Pittsburgh International Airport is preparing to open its new $1.7 billion terminal, marking a significant transformation for the facility. The airport, which once served as a major hub for connecting flights, has shifted focus to cater primarily to travelers starting or ending their journeys in Pittsburgh.
The Terminal Modernization Program (TMP), underway since 2021, is set to open before the Thanksgiving holiday. The new terminal is located at the intersection of the C and D concourses and was designed with local travelers in mind. Only about 3% of PIT’s traffic now consists of connecting passengers.
The three-level departures and arrivals hall features high ceilings, natural light, tree-inspired columns, and constellation-style lighting intended to reflect Pittsburgh’s landscape. Departing passengers will be dropped off at the top level under a covered four-lane curb that protects from weather conditions. There are three entrance vestibules leading into a centralized check-in area.
American Airlines and Southwest Airlines have check-in desks closest to security lanes due to their status as PIT’s largest carriers. A notable feature in the departures area is Alexander Calder’s kinetic mobile “Pittsburgh.” Restrooms throughout the terminal include unique art pieces near entrances and fresh flower arrangements by mirrors.
According to Bob Kerlik, PIT’s director of public affairs, seating before security was intentionally increased because many local travelers prefer dropping off or picking up loved ones inside the terminal.
The updated 12-lane security checkpoint aims to improve screening capacity and reduce early-morning congestion. Security options include Clear, Precheck, priority, and general lanes using TSA’s Analogic machines.
After passing through security, passengers cross a bridge with digital displays featuring silhouettes of Pittsburgh bridges before entering the central terminal core. The new design eliminates the need for an automated people mover; instead, it offers direct access between gate areas and other facilities—an arrangement expected to save airlines about $20 million annually.
While some upgrades have been made near gates—including modernized restrooms and improved signage—the concourses remain largely unchanged from previous decades when US Airways operated most flights out of PIT. Lounge options continue to be limited to an Admirals Club and The Club at PIT.
Arriving passengers can walk directly from their gates to baggage claim without taking a train. The new baggage claim area has eight belts—fewer than before but designed for greater efficiency since bags no longer need transport between separate buildings. This change reduces bag travel distance from eight miles down to three miles within the airport complex.
Art installations are present throughout baggage claim areas: four belts display rotating phrases related to travel experiences while others showcase locally crafted wooden sculptures. Flight information displays are encased in wood grown and handcrafted in Pittsburgh for added local character.
Four outdoor terraces were included in the design; only one will be available on opening day while larger decks are scheduled for completion by spring. These spaces aim to enhance passenger experience with amenities such as pop-up concessions near international arrivals.
International travelers will use a new federal inspection station connected by an art-adorned hallway leading into the main arrivals hall on level two of the building where family pickups occur; rideshare services operate from ground level with dedicated parking spots for easy vehicle identification.
A five-story parking garage adjacent to rideshare pickup provides 3,271 covered spaces—triple that of previous facilities—and houses rental car operations on its ground floor. An additional open-air lot offers space for 2,800 vehicles nearby; parking rates will be announced soon.
With these changes, Pittsburgh International Airport positions itself as an efficient origin-and-destination facility rather than trying to reclaim its former role as a major connecting hub.
