Terminal Tour: A look inside Pittsburgh International Airport construction

Pittsburgh International Airport opened its doors for tour of the nearly 90% complete terminal modernization, offering a look at the nearly $1.7 billion transformation.

The terminal is set to reach “substantial completion” by the end of June, according to project officials, the final touches —will continue after the public opening.

A temporary occupancy for many of the involved contracts are set to start in the end of June and not yet finalized, according to Paul Hoback, executive vice president and chief development officer for the Allegheny County Airport Authority.

While not yet operational, the terminal is gearing up for an expected fall rollout.

A gala scheduled for Oct. 3 will celebrate the near-completion of the terminal, public affairs manager Amy Downs said.

During the tour, Chad Willis, vice president of Planning, Environment and Sustainability detailed new dynamic lighting systems, ecofriendly processes and functions of the new terminal’s varied spaces.

Improvements touted

Travelers will see several significant improvements, including:

• Tripled covered parking space, eco-friendly snow melt systems, and EV charging stations.

• A new space-finder system for parking and quicker terminal access for rental cars.

• Enhanced wayfinding with high-contrast signage and reduced walking distances.

• Redesigned check-in with electronic info displays and accessible ticketing counters located on the same level as security.

• A streamlined security process with 12 lanes, new screening equipment, and expanded open space.

Notably, TSA PreCheck and non-PreCheck passengers will now share a unified terminal, according to Hoback.

“Staffing levels are expected to remain close to current levels,” Hoback said, “with adjustments based on operational needs.”

Hoback also cited an estimated $20 million in annual operational savings.

A 160-foot tunnel leads travelers from the TSA checkpoint to post-check terraces.

Other notable changes include a bridge concourse system, replacing the previous train system, offering direct access to gates, restaurants, and more than 20 new or incoming retail and dining options.

The tour coincides with the Future Travel Experience World Innovation Summit, co-hosted by PIT and Carnegie Mellon University.