What Will the New Pittsburgh International Airport Look Like?

If you’re planning to travel later this year, we’ve got good news for you. Upgrades at Pittsburgh International Airport are about 80% done, and we got a little sneak peek of the new terminal’s progress so far.

The $1.7 billion project, which kicked off in 2017, builds on the airport’s unique X-shaped design and takes inspiration from nature, technology, and community. Whether you’re there to travel or pick someone up, here are a few of our favorite things:

✨ A Walk Among the Stars

At the curb, you’ll be greeted by 60-foot, wood-like ceilings; vertical copper beams reminiscent of trees; and towering glass walls that let in lots of light. The ceilings are set in a wave pattern featuring constellation lights that gently steer you toward an expanded security area with double the available lines. To the right and left, you’ll see airline counters to check your bags, and to the sides will be grassy outdoor parklets to sit in the sunshine while you wait. Designers say they were inspired by the way the city opens up coming out of the Fort Pitt Tunnel.

🚋 Goodbye Tram

Beyond security, you’ll cross a teeny bridge (!!) to the center of the X and its sparkling, locally designed terrazzo floor — no single-stop train required. Look for more restaurant options; two more small pet- and kid-friendly green spaces; plus updates to the flooring, color palette, public art, and more.

🧳 Faster Luggage

Below the main floor, which you’ll be able to look down into from the atrium, will be a much larger and more efficient baggage claim area. Right now, all arriving luggage has to travel around the airport’s entire eight-mile X to get to baggage claim. Soon, a system of mostly hidden, state-of-the-art belts will get your bag back to you in a fraction of the time.

🚙 Extra Parking

The renovation includes one of the largest garages in Pennsylvania. Airport officials say more than 1,000 people have worked on not just these new buildings, but also miles of roadway, seven bridges, and a (mostly) covered atrium where folks can snag a rental car on site.

🛫 Prepare for takeoff!