Roberta Aguirre
The Greater Pittsburgh Airport, now known as Pittsburgh International Airport, has undergone several transformations since its opening in 1952. Initially built to relieve Allegheny County Airport, the former military airport became a hub for Trans World Airlines and, later, US Airways. However, by the 1980s, the main terminal had become overcrowded and obsolete, leading to the construction of a new Landside Terminal in 1987. The old terminal was demolished in 1997, and the airport has since continued to evolve with expansions and modernisations to meet the needs of the region.
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What You'll Learn
The airport's history and former names
Pittsburgh International Airport has undergone several name changes and expansions since its inception. Originally named Greater Pittsburgh Airport when it opened in 1952, it was built to relieve Allegheny County Airport, which had become too small. The new airport was designed by Joseph Hoover and located in Moon Township, nearly 20 miles west of Downtown Pittsburgh. The terminal featured a unique curved, stepped design, with each level extending further than the other, allowing for numerous observation decks. The most popular of these, the "'Horizon Room", was located on the fourth floor and offered a commanding view of the airport. The interior and exterior of the terminal were designed in the contemporary International Style, featuring a large compass made of green and yellow-orange terrazzo inlaid in the floor of the lobby.
In its first full year of operation in 1953, the airport served more than 1.4 million passengers, establishing itself as a modern and spacious gateway to the city of Pittsburgh. The airport underwent expansions in 1959, 1972, and 1980 to accommodate growing passenger traffic. However, by the 1980s, the main terminal was struggling to keep up with demand, leading to the decision to build a new Landside Terminal in 1987.
In 1972, with the opening of the International Arrivals Building, the airport's name was changed to Greater Pittsburgh International Airport to reflect its new capabilities. This name change coincided with the airport's growing international presence and expanding flight offerings.
The original terminal served the region for over four decades before closing its doors on September 30, 1992, making way for the new Landside Terminal, which opened on October 1, 1992. The new terminal, located in Findlay Township, was a $1 billion project designed to meet the specifications of US Airways, which intended to make Pittsburgh a major hub. This new airport featured an innovative X-shape design, reducing the distance between gates, and an underground tram system to transport passengers efficiently.
Today, the airport is known as Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) and continues to undergo transformations to meet the evolving needs of travellers. It remains a vital gateway for the region, offering passenger flights to destinations across North America, Central America, and Europe.
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Expansion and renovation projects
The former Greater Pittsburgh International Airport terminal, located in Moon Township, was Pittsburgh's first modern airport terminal. It opened in 1952 and served as the city's gateway to the world for over four decades. The terminal underwent several expansions and renovations during its 40 years of service.
In 1959, 1972, and 1980, expansions increased the terminal's capacity. However, by the 1980s, the main terminal had become overcrowded, outdated, and obsolete. To address this, the Allegheny County Airport Authority secured funding and began constructing a new Landside Terminal in 1987. The new terminal, located in Findlay Township, opened on October 1, 1992, and the old terminal was demolished in 1997.
The new airport, completed in 1992, featured a unique X-shape design to reduce the distance between gates, an underground tram system, and a wide array of shopping options. These innovations earned it the title of "airport of the future" from the New York Times. The airport became a major hub for US Airways, and traffic peaked at 20 million passengers in the late 1990s.
However, the decline in air travel following the September 11 attacks significantly impacted US Airways financially, and they eventually abandoned Pittsburgh as a hub in 2004. This setback opened the door for other airlines to expand their operations and better serve local passengers. The airport experienced a resurgence in the 2010s, doubling the number of carriers to 16.
Pittsburgh International Airport is currently undergoing a $1.39 billion renovation, with an expected completion date of 2025, delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The airport-wide modernisation aims to transform travel and better meet the region's growing needs.
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The impact of 9/11 on airport traffic
The terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, had a profound impact on airport traffic and aviation security. The events of that day led to a significant decline in airline demand and significant changes in airport security procedures.
In the immediate aftermath of 9/11, there was a sharp decrease in air travel demand, negatively impacting the financial state of airlines and the aviation industry. US Air, for example, declared bankruptcy twice and abandoned Pittsburgh International Airport as a hub in 2004, resulting in significant job losses. The decline in air travel demand was not limited to a specific airline or region but was widespread across the industry, as indicated by the negative shift in both the quantity (RPMs) and price (yields).
The creation of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was a direct response to the security failures exposed by the 9/11 attacks. The Aviation and Transportation Security Act, passed in November 2001, established the TSA and mandated 100% checked baggage screening, reinforced cockpit doors, and expanded the Federal Air Marshal Service. Airports implemented new regulations, restricting access beyond the security checkpoint only to ticketed passengers and banning sharp objects from carry-on luggage.
