After the September 11 attacks , T. F. Green Airport , like most airports in the United States , faced a temporarily decrease in passengers and fewer flights from American Airlines ( which once flew to Chicago O'Hare and Dallas/Fort Worth Airport ) , Spirit , and SATA . Until the 2015 finalization of the merger between American Airlines and US Airways , creating one single licensed carrier under the American Airlines name , the Providence metropolitan area was the largest MSA in the United States not served by American Airlines or any of its subsidiaries . The decrease in service was especially severe to Chicago O'Hare as between both United and American decreased the number of one way daily seats from nearly a combined 1,400 to today 's 225 daily one way seats . Nine flights of 727 , 735 , 757 and MD-80 service to today 's regional jet use . Since the HNTB-designed Bruce Sundlun Terminal opened in 1996 , T. F. Green became more congested due to increased traffic and post-9 / 11 security changes . Renovations followed , including expansion of baggage rooms to accommodate a new In-Line Explosive Detection System ( EDS ) Baggage Handling System , expanded security screening checkpoints , more concessions and ticket counters , and expansion of RIAC offices on the second and third floors
September 11 attacks
September 11 attacks
T. F. Green Airport