operations Area (AOA) is a restricted area. The AOA is defined as all surface areas inside the perimeter fence line of the airfield. Requests for access to this area must be directed to the Marketing and Public Affairs Department. *Do not attempt to enter any secured area of the Airport without proper clearance or escort. Unauthorized access is a violation of federal law, and individuals will be subject to police action.
Security Checkpoints
Security checkpoints are under the jurisdiction of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). TSA is responsible for all passenger and baggage screening. Under no circumstances are media allowed past the
security checkpoints.
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Air Canada Peter Fitzpatrick Corporate Communications 416-263-5576 416 948-7598 (cell)
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Alaska Airlines Corporate Communications 206-304-0008 |
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American Airlines & American Eagle Corporate Communications |
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British Airways 212-716-0477 |
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Delta Airlines & Delta Connection Morgan Durrant 404-714-8520 404-625-5570 – mobile
Gerome Sene PHL Station Manager 215-863-5920 404-775-6409 – mobile
Corporate Communications 404-715-2554 (24/7) 404-715-5876 (fax) 888-763-5304 (after-hours) |
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Frontier Airlines Primary Contact: Corporate Communications 720-374-4560
Secondary Contacts: Jennifer F. de la Cruz Director of Corporate Communications
Michael Konopasek Manager of Corporate Communications |
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JetBlue Airways Corporate Communications 718-709-3089 |
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Lufthansa German Airlines Christina Semmel, Manager Corporate Communications North America +1 516-296-9671 |
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Southwest Airlines Corporate Communications 214-792-4847 |
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Spirit Airlines Media Center 954-364-0231 |
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Sun Country Airlines Jessica Wheeler Senior Director Marketing Communications 702-539-1596
Erin Blanton Communications Manager 763-607-3077 |
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United Airlines Media Relations 872-825-8640 |
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Air Transport International (ATI) Paul Cunningham 937-366-2310 |
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DB Schenker Jamie Alcantara USA Marketing 786- 602-3071(cell) |
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DHL Robert Mintz Public Relations 206-674-4006 425-984-4249 (cell) |
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dnata Angelo Loggia PHL Station Manager 215-450-2497 (cell) |
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Federal Express (FedEx) Joseph Pilong PHL Ramp Senior Manager 215-937-4709 General Media Line 901-434-8100 |
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United Parcel Service (UPS) 502-595-7061 (cell) |
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Worldwide Flight Services Frank Rapone 215-558-8247 |
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City & Local City of Philadelphia Sarah Peterson Deputy Communications Director
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Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Stephen Sapp 215-594-4117 (office) 215-390-6935 (cell) |
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Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Public Affairs 202-282-8010 |
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Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Arlene Salac 347-684-2855 |
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Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Carrie Adamowski Public Affairs Officer 267-807-6482 (office) 215-292-8127 (cell) |
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Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) 202-732-4242 |
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SEPTA Andrew Busch Director of Media Relations 215-580-7849 |
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Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Lisa Farbstein 571-227-4665 (office) |
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Office of Emergency Management Jeffrey Kolakowski Communications Manager 215-686-1300 |
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Philadelphia Fire Department Kathy Matheson Communications Director 215-686-1384 |
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Philadelphia Police Department Sergeant Eric Gripp Public Information Officer Social and Digital Media Manager 215-203-6620 |