A Year of Milestones: Celebrating Innovation, Airline Partnerships and Passenger Wins

2025 was a landmark year for Pittsburgh International Airport. While PIT made history by opening its new terminal to the public in November, this year was also marked by the airport’s continued innovation, expanding global connectivity for the region and going above and beyond for the passenger experience.

From celebrating air service growth from numerous airlines to earning recognition in customer service and sustainability, check out PIT’s highlights from the year, as reported in Blue Sky News.

Christina Cassotis Named Pittsburgher of the Year

By Blue Sky Staff – Jan. 28

Christina Cassotis was named Pittsburgher of the Year by Pittsburgh Magazine for transforming Pittsburgh International Airport beyond its former hub model into an industry-leading origin-and-destination airport, reimagining air travel in the region. Over her decade as CEO, nonstop destinations have expanded from 36 to 63, passenger traffic reached nearly 10 million in 2024, and the airport led major innovations, including a microgrid – the first in the world to fully power a major airport – and a new landside terminal built without taxpayer funding. Cassotis said her goal is for the airport to help Pittsburgh see itself differently, serving as a renewed “front door” that reflects the community.

Allegiant Grows as It Marks 10 Years of Serving Pittsburgh

By Evan Dougherty – Feb. 14

In February, Allegiant celebrated 10 years of service at PIT, having entered the market in 2015 as the airport’s first ultra-low-cost carrier and helping spark a wave of new budget-friendly airlines while growing to 14 nonstop destinations, the second-most of any airline at the airport. With its point-to-point network model, Allegiant has added service to many of PIT’s popular leisure markets, capitalized on growing tourism destinations and expanded into previously underserved routes, including those that were never before served during PIT’s hub days. Beyond flights, Allegiant’s PIT operations have grown to support a base with pilots, flight attendants and mechanics, providing aviation jobs to the region and flexibility for future growth.

PIT Launches ‘We Got You’ Initiative to Reduce Travel Stress

By Dan Lagiovane – April 7

In 2025, PIT launched “We Got You” to help passengers manage common airport stressors like lost items, missed connections and sudden gate changes. The passenger-first initiative equips the airport’s Information Desk staff and volunteer Ambassadors with handheld devices featuring AI-driven chatbots, real-time flight and transportation data, language translation tools and internal communications support. Developed through extensive passenger research, the program focuses on providing compassionate, real-time guidance so travelers can get help quickly and feel more confident navigating unexpected situations.

Pittsburgh International and Allegheny County Airports Named Top Industry Snow Fighters

By Dan Lagiovane – April 28

Snow removal teams at Pittsburgh International Airport and Allegheny County Airport earned top honors at the International Aviation Snow Symposium in Buffalo, New York, in April, with both airports winning their respective categories of the Balchen/Post Awards and PIT team member Tony Pavlovich named Operator of the Year. The recognition reflects decades of excellence, major investments in modern snow-fighting equipment and a commitment to keeping runways open and safe during severe winter weather, making PIT a key diversion airport and ensuring AGC can support critical medical flights. Airport leaders emphasized that the awards honor the teams’ professionalism, teamwork and life-saving role in maintaining reliable air access for travelers, airlines and emergency services.

Solar Field Expansion Shines Light on How PIT Uses Its 8,800 Acres to Create Resiliency

By Brian Hyslop and Gina Mastrangelo – April 29

In April, PIT, in partnership with Duquesne Light and IMG Energy Solutions, announced an expansion of its solar field as part of its broader energy innovation strategy, more than doubling the array to generate an additional 4.7 megawatts of clean energy while reducing carbon emissions by about 5 million pounds per year. The expansion, expected to be completed in 2027, grows PIT’s award-winning microgrid, which has saved over $1 million annually in electricity costs. Power outages that shut down London Heathrow Airport and airports in Spain and Portugal earlier this year highlighted the significance of the PIT microgrid, a blueprint for airport resiliency around the world.

Southwest Celebrates Two Decades of Steady Growth in Pittsburgh

By Evan Dougherty – May 12

In May, Southwest Airlines and PIT celebrated the airline’s 20th year of service in Pittsburgh. Since launching in May 2005 with four destinations, Southwest has grown to become PIT’s busiest carrier with 21 destinations, steadily expanding nonstop service to major cities, leisure destinations, business markets and even international destinations. As PIT’s first low-cost carrier in its post-hub era, Southwest brought increased competition, lower fares and expanded travel options to the region, becoming a key player in PIT’s transformation from a major connecting hub into an origin-and-destination airport and reflecting Pittsburgh’s strong demand for affordable, diverse air service.

British Airways CEO Praises Pittsburgh’s Spirit of Innovation

By Brian Hyslop – May 14

Returning to Pittsburgh for its third consecutive year, the 2025 World Innovation Summit highlighted how embracing innovation drives both immediate results and long-term resilience, with British Airways CEO Sean Doyle announcing that recent investments in operational upgrades at the carrier led to a record 86 percent on-time departures. The summit kickoff, held in PIT’s new terminal, showcased Pittsburgh’s leadership in aviation, robotics, energy and sustainability (including its microgrid, SAF production plans and xBridge testing on a robotic arm that assists in baggage handling). Attendees from 28 countries participated in tours, workshops and networking sessions, emphasizing collaboration and Pittsburgh’s growing