First look: Pittsburgh's new $1.7 billion airport terminal
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The new terminal feels much more open than current landside terminal. Photo: Ryan Deto/Axios
The $1.7 billion landside terminal at Pittsburgh International Airport is nearly ready to open.
Why it matters: Pittsburgh's air travel is finally moving into the 21st century after more than 33 years without a major upgrade.
- The airport hosted the press and the public for an open house Saturday with dozens of officials and elected officials.
Context: Airport officials call the project, first proposed in 2017, a "right sizing," as the new 811,000-square-foot terminal is being built directly up against the current airside terminal, eliminating about one-third of its gates that are rarely used.
- The new placement means passengers will walk just 140 feet across a pedestrian tunnel after they clear security, instead of using the half-mile underground tram, which will be eliminated.
Flashback: The current version of PIT opened in 1992 and served as a hub for now-defunct USAir for about two decades. Back then, most of the traffic was people connecting to other USAir flights passing through the airport.
- Now, the majority of passengers start and end flights in Pittsburgh.
Between the lines: This means less space is needed for gates and more is necessary for security lines and check-ins for arrivals.
- The new terminal has 12 security gates, about twice as many as before, with automatic bin return technology expected to shorten wait times.
What they're saying: Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato lauded the modern upgrades at the terminal. "This is our region's front door. For people starting businesses and for people returning home."
- "This is a state of the art transportation center that is worthy of a great city and a great state," said Pennsylvania U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick.
Zoom in: The new terminal is open with massive ceilings — meant to represent Pittsburgh's rolling hills — sparkling with constellation lighting held up by orange tree-like columns.
- The terminal has terraces and patios where passengers can relax outside, a big departure from the closed and dark nature of the current airport.
Fun fact: Baggage won't have to move as far between terminals, meaning bags will arrive at the eight new and larger carousels quicker than before, officials said.
- The popular Franco Harris statue will be moved to the new terminal soon, said Allegheny County Airport Authority CEO Christina Cassotis.
Parking is also getting a massive makeover.
- A 5,000-space parking garage sits adjacent to the landside terminal.
- It triples the current number of covered parking spaces and decreases the walk from cars to the terminal significantly.
Dig in: The upgrade also includes more than a dozen new retailers and places to eat, including Shake Shack, legendary Squirrel Hill pizzeria Mineo's, and Wexford-based Café Conmigo.
Follow the money: Initial costs were estimated at $1.1 billion, but those rose to $1.7 billion as inflation and supply-chain issues hit following the pandemic. No local tax dollars were spent on the airport.
- Rep. Chris Deluzio (D-Aspinwall) said he was proud to help secure $100 million in federal funds to the airport.
What's next: Cassotis said she is hoping to see the new terminal open to the public in the next couple of weeks, and added it will "definitely" be open before Thanksgiving.
- A specific date will be announced in the coming weeks.