A glimpse into Pittsburgh's state-of-the-art $1.5 billion airport terminal.

Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) is ushering in the 21st century with its new terminal.

This redevelopment project aims to transform Pittsburgh's once-bustling airport, which was groundbreaking when it debuted in 1992, into a modern facility reflecting current travel demands.

Designed mainly for hub operations, Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) was once a key base for USAir (now US Airways), connecting travelers to cities from Frankfurt to nearby Latrobe, Pennsylvania.

After US Airways dehubbed the airport in 2004, its hub status is a thing of the past, as emphasized by Christina Cassotis, CEO of the Allegheny County Airport Authority. Today, PIT hosts 15 airlines with 62 nonstop routes and over 170 peak-day departures.

Without a future as a hub, PIT faced a decision: maintain its current terminal setup with separated landside and airside operations linked by a half-mile underground tunnel, or innovate to become one of the most welcoming origin-and-destination airports in the nation.

PIT opted for innovation, and we're nearing the completion of the Terminal Modernization Program, with a formal opening expected in the third quarter of 2025, according to Cassotis.

The $1.57 billion TMP initiative features a completely new headhouse serving as a central hub for departures and arrivals, the largest parking structure in Pennsylvania, and additional enhancements.

There’s plenty for travelers to be thrilled about, so join TPG for an exclusive tour of the TMP and discover what awaits once the renovations are completed next year.

A unified hall for departures and arrivals

If you're a returning visitor to PIT, the new departures area will likely leave you astonished.

As you approach the new terminal from the roads, you'll be captivated by the sparkling new structure.

Departing passengers will access the third level of the facility, which features a spacious overhang to shield drop-offs from bad weather. This aspect of the TMP is reminiscent of the newly opened Kansas City International Airport (MCI) terminal.

After being dropped off, travelers will find three entrance vestibules for departures. Inside, designers aim to wow passengers with impressive, high ceilings that mimic rolling hills and allow ample natural light.

Nature is a central design theme of the new terminal, alongside technology and community, and it will be prominently featured as soon as you enter. The ceiling will be adorned with warm wood tones, and the lighting is intended to mimic a starry sky at night.

Additionally, the support beams extending from the ground to the ceiling are crafted to resemble trees found in the forests of western Pennsylvania.

Passengers utilizing ride-hailing services will be dropped off on Level 1 of the new terminal, with express escalators available to whisk them directly to check-in.

The flooring throughout the new terminal features terrazzo, replacing the outdated tiles in the current facility that weren't suited for the prevalence of rollaboard luggage.

While some modern airports have adopted island-style check-in counters, like those at Terminal B in LaGuardia Airport (LGA), PIT will maintain a traditional counter-style check-in system.

Before proceeding to security, travelers will walk through the central atrium of the departures area. This spacious zone connects both departures and arrivals levels and will be highlighted by a 1958 sculpture by Alexander Calder, which will be suspended from the ceiling, having previously been showcased in the old terminal.

Updated security lanes

If you’ve recently traveled through PIT in the morning, you’ve likely experienced long waits in the security line. This is due to PIT’s original design as a hub-and-spoke airport, where most passengers connected post-security.

With the transition to an origin-and-destination model, PIT has struggled to meet the growing demand for security lanes.

Fortunately, the new terminal will feature a single, centralized security area equipped with 11 lanes, including options for Clear, TSA PreCheck, family security, priority screening, and general screening.

The screening equipment will feature the latest models from Analogic, commonly known as the famously slow blue machines.

Once you pass through security, you’ll encounter a spacious regrouping area to collect your belongings and regain your composure.

In this area, you'll be greeted by floor-to-ceiling glass windows that lead to outdoor observation decks on both sides. Enhancing the nature theme, PIT plans to offer a total of four outdoor observation spaces: two on the airside and two on the landside.

While the views from these decks may be limited, they are expected to offer a peaceful escape from the airport's hustle and bustle.

According to Paul Hoback, PIT's chief development officer, these decks will be adorned with grass, trees, and other greenery once completed.

No more people mover

The current layout of PIT, with separate landside and airside buildings, necessitates the use of a people mover for passengers to travel between the two.

The new departures and arrivals hall is being constructed next to the airside terminal, allowing passengers to enjoy a short walk through a tunnel that mimics the design of the Fort Pitt Tunnel instead of relying on a people mover to reach the airport's central hub.

This change is expected to significantly reduce travel times from curb to gate—potentially by up to 50%, according to Hoback—and will also provide more space for vendors and retail outlets. Notably, PIT was once a pioneer in airside shopping; prior to 9/11, the airport's AirMall attracted local visitors, not just travelers.

PIT has unveiled a list of 15 new retailers and dining options that will be featured in the new terminal, with additional names set to be announced as leases are finalized ahead of the grand opening.

Quicker arrivals

The new centralized terminal not only eliminates the need for a people mover for departures, but it also enhances the flow of arrival traffic. Passengers will now simply take a short escalator and walk straight to the arrivals curb.

Hoback reports that this new arrangement will cut the time required to get from international arrivals to curbside by an impressive 67%.

In designing the facility for its community, PIT analyzed data indicating a significant number of meet-and-greet visitors—friends and family who drive to the airport to pick up loved ones. To serve these pickups and support the local community, the arrivals area will include various concessions and two outdoor decks, similar to the airside decks previously mentioned.

The arrivals level will feature eight baggage claim areas, all linked by a centralized back-of-house baggage transport system.

This upgraded system is engineered to transport bags far more efficiently than the outdated one currently in use at PIT.

A brand-new parking facility

During PIT's time as a hub, the airport prioritized connecting travelers who were merely passing through Pittsburgh en route to other destinations. As a result, parking structures for local drivers were often treated as an afterthought.

With the new PIT, parking has become a key focus of the redevelopment initiative. According to Hoback, the new terminal will feature the largest parking structure in Pennsylvania.

This facility will encompass five levels with 5,000 parking spaces. Rental car companies will occupy the first floor, removing the need for shuttle buses to remote lots.

The new parking structure will be linked to the main terminal via a covered walkway and will offer three times the number of covered parking spaces compared to the current facilities.

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Additional enhancements are on the way for the gates.

While a lot of attention is directed toward enhancing the departure and arrival experience, modernizing the gate areas is also a significant priority for Cassotis.

Cassotis remarked, "We don't want The Jetsons to meet The Flintstones," highlighting the importance of modernization.

As part of the TMP initiative, the airport is upgrading several gates, restrooms, and holdroom areas in the existing terminal.

That being said, much of the flooring and layout will remain unchanged from when US Airways operated as a hub there.

This isn't necessarily negative news, as the airport's X-shaped design allows for a quick walk to any gate. However, after passing through the new departures hall, the high ceilings will transition into a facility designed for a different era.

It is hoped that PIT will keep enhancing the gate areas in the years ahead.

Bottom line

The new Pittsburgh airport terminal is eagerly anticipated. The airport has begun to show its age, particularly since it's been over 20 years since PIT served as a hub for US Airways.

From the centralized security area to the impressive ceilings that allow ample natural light, this terminal offers a striking contrast to the current one.

However, the new terminal doesn't merely enhance the passenger experience; it also signals the beginning of what PIT officials envision as a new era for the airport, aiming to become one of the top midsize airports in the country.

PIT has already made significant strides in attracting new airlines, notably British Airways to London and Icelandair to Reykjavik. Additionally, it welcomed nearly 10 million passengers last year.

Before long, it will also boast a stylish new terminal that garners admiration from airports across the country. This marks the beginning of an exciting new era for PIT, and I, for one, am eager to see what unfolds next.