On February 6, Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) opened a new rebuilt restroom set in terminal A-West, the latest milestone in the Department of Aviation’s Restroom Renovation Program. This upgraded amenity marks the closeout of Phase Four of the program, which includes upgrades to five existing restrooms across PHL's terminals. The Restroom Renovation Program is a collaborative effort between the City of Philadelphia and skilled designers, resulting in facilities that prioritize functionality, comfort, and inclusivity.

At the heart of the project is the commitment to inclusivity. The A-West restroom set includes a companion care room and a Service Animal Relief Area. Phase Four of the program was the first to include permanent lactation suites, assisted changing rooms, and smart restroom technologies collecting passenger feedback to share with Department of Aviation facilities teams. These features contribute to a comfortable and welcoming experience for every passenger during their time at PHL. 

The new restroom set in A-West integrates sustainable technologies, including energy recovery units for efficient ventilation, LED lighting to conserve energy, and low-flow sanitary fixtures to reduce water usage. These features underscore the DOA’s commitment to environmental stewardship and its dedication to adopting sustainable practices.

The successful realization of the Phase Four restroom facilities is a product of extensive collaboration across various airport departments and partners, including airlines, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and building maintenance teams. The newest rebuilt restroom also included coordination with the Philadelphia Art Commission which will result in a commissioned permanent art piece from a local artist. This collaboration between partners ensures that the new facilities not only meet the highest standards of quality and seamless operations, but also beautify the passenger experience in the most unexpected of places. 

PHL's new restroom facilities are a testament to the airport's dedication to offering a superior passenger experience. Through careful planning, a focus on inclusivity and sustainability, and a commitment to listening to passenger feedback, PHL continues to demonstrate its role as a leader in setting new benchmarks for airport services and infrastructure, emphasizing the comfort and well-being of every traveler.

In an effort to increase the number of restrooms rebuilt during each phase, the project is now scheduled to be completed with Phase 8 (previously ending with Phase 9). Each phase will rebuild between 7 to 9 restroom sets throughout PHL's terminals.  The renovation work continues with Phases 5-8, which are supported by $39 million in grant funding from the Airport Terminal Program (FY2022 and FY2023).