Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) has officially announced that its new $1.7 billion terminal will open on November 18, 2025. This date is more than a week before Thanksgiving, aiming to enhance the travel experience for millions. The announcement follows a period of extensive testing, including two public trials involving over 2,000 participants.
The highly anticipated facility marks a significant upgrade for the airport. It will replace the existing terminal, which was originally designed as a US Airways hub. The new terminal promises improved parking, faster security processes, and a more efficient international arrivals experience.
Key Takeaways
- New terminal opens November 18, 2025, before Thanksgiving.
- Project cost is $1.7 billion, with no local tax dollars used.
- Features include streamlined security, increased parking, and outdoor terraces.
- Expected to reduce baggage delivery times by 50%.
- Generated $2.5 billion in economic impact and created over 14,000 jobs.
A Modern Design Focused on Efficiency
The new terminal's design prioritizes both convenience and operational efficiency. Gensler, HDR, and luis vidal + architects collaborated on the modern aesthetic. Travelers can expect high ceilings and abundant natural light throughout the building.
A unique feature of the new terminal will be its four outdoor terraces. These spaces are still under construction but will be landscaped to reflect Western Pennsylvania's natural beauty. Such amenities are uncommon among US airports, offering passengers a distinctive experience.
Enhanced Passenger Services
Security is a major focus of the new design. The terminal will include a new security area equipped with 12 TSA lanes. These lanes will feature upgraded electronic displays and advanced screening equipment. These improvements aim to speed up the security process for all passengers.
Fast Fact
Baggage delivery times are projected to decrease by 50%. This is due to a more efficient system that shortens the baggage belt from eight miles to just three miles.
Parking options are also significantly expanded. The new terminal will offer more than 6,000 parking spaces. Of these, 2,300 will be covered. Both new parking facilities are located a short walk from the main terminal building, enhancing convenience for drivers.
“This terminal is industry-leading from its architecture that reflects our region to amenities like outdoor terraces and a state-of-the-art baggage system to a streamlined security checkpoint.”
Economic Impact and Local Investment
The $1.7 billion terminal project has provided a significant boost to the regional economy. Airport officials estimate the project has generated an economic impact of approximately $2.5 billion. It also created more than 14,000 jobs during its construction phase.
Importantly, no local tax dollars were used to fund this extensive project. The construction effort focused heavily on local resources. Around 90% of the construction workforce came from the Greater Pittsburgh region. A similar share of materials and services were sourced locally.
Project Details
The construction utilized 16,000 tons of structural steel. This steel was produced by manufacturers within the local region, further supporting the area's economy.
Airlines and Destinations
Pittsburgh International Airport serves a total of 15 airlines. These carriers provide service to a variety of destinations. The airport also hosts two tour operators, expanding travel options for passengers.
Airlines operating at PIT include major carriers like American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines. Other airlines present are Allegiant Air, Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, Breeze Airways, British Airways, Frontier Airlines, Icelandair, JetBlue Airways, Spirit Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Southern Airways Express, and Sun Country Airlines.
International and Domestic Connectivity
PIT offers both seasonal and year-round service to 56 domestic destinations. Additionally, it connects travelers to six international destinations. These international routes include:
- London Heathrow (LHR), United Kingdom
- Cancún International Airport (CUN), Mexico
- Montréal Trudeau International Airport (YUL), Canada
- Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), Canada
- Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ), Dominican Republic
- Reykjavík Keflavík International Airport (KEF), Iceland
While Southern Airways Express uses PIT as a hub, Southwest Airlines handles the largest number of passengers. American Airlines operates a significant number of departures and maintains a large maintenance base at the airport.
Airport History and Future
The airport originally opened in 1952. It served five airlines and functioned as a modest hub for Trans World Airlines for over two decades. Later, it underwent a $1 billion reconstruction and expansion. This previous project was primarily tailored to meet US Airways’ specifications, transforming it into one of the airline’s major hubs.
The Allegheny County Airport Authority owns and operates the facility. The new terminal project represents the latest chapter in the airport's long history of adapting and expanding to meet modern travel demands. Its opening next year is expected to redefine the passenger experience in Pittsburgh for decades to come.
