Pittsburgh International Airport’s new terminal is nearly ready to open and is expected to wow travelers and locals alike. Here’s a look inside the $1.7 billion terminal project.
The new terminal is poised to open before Thanksgiving after years of anticipation. An opening date hasn’t been announced yet, but the airport says the transformation project is nearly 95% complete.
Two public trial runs have been held recently with the goal of testing the new terminal’s systems so that when things open for business, everything will run smoothly.Â
The departures area of Pittsburgh International Airport’s new terminal features a large covered area where passengers can be dropped off, The large roof of the new terminal is designed to resemble western Pennsylvania’s rolling hills.
Jessica Riley / KDKA
From the time travelers arrive at the airport’s new terminal, they’ll see large tree columns holding up the roof of the new structure, that will resemble western Pennsylvania’s rolling hills.
The ticketing area of Pittsburgh International Airport’s new terminal will be housed in the large, atrium-style upper level of the building.
Jessica Riley / KDKA
Once inside the terminal, passengers will notice a large, open-concept upper level atrium.
The upper level of the terminal will house the ticketing areas, security checkpoints, and gates to all departing and arriving flights.Â
Pittsburgh International Airport’s new terminal will feature tree-like columns supporting its open-concept atrium roof that resembles western Pennsylvania’s rolling hills.
Jessica Riley / KDKA
The security checkpoint area inside Pittsburgh International’s new terminal will be larger than the current operation, with 12 lanes compared to the existing 7 lanes in place.Â
The security screening checkpoint at Pittsburgh International Airport’s new terminal will feature five more lanes than in the current operation.
Jessica Riley / KDKA
The security screening process will also feature new equipment expected to help move passengers and travelers trough the checkpoint more quickly. Â
The new terminal at Pittsburgh International Airport will feature new equipment designed to move passengers and travelers through the security checkpoint more quickly.
Jessica Riley / KDKA
All the security lanes in the new terminal will be in the same area with no more alternative checkpoint.Â
When the new terminal opens at Pittsburgh International Airport, security checkpoints are being expanded from the existing 7 lanes to 12 lanes — and all the lines will be in the same area with no more alternative checkpoint.Â
Jessica Riley / KDKA
One thing that experienced Pittsburgh International travelers may be used to — but will need to soon forget, is the tram connecting the existing landside and airside terminals. Â
Once the new terminal opens, travelers will proceed through the security checkpoint, and down a pedestrian “connector bridge,” inspired by Pittsburgh’s Fort Pitt Tunnel that serves as a gateway to the city.
Travelers at Pittsburgh International Airport’s new terminal will proceed through the security checkpoint and down a pedestrian tunnel as they make their way to their departing flights.The “connector bridge” pays homage to Pittsburgh’s Fort Pitt Tunnel.
Jessica Riley / KDKA
Travelers arriving at Pittsburgh International will make their way to the airport’s lower level in the new terminal, where they will be met with a new “You have arrived” sign as they make their way towards baggage claim.
Travelers arriving at Pittsburgh International Airport’s new terminal will be met with a new “You have arrived” sign.
Jessica Riley / KDKA
The baggage claim area in the new terminal, much like in the current setup at the airport, will connect passengers and travelers to ground transportation pickup options.Â
The arrivals area at Pittsburgh International Airport’s new terminal will feature baggage claim and will connect passengers and travelers to ground transportation options.
Jessica Riley / KDKA
The baggage claim area in the airport’s new terminal will feature a state-of-the-art handling system that will cut down the travel time for luggage from eight miles down to three miles.
Pittsburgh International Airport’s new baggage claim area will feature a new state-of-the-art handling system and luggage will travel three miles less than it does in the current system.
Jessica Riley / KDKA
In addition to the new terminal, Pittsburgh International Airport is also preparing to roll out new parking options with 6,000 new spaces, including 2,300 spaces that are covered.
With its new terminal, Pittsburgh International Airport will soon have more than 6,000 new parking spaces including 2,300 covered spaces.
Jessica Riley / KDKA
While an official opening date for the airport’s new terminal has yet to be announced, whenever it does open, it will surely be met with excitement from those traveling to and from Pittsburgh.
Large letters spelling out ‘PIT’ sit inside the new terminal at Pittsburgh International Airport that’s poised to open before Thanksgiving after years of anticipation.
Jessica Riley / KDKA