PITTSBURGH - Air travelers in the Pittsburgh region began their journeys through the city’s transformed airport today, as the new Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) terminal welcomed its first passenger. The opening marks the end of an era for the airport’s former landside terminal, which was designed decades ago to serve as a major connection hub.

The new structure, built with local travelers in mind, is designed for a more efficient experience. Officials say passengers can now expect faster security screening, quicker baggage delivery, and improved parking options. The entire design was created to be more welcoming and accessible for everyone traveling through the airport.

Airport staff gathered in the early hours of Tuesday to finalize the decision to open the new facility. “We are here at a moment that very few people get to experience in any industry,” said Christina Cassotis, CEO of the Allegheny County Airport Authority, noting the airport’s role as a new gateway for the community.

Just after the opening at 3 a.m., Keith Spruill of Wilkinsburg became the first person to arrive at the new terminal. Spruill, who was heading to Miami, said the experience was a surprise.

“It’s very aesthetically pleasing,” Spruill said. “Having such an open area, a lot of people can easily see their flights.”

 

Hours earlier, the old terminal saw its last arriving passengers. At about 12:30 a.m., American Airlines flight 1995 from Chicago was the final flight to use the facility. Passengers, including first-time visitor Lauren Hause of Kansas City, stepped off the plane to become part of the city’s aviation history.

A lifelong Pittsburgher and frequent flier, Todd Wilson, was also on the final flight. Wilson was anticipating the new facility, calling it “an embodiment of Pittsburgh’s legacy.”

The transition also meant the retirement of a recognizable feature: the airport train. After transporting passengers between the Landside and Airside terminals for 33 years, the train took its last official journey around 2:30 a.m.

The trains are being replaced by the Skybridge, which connects the security checkpoint in the new terminal to the existing Airside gates. The Skybridge offers a direct path for travelers, eliminating the need to wait for and ride the former transportation system.

The opening follows four years of construction on the $1.7 billion project, which did not use local taxpayer money.

In addition to improving the travel experience, the new facility increases the number of security lanes from seven to 12 and cuts the baggage belt length in half to reduce waiting times.