Pittsburgh’s New Terminal Redefines the Passenger Journey
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On November 18, 2025, Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) opened its new terminal, ushering in a much-needed upgrade for travelers. The project focuses on faster flow-through, better comfort, and an experience built around how people actually travel today. Construction of the US$1.7 billion facility began in 2019 and has taken more than five years to complete.
Smoother Journeys from Curb to Gate
Previously, passengers flying from PIT had to go to a landside terminal to check in and go through TSA screening before taking a train to the airside terminal. The new landside terminal connects directly to the existing airside terminal, so passengers no longer need to take the train after check-in. The airside terminal has also been resized, with one side removed, reducing the gate count from 75 to 51 while maintaining more efficient operations.
“This is a terminal built by, and for, the Pittsburgh region with local labor and materials, and is an industry-leading icon we all can be proud of.”
– Sara Innamorato, Allegheny County
The most noticeable change for flyers is right away: the terminal now operates with one consolidated security checkpoint with 12 TSA lanes using the latest screening technology. This setup means shorter waits and a more predictable process, especially during busy periods. Clear signage, brighter lighting, and a straightforward layout guide people forward without confusion.
After security, a new Skybridge and tunnel link the new terminal with the existing airside terminal. Walking distances drop, navigation becomes simpler, and travelers can stay focused on their flights instead of winding through corridors. Departures and arrivals sit on separate levels, keeping heavy foot traffic from mixing and improving flow throughout the building.
Behind the scenes, baggage handling has been fully re-engineered. An older eight-mile belt system has been replaced with a shorter and more efficient system designed to cut delivery times in half. That means less waiting around at baggage claim.
Designed for Comfort, Community, and Connection
The new terminal aims to feel unmistakably like Pittsburgh. Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato explained, “This is a terminal built by, and for, the Pittsburgh region with local labor and materials, and is an industry-leading icon we all can be proud of.”
The roof rises in smooth curves that echo the region’s hills, the columns resemble tall trees, and wide glass panels bring in plenty of daylight throughout the check-in hall. It evokes a calm and welcoming environment for travelers, whether they are hurrying to a gate or coming home from a long trip.
Fresh air also plays a significant role in the passenger journey. Four outdoor terraces, split between pre- and post-security, give travelers a rare chance to step outside, take a breath, and recharge. Native landscaping ties the spaces to the local environment and offers a welcome break from the usual clinical atmosphere of an indoor terminal.
Pittsburgh has a long tradition of families greeting loved ones right inside the terminal. The airport embraced this with the design of its new Welcome Point, a dedicated spot near arrivals where friends and relatives can reconnect without adding to the crowd.
In addition, dining and shopping facilities have undergone major improvement. Twenty new or updated concessions offer more variety and a stronger sense of place, with local businesses positioned alongside national brands. Gate areas now feel more well-equipped for a diverse range of passenger needs, with extra power outlets, improved restrooms, family zones, and nursing rooms on every concourse.
The new Pittsburgh International Airport terminal focuses on what travelers value most: a smooth, stress-free experience. The new design feels more thoughtful and more human. It reflects Pittsburgh’s character and the needs of the community, creating an airport that people can feel proud of and enjoy from the moment they step inside, while enhancing the passenger experience.