The Philadelphia International Airport will embark upon a $5.2 billion expansion plan for over the next 12 to 15 years. The proposal would lengthen two of the airport’s four runways and build a fifth runway along the Delaware River, where UPS now operates. UPS would move to the airport’s west end on 200 acres in Tinicum Township that the airport would acquire. The FAA plans to issue a final environmental impact statement by late summer, and a "record of decision" on the project by the end of 2010.

A significant amount of property will need to be acquired for the project. According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, the airport will acquire and demolish buildings at the International Plaza, and acquire 106.5 acres of private land east of the airport from 13 owners and demolish the buildings. Two public streets, Escort Street and Executive Avenue, would be closed. The plan also calls for relocating or closing several public roads and relocating railway facilities. The Airport has stated that construction would be paid for by Philadelphia revenue bonds, passenger-facility charges, and federal FAA grants