Hard hat on and camera in hand, I stepped into the future of Pittsburgh International Airport’s (PIT) new terminal. Construction of this much-anticipated facility has been ongoing since 2021 and is set to open to the public later this year.
The 1.7 billion USD project has been designed to transform air travel for passengers arriving and departing from Pittsburgh. It consists of a new landslide terminal, renovations to the airside terminal, a new parking garage, a visitor service centre, and a new airport roadway, all aimed at creating a more intuitive and efficient passenger experience.
Why Build a New Terminal?
Earlier this year, Paul Hoback, EVP, Chief Development Officer at the Allegheny County Airport Authority, wrote an article detailing the story behind the new terminal. Previously operating as a US Airways hub, the airport was built for connecting passengers, who made up 80% of passenger footfall. Today, PIT serves as the beginning or end of the journey for 98% of passengers. As a result, the current design and ageing systems no longer efficiently serve their needs.
Most notably, the airport’s current landside and airside terminals are approximately a half-mile apart, requiring passengers and luggage to be transferred over this distance. By building the new terminal alongside the existing airside facility, these inefficiencies will be resolved.
The Passenger Experience
Touring the new facility, it was evident that the passenger experience has been considered for every step of the journey, for both departing and arriving passengers.
Aesthetically, the place is already striking, even amidst the ongoing construction. The unique tree-branch-inspired columns, scattered constellation lights, and an undulating roofline resembling the rolling hills of Western Pennsylvania all provide a memorable image of a beautiful airport that reflects its region.
It also struck me that the facility looked like its renderings—a rare feat where the product genuinely lives up to the polished promise of the digital visuals.
From Curb to Gate
The construction of the new terminal aims to halve the time it takes passengers to travel from curb to gate due to shorter walking distances, more intuitive wayfinding and reduced wait times.
Upon entering the new terminal, passengers will quickly have sight of the airfield and the awaiting aircraft. This simple yet powerful design choice instantly reduces the stress and disorientation that often comes with navigating an unfamiliar terminal.
Check-in desks and the security checkpoint also sit directly in the line of sight upon entry, setting the tone for a straightforward journey.
The security area itself spans the width of the building and features 12 lanes equipped with the latest CT scanners and automatic bin return systems, meaning you can keep liquids and electronics in your bag. The checkpoint also boasts four times more queuing space than the current terminal to prevent bottlenecks.
Beyond security, passengers will find a dedicated recomposition zone where they can gather their belongings, without losing sight of the airfield. In fact, PIT’s team envisions the entire terminal acting as a flight observation deck, rather than relying on popular, dedicated areas.
Arrivals
For international passengers, the Customs and Border Control area has also been condensed, removing the long, complicated walk and train journey that previously had to be taken. This will benefit passengers arriving on flights with Icelandair and British Airways, the latter of which recently upgraded the frequency of its nonstop service from London Heathrow Airport from six days a week to seven days a week.
Indeed, Sean Doyle, CEO of British Airways, praised PIT’s new terminal during the FTE World Innovation Summit. He stated that it reflects Pennsylvania’s heritage and positions Pittsburgh as a hub for innovation, noting: “What is going on here is a bit of magic.”
What’s more, the airport’s improvements to efficiency will deliver hold luggage to arriving passengers more swiftly. While the number of baggage carousels has been reduced from 12 to 8, capacity has been increased. The carousels are also conveniently located near the exit to prevent unnecessary walking with luggage.
Outdoor Terraces
Alongside the abundance of natural light and an architectural aesthetic inspired by tree branches and rolling hills, the terminal features four outdoor terraces that allow travellers to reconnect with the outdoors. Two of these are located post-security, giving passengers a rare opportunity to enjoy fresh air and runway views without leaving the secure zone.
Notably, the airport has adhered to FAA guidelines in designing these spaces to ensure the natural beauty does not attract birds that could interfere with flight activity.
Lasting Impressions
Overall, the new terminal at PIT struck me as more than just a construction project, acting as a statement of intent for redefining the passenger experience.
The projects demonstrate that mid-sized airports can lead the way in passenger-focused design, that aviation can reflect the identity of a region, and that innovation doesn’t have to be reserved for mega-hubs.