Over time, TSA introduced additional security measures, including advanced imaging technology, also known as full-body scanners, capable of detecting non-metallic weapons and explosives. TSA also deployed canine teams to aid in screening air cargo and passenger baggage. These enhanced security measures contributed to changes in the airport experience, with more comprehensive screening procedures and restrictions on liquids, gels, and aerosols in carry-on luggage.
While 9/11 had a significant short-term impact on airport traffic and demand, some airports experienced a resurgence in the following years. Pittsburgh International Airport, for instance, doubled the number of carriers in the 2010s, attracting new airlines and routes. Despite the challenges posed by the decline in air travel after 9/11, airports adapted and implemented security enhancements, contributing to the evolving landscape of aviation security and passenger experience.
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Airlines that use the airport
Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) is a civil-military airport in Findlay Township and Moon Township, Pennsylvania, United States. It is about 10 miles (15 km) west of downtown Pittsburgh and is the primary international airport serving the Greater Pittsburgh Region, as well as adjacent areas in West Virginia and Ohio. PIT covers 10,000 acres (40 km2) and has four runways, making it the largest civil/public airport in Pennsylvania in terms of land area.
The airport was initially called the Greater Pittsburgh Airport when it opened in 1952, and later became the Greater Pittsburgh International Airport in 1972. It was first served by five airlines: Trans World Airlines (TWA), Capital Airlines (later part of United), Northwest, All American (later Allegheny Airlines, then USAir, and finally US Airways), and Eastern Airlines. Trans World Airlines used the airport as a small hub for over two decades.
In the 1990s, the airport underwent a $1 billion rebuilding and expansion to become one of US Airways' major hubs. This new airport was completed in 1992 and was considered one of the most innovative in the world at the time, with an X-shape design to reduce the distance between gates, an underground tram system, and a wide range of shopping options. Traffic peaked at 20 million passengers in the late 1990s, and US Air's presence at the airport peaked in 2001 with 542 flights and 11,995 employees.
However, US Air's decline after the September 11 attacks led to a significant decrease in their operations at Pittsburgh. This created an opportunity for other airlines to expand their presence at the airport, including Southwest Airlines, which has since become the largest carrier at PIT in terms of passenger numbers. Other airlines that have expanded their operations at PIT include Breeze Airways, which began nonstop service to four cities in 2021 and has since expanded to 10 destinations, and Sun Country Airlines, which announced service to Minneapolis/St. Paul in 2021. The airport is also a hub for regional carrier Southern Airways Express, and cargo operations have increased in recent years.
Today, PIT offers passenger flights to destinations throughout North America, Central America, and Europe, with a total of 16 carriers as of the 2010s. A $1.39 billion renovation project is currently underway, with completion expected in 2025 after delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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The airport's modern transformation
The airport, originally known as Greater Pittsburgh Airport, has undergone several transformations since its inception. The airport first opened in 1952 as a civil-military airport, serving five airlines and acting as a small hub for Trans World Airlines. Over the years, the airport has expanded and evolved, with additional airlines joining and new terminals being constructed.
In 1972, the airport was renamed Greater Pittsburgh International Airport with the opening of the International Arrivals Building. This new terminal was considered modern and spacious, featuring observation decks and a rounded "Horizon Room" on the fourth floor, offering a panoramic view of the airport. The terminal was the largest in the United States at the time.
However, by the 1980s, the main terminal had become overcrowded and outdated. To address this, the Allegheny County Airport Authority secured funding and began constructing the new Landside Terminal in 1987. This modern terminal, located in Findlay Township, opened on October 1, 1992, replacing the previous terminal that had served the airport for four decades.
The new airport was designed to be innovative and featured an X-shape to reduce distance between gates, an underground tram system, and a variety of shopping options. It was hailed as the "airport of the future" and played a significant role in pioneering modern airport design. Unfortunately, the decline in air travel following the September 11 attacks impacted the airport's main carrier, US Airways, leading to a decrease in operations.
In the 2010s, the airport experienced a resurgence, attracting new carriers and additional passenger routes. The airport has continued to modernize and transform to meet the needs of the region. A $1.39 billion renovation project, initially scheduled to open in 2025, has been in the works, with delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The airport is committed to enhancing the travel experience, focusing on comfort, convenience, and innovation.
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Frequently asked questions
The former name of Pittsburgh International Airport was Greater Pittsburgh Airport, later renamed Greater Pittsburgh International Airport in 1972.
The name change occurred in 1972 with the opening of the International Arrivals Building.
The name was changed to reflect the airport's new international status.
