Jazmin Li
Pittsburgh International Airport, located about 10 miles west of downtown Pittsburgh, is currently undergoing a modernisation program. The $1.39 billion project, which began construction in July 2021, is expected to be completed in October 2025. The new terminal will consolidate check-in, ticketing, security, and baggage operations into one connected facility, improving efficiency and reducing operational costs. With a focus on local flair, the terminal will showcase unique features, such as structural columns shaped like tree branches and a wood ceiling representing the White Oak of the Allegheny National Forest. The airport, rich in history and dating back to 1952, has played a significant role in the region's aviation landscape and is now transforming to meet modern standards and enhance the passenger experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Expected completion date | October 2025 |
| Construction progress | 60% completed (as of March 2024) |
| Construction budget | $1.39 billion |
| Funding sources | Airline partners, Allegheny County Airport Authority, Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act |
| Design features | Additional space for concessions, expanded TSA checkpoint, separate levels for departing and arriving passengers, new parking facilities |
| Expected benefits | Faster trips from car to plane, improved passenger experience, reduced operational costs |
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What You'll Learn
Construction began in July 2021
Construction on the new Pittsburgh International Airport terminal began in July 2021, with an increased budget of $1.39 billion. The project is a significant upgrade for the airport, which first opened in 1952 and was last redeveloped in 1992.
The new terminal is being built between two arms of the existing X-shaped terminal. The new structure will consolidate check-in, ticketing, security, and baggage operations into one connected facility, improving efficiency and reducing the time from car to plane by half. The design also includes additional space for concessions, an expanded TSA checkpoint, and separate levels for departing and arriving passengers.
The project emphasizes local flair, with building materials sourced locally and around 90% of construction workers living in the Pittsburgh region. The terminal will also feature a bridge-tunnel inspired by Fort Pitt, connecting the new terminal to the airside terminal after security.
In November 2024, with 11 months of construction remaining, the project was reported to be 75% complete. At that time, the airport's CEO, Christina Cassotis, stated that many features were coming to life, such as the wood ceiling, inspired by the white oak of the Allegheny National Forest. The project remained on budget, with expected total spending of around $1.5 billion, funded primarily by airline partners.
The new terminal is expected to be completed in October 2025, marking the end of the four-year construction project. After construction, the next phase will include testing, commissioning trials, and employee training before the terminal can become operational.
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The project is expected to cost $1.5 billion
The Pittsburgh International Airport is undergoing a massive transformation with a $1.5 billion project that is expected to be completed by October 2025. The project, which includes a new terminal, is aimed at modernizing and adapting the airport to meet the needs of the Pittsburgh region, which sees around 10 million passengers annually.
The $1.5 billion price tag for the project is a significant investment, and it is important to break down the costs and understand where the money is being allocated. A large portion of the funding for the project is coming from airline partners, who have agreed to contribute a substantial amount to support the development. In addition, the airport has received funding from various other sources, including the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which provided an additional $28.8 million.
The new terminal is being constructed with a focus on locally sourced materials and labour, with over 90% of the building materials sourced from the region and an equally high percentage of construction workers hailing from the Pittsburgh area. This approach not only supports the local economy but also ensures a deep connection between the airport and the community it serves.
The design of the new terminal is tailored to enhance the passenger experience, with features such as additional space for concessions, expanded TSA checkpoints, and separate levels for departing and arriving passengers. The new structure will consolidate check-in, ticketing, security, and baggage operations into one connected facility, making trips more efficient and cutting the time from car to plane by half.
The $1.5 billion project also includes important infrastructure upgrades, such as a new roadway network totalling 27 lane miles, a three-level terminal bridge, and improvements to parking and rental car facilities. These enhancements will improve traffic flow and accessibility to the airport, further improving the overall experience for travellers.
