PHILADELPHIA — The planned merger of US Airways and American Airlines could have implications for Philadelphia International Airport, possibly increasing the number of international flights and creating more jobs, officials said Thursday.

Philadelphia is a hub for US Airways, which announced earlier in the day that it would merge with American in an $11 billion deal to form the world’s largest airline.

City and airport officials were optimistic about the potential impact of the move, which still requires approval from antitrust regulators.

“Increased air service means more opportunities for jobs at the airport and, ultimately, our region,” Mayor Michael Nutter said.

The two airlines collectively have eight hubs across the country, and US Airways CEO Doug Parker said the new combined carrier will keep all of them. But past mergers suggest that’s unlikely; American shut down TWA’s hub in St. Louis after buying the airline in 2001.

Last month, US Airways signed a two-year lease extension at the Philadelphia airport that also pledged $734 million in improvements, including lengthening a runway to handle long-haul aircraft.