
- Pursuing LEED Gold
- Curbside to Airside Travel Time Cut by 50%
- 2 Times More Efficient Baggage Claim
- Four Outdoor Terraces: Two Landside, Two Airside
- Over 80% of Artwork Sourced Locally
- $18 Million Saved in Operational and Maintenance Costs
- Accommodates 13-15 Millon Passengers Annually

Like many aging U.S. airports, Pittsburgh International Airport required an upgrade to meet modern standards. Originally designed to connect the landside and airside terminals by an automated people mover, the airport no longer reflected the expectations of modern travelers — or the identity of the region it serves. With nearly 10 million passengers in 2024 — the highest since 2006 — the terminal transformation offered a timely opportunity to modernize operations and express Pittsburgh’s growing national and international relevance.
Gensler + HDR, in association with luis vidal + architects, designed a new 811,000-square-foot terminal that brings together all major airport functions within a single, streamlined structure. The terminal reflects Pittsburgh’s unique landscape and character through biophilic design, regional materials, and public art. Four outdoor terraces — two pre-security and two post-security — feature native plants, walkways, and benches. Undulating wood ceilings, tree-like columns, and a roofline inspired by rolling hills create a passenger experience that feels efficient and deeply local.
The new terminal redefines the passenger journey at PIT — cutting walk times, easing congestion, and eliminating the need for an automated people mover. The design enhances operational efficiency and speeds the security and check-in processes, while creating a welcoming civic space that celebrates Pittsburgh’s identity. With thoughtful waiting areas, seamless curb-to-gate connectivity, and terraces offering moments of pause and respite, the airport becomes more than a gateway; it becomes part of the region’s story.






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Pittsburgh Magazine published their guide to the new terminal at Pittsburgh International Airport, sharing everything passengers need to know about their new and improved travel experience from arrival to take-off.
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Pittsburgh Post-Gazette spotlighted Pittsburgh International Airport’s $1.7 billion terminal. The terminal features a spacious interior designed by Gensler + HDR with Spanish architect Luis Vidal and four landscaped terraces to meet growing demand for outdoor spaces.
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Business Insider explored a renaissance of outdoor space across airports with insights from Terence Young. Gensler embraced the alfresco trend in designing JetBlue’s T5 Rooftop at JFK International Airport, as well as the San Diego International Airport and Pittsburgh International Airport terraces.
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Bloomberg highlighted the growing demand for outdoor spaces at airports. Gensler and Turner-Flatiron are creating a giant outdoor terrace to enhance San Diego International Airport Terminal 1. Pittsburgh International Airport’s new terminal will also add four green terraces for travelers and staff.
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Pittsburgh International Airport released a video spotlighting its new airport design by Gensler + HDR, which is described as a “pavilion in Penn’s Woods.” Principal Carolyn Sponza discussed how the reimagined PIT creates a connection to the region.
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Washington Post quoted Principal Ty Osbaugh in an article on how designers are focused on improving the restroom experience at airports. Gensler is working to make the restrooms at Pittsburgh International Airport “feel like a five-star hotel.”
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The Wall Street Journal interviewed Charles Morley about how Gensler incorporated daylight and outdoor spaces at Pittsburgh International Airport’s new terminal to “provide a more relaxing, restorative experience for travelers.”

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