Pittsburgh unveils £1.4bn airport terminal designed for the future of travel

Andrea Thompson

ByAndrea Thompson

October 14, 2025

Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) has officially unveiled its new terminal, a £1.4 billion transformation that redefines the airport experience for business and leisure travellers alike.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony, held on Saturday, drew more than 300 guests including airport executives, airline partners, elected officials and community stakeholders—marking the culmination of a project designed to reflect Pittsburgh’s identity and ambitions.

“This building was always meant to be aspirational,” said Christina Cassotis, CEO of the Allegheny County Airport Authority. “But now, it’s inspirational. Being in this space feels good—and that’s a bold statement for an airport today.”

The new terminal is the centrepiece of PIT’s shift from a traditional hub to a modern origin-and-destination airport, tailored to serve the Pittsburgh market. Backed by unanimous support from airline partners and funded without local tax contributions, the project broke ground in 2021 and has already delivered significant economic impact: over 14,300 jobs created and £2 billion in regional activity, with more than 90% of labour and materials locally sourced.

Saturday’s ceremony was followed by a Community Open House, welcoming over 10,000 visitors to explore the new facility. Activities were hosted by regional partners including the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh and Kamin Science Center, with complimentary parking provided by F.N.B.

The terminal itself is a masterclass in regional storytelling and passenger-focused design. Its rolling roofline echoes Pittsburgh’s hills, while terrazzo flooring and tree-like columns evoke the surrounding forests. A striking constellation lighting installation—comprising over 4,000 lights—mimics the night sky and is visible both inside and out. Unique among U.S. airports, the terminal also features four outdoor terraces, offering fresh air pre- and post-security.

Functionally, the terminal streamlines the passenger journey with enhanced security lanes, expanded concessions, and improved connectivity. It supports PIT’s growing air service portfolio, which has expanded from 36 to 62 nonstop destinations and from seven to 15 carriers over the past decade. Recent route additions include American Airlines to Los Angeles, JetBlue to New York-JFK and Fort Lauderdale, and Delta to Salt Lake City.

“This new terminal is an economic jet engine,” said Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato. “It’s the front door to Pittsburgh—built by Pittsburghers, for Pittsburghers—and it will serve as a showcase for the region when we host the NFL Draft in 2026.”

With its blend of architectural ambition, operational efficiency and community investment, PIT’s new terminal sets a benchmark for regional airports worldwide. For business travellers, it’s not just a gateway—it’s a statement.

Andrea Thompson

ByAndrea Thompson

Andrea can be found either in the Travelling For Business office or around the globe enjoying a city break, visiting new locations or sampling some of the best restaurants all work related of course!