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The airport first opened in 1952
The Pittsburgh International Airport first opened in 1952. Originally called the Greater Pittsburgh Airport, it was renamed the Greater Pittsburgh International Airport in 1972 when the International Arrivals Building was opened. The airport was initially served by five airlines and became a small hub for Trans World Airlines for over 20 years. In its first full year of operation in 1953, more than 1.4 million passengers used the terminal. At the time, the airport was considered modern and spacious. The terminal was the largest in the United States, second only to Idlewild Airport (now JFK Airport) in New York.
In 1991, over 40,000 people packed the airport to greet the Pittsburgh Penguins when they landed after winning their first Stanley Cup championship. The following year, the airport underwent a massive $1 billion rebuilding and expansion, which was largely designed to US Airways' specifications so that it could become one of their major hubs. Completed in 1992, the new airport was one of the most innovative in the world, dubbed the "airport of the future" by the New York Times. It featured an X-shape to reduce the distance between gates, an underground tram to transport passengers, and an array of shopping options, all of which were cutting-edge at the time.
In the late 2010s, the airport began a $1.39 billion renovation project, which is expected to be completed in 2025 after delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The project includes the construction of a new terminal for check-in, security, and baggage claim, as well as a new parking garage. The new terminal will consolidate check-in, ticketing, security, and baggage operations into one connected facility, making trips quicker and more efficient. It will also feature additional space for concessions, an expanded TSA checkpoint, and separate levels for departing and arriving passengers.
The Pittsburgh International Airport has continued to evolve and adapt to meet the changing needs of the region and its passengers. With its Terminal Modernization Program, the airport aims to set a new standard for airports in the 21st century, building upon the innovations established in 1992.
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The new terminal will have separate levels for arrivals and departures
The Pittsburgh International Airport is undergoing a $1.39 billion terminal modernization project. The project is expected to be completed in October 2025, with construction about 60% to 80% completed as of March 2024. The new terminal will be a significant upgrade for the airport, which first opened in 1952 and was last renovated in 1992.
The terminal will also feature additional space for concessions and an expanded TSA checkpoint. A new 3,300-space parking garage will be built, along with thousands of new parking spaces between a garage and surface parking. The new terminal will be built between the two arms of the existing X-shaped terminal, with a design that pays homage to Pittsburgh's landmarks and natural environment.
The project is being led by HDR, in association with Gensler and luis vidal + architects, who are responsible for the surface access, site, airfield, and infrastructure design. The team has studied landside access and airside impacts to reconfigure and right-size gates and develop a new roadway network totaling 27 lane miles. The new terminal is expected to cut the time from car to plane by half and save the airport $20 million in maintenance costs annually.
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The airport is owned and operated by the Allegheny County Airport Authority
The Allegheny County Airport Authority owns and operates Pittsburgh International Airport, which is about 10 miles (15 km) west of downtown Pittsburgh. It is the primary international airport serving the Greater Pittsburgh Region, as well as adjacent areas in West Virginia and Ohio. The airport first opened in 1952 and was initially served by five airlines. It became a hub for Trans World Airlines and, later, US Airways, who shaped the airport to their specifications.
In 2019, the Allegheny County Airport Authority awarded Peoples Natural Gas a 20-year contract to build, maintain, and operate a microgrid at no cost to the airport. In exchange, Peoples Natural Gas received the required land and an agreement to purchase electricity for 20 years. The microgrid was completed in July 2021, making Pittsburgh the first airport in the world to be entirely powered by a microgrid.
The airport is currently undergoing a $1.39 billion Terminal Modernization Project, which began in July 2021 and is expected to be completed in 2025. The project will consolidate check-in, ticketing, security, and baggage operations into one connected facility, improving efficiency and cutting the time from car to plane by half. The Allegheny County Airport Authority received expert help from HDR, who led the surface access, site, airfield, and infrastructure design for the project.
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Frequently asked questions
The new terminal at Pittsburgh International Airport is expected to be completed in October 2025.
The new terminal is expected to cost around \$1.5 billion.
The new terminal will have additional space for concessions, an expanded TSA checkpoint, separate levels for departing and arriving passengers, and a new 3,300-space parking garage. The new structure will also consolidate check-in, ticketing, security, and baggage operations into one connected facility, making trips quicker and more efficient.
