What to expect at Philadelphia airport after travel restrictions lifted

Philadelphia International Airport is expecting to see more passengers after the U.S. reopened its borders to fully vaccinated travelers from over 30 countries on Monday.

What's happening: While passenger volume on international flights will increase, most flight plans at PHL — an American Airlines trans-Atlantic hub and gateway to Europe — will stay the same, for now.

What they're saying: PHL flight routes that had been canceled due to the restrictions won't return until 2022, said Heather Redfern, a spokesperson for the city's Division of Aviation.

• "People will start to see more travelers on those flights," Redfern said.

By the numbers: The number of international flights at PHL is down nearly 49% in November compared to the same time in 2019, Redfern said.

• International service at PHL in November accounts for only 5.5% of total flights and 7% of total seat capacity, compared to 7.5% and 9.6% respectively during the same time in 2019.

Context: The nation's now-lifted COVID-19 travel restrictions were put in place in early 2020, Reuters reported.

• The rules barred entry for most non-U.S. citizens traveling from dozens of countries, including China, Britain and India.
• The U.S. also reopened land borders with Canada and Mexico for vaccinated travelers this week, the Associated Press reported.

Of note: Seven international routes will return to PHL in December, including those to Cozumel, Mexico; Santo Domingo and Santiago, Dominican Republic; and St. Lucia.

• These routes were scheduled to resume before the lifting of restrictions.

What's ahead: American Airlines is expected to reveal its summer 2022 international flying schedule by the year's end.