PHL USO Lounge Named 2026 Project of the Year by Airport Business

The USO Lounge at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) continues to gain national recognition, most recently being named one of Airport Business Magazine’s 2026 Projects of the Year.

More than a relocation, this project reimagined how space within the Terminal D–E Connector could better serve traveling military personnel and their families. The 2,830-square-foot lounge was designed to create a calm, supportive environment within one of the busiest areas of the airport.

Serving as prime design-builder, Arora Engineers (Arora) led the project from early planning through final delivery. Working within an active terminal, the team balanced design intent, operational constraints, and user experience to deliver a space that is both highly functional and meaningful.

“This project reflects what Arora delivers as a prime: bringing together engineering, project delivery, and design to create spaces that not only function well but truly support the people they’re built for. In this case, we established a design-led, design-build approach, ensuring the design process received the emphasis and attention it deserves for such a unique space.” – Sikander Jain, PE, CM, SVP Global Construction Services & NY Market Lead, Arora.

Learn more about the USO Lounge project at PHL here!

Photo Courtesy of D&R Construction