A £1.2 Billion Modernization Project to Reshape Air Travel and Enhance Passenger Experience

A significant modernization project is underway at an airport located just 10 miles from a major city. The project, costing £1.2 billion, aims to overhaul the facility. The airport, which first opened 72 years ago, saw a record-breaking 9.95 million passengers last year, exceeding pre-pandemic figures. Situated west of downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the airport also serves nearby areas in West Virginia and Ohio. It offers passenger flights to destinations across North America and Europe, featuring four runways and covering 10,000 acres.

The $1.39 billion project is designed to transform air travel in Pittsburgh. It will consolidate check-in, security, and baggage claim into a single structure, eliminating the need for shuttle buses. This is expected to significantly reduce travel time. The project also includes a large new car park and a three-level bridge designed to improve both functionality and appearance. The terminal will feature expanded concession areas and a more efficient security screening process with separate levels for departures and arrivals. Airside improvements include enhancements to the fueling system, gate layouts, and airfield lighting, all aimed at optimizing operations. The renovation was initially announced in 2017 but has faced delays due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The airport, which began operations in 1952, initially served only five airlines. A major $1 billion rebuilding and expansion was completed in 1992, largely tailored to the needs of US Airways (now American Airlines) to establish a major hub. This new design was considered innovative, earning it the title of "airport of the future." It pioneered modern airport design with its X-shape to reduce gate distances, underground trams, and a variety of shopping options. In 1992, 80% of passengers used the airport for connections. As of 2025, 95% of travelers now begin or end their journey in Pittsburgh. The closure of the US Airways hub allowed new low-cost carriers to enter the market, increasing options for local passengers. British Airways began service to Heathrow in 2019. In 2021, the airport became the first in the world to have its own microgrid, using natural gas and solar power to supply the entire airport's energy needs.