PITTSBURGH - Pittsburgh International Airport, or PIT, is preparing to open its transformed new terminal to the public on Tuesday, Nov. 18, following more than 10 years of planning and four years of construction.

The $1.7 billion project focuses on passengers who begin and end their journeys in Pittsburgh, known as “origin-and-destination” travelers.

The new structure replaces an older terminal designed primarily to function as a hub for connecting travelers during the US Airways era.

Christina Cassotis, CEO of Pittsburgh International Airport, said the terminal was "built for Pittsburgh, by Pittsburgh," and will enhance the passenger experience while maintaining the region's profile on a global scale.

The opening follows several months of system testing, which included two public trials with more than 2,000 participants providing feedback. Test participants offered suggestions that led to adjustments in the security layout and baggage claim area.

The new terminal is designed to streamline travel. Security will be consolidated into a single checkpoint featuring 12 Transportation Security Administration, or TSA, lanes, an increase from the seven lanes currently operating at the main checkpoint. The new area will be equipped with modern TSA equipment and an automated bin return.

 

Travelers can also expect faster baggage handling. The new system reduces the total baggage belt length from eight miles to three miles, which is expected to cut baggage delivery times by half.

International arrivals will also see an improved, more efficient process, replacing a temporary setup in the old terminal.

New parking options have been developed, adding 6,000 new spaces in total. The new Terminal Garage includes 3,300 spaces and features twice as much covered parking. Digital signs display real-time space counts. The Terminal Lot, a five-minute walk to the terminal entrance, has also been added. Pre-booking for these new lots will become available on Friday, Nov. 14.

Among the new amenities are four outdoor terraces. Two terraces are located pre-security and two are post-security, offering travelers spaces for fresh air.

Additionally, a dedicated Welcome Point is included for all airport visitors waiting for arriving passengers, allowing in-person greetings. The airside terminal has also seen renovations, including modernized gate areas and new concession options, including local favorites and national brands.

The $1.7 billion construction project generated an estimated $2.5 billion in economic impact for the region. The project created more than 14,000 jobs and did not use local taxpayer money.

 

Functionally, the new Skybridge connects the new landside terminal with the existing airside terminal, creating a more direct path from the security checkpoint.

The Skybridge’s design uses lighting that mimics the region’s natural landscape.