Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) is preparing to open its new $1.7 billion terminal, marking a significant development for the region. The airport recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by county executives, elected officials, and thousands of community members. The event included an open house that allowed attendees to view the modern facility.
The new terminal is designed to replace PIT’s decades-old structure and aims to enhance passenger efficiency due to its proximity to the concourses. According to airport officials, 90% of the materials used in construction were sourced locally. Christina Cassotis, CEO of Allegheny County Airport Authority (ACAA), highlighted that “the terminal’s steel beams were manufactured from the same facility that fabricated the steel for the Empire State Building and the Golden Gate Bridge.” She added, “Putting all of this on display here is really a way for people in this region to see themselves differently, to talk about ourselves differently, and to get the world to understand us differently right from the minute you step off the plane.”
Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, approximately 10,000 registered guests toured the terminal before its official opening. This was not PIT's first public preview; in September, 300 people participated in a trial run testing check-in systems and baggage claim processes. A second larger trial involving about 2,000 participants is planned as a full-scale rehearsal ahead of opening day. The airport received interest from around 18,000 people wanting to participate in these trials.