Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) will hold a public trial of its new terminal on Saturday, 20 September 2025 to test operational systems and passenger processes before the facility officially opens later this year.
The Allegheny County Airport Authority (ACAA) announced the date following a strong public response to its call for volunteers. More than 18,000 people expressed interest in participating in the trial, which will involve approximately 2,000–2,500 selected individuals. Those who registered interest have now been invited to apply by 15 August.
Christina Cassotis, CEO of PIT said:Over the last 10 years as Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) has transformed, Pittsburgh has always stepped up and showed up. Pittsburgh is very unique in that it has one of the largest meeter and greeter markets, as well as some of the most engaged and passionate community members who have always shown up to support the airport. The sheer volume of people who signed up reflects that energy and excitement about PIT and the work that we’re doing here.
The trial is being developed and led by Daniel Bryan, an industry consultant with experience in operational readiness and transition planning at major airports around the world. Bryan is leading the ACAA’s Operational Readiness Activation and Transition (ORAT) team, which is responsible for ensuring all airport operations and staff are prepared ahead of the opening.
Volunteers will be selected based on a variety of factors to simulate a typical airport day. The selection process will consider different types of travellers, including families, business travellers, those requiring assistance, and individuals across a range of age groups. The aim is to replicate diverse passenger journeys to help identify any gaps in operations or passenger support.
Bryan said:I’ve been responsible for trials across the world, in airports big and small, and have never seen a community show up like this one. We had hoped to get 3,000-4,000 volunteers through the expression of interest, in the hopes that 2,000-2,500 would be able to participate on the actual trial date. The response was more than we anticipated. Thank you, Pittsburgh!
The Experience & Design team at PIT, said to be the first of its kind in the US, has been involved throughout the terminal’s development. The team focuses on more than physical infrastructure, looking at passenger experience elements such as signage, services, sound, and layout.
The public trial will provide both the airport and the selected participants an early look at the facility’s operations, layout, and passenger flow in advance of the formal opening.
Siri Betts-Sonstegard, Senior Vice President of Experience & Design at ACAA, said:Over the last few years, we’ve conducted research to understand passengers’ current experience and make it better. That means better wayfinding that provides travellers with the right information at the right moments, providing support with the unexpected, and ensuring that passengers have comfortable transitions and waiting. We’re excited to listen to these volunteers and gain their feedback so that we can fine-tune our processes and elevate the passenger experience.
The new terminal project is now more than 92% complete. The upcoming trial represents a significant step in preparing the new terminal for public use later this year.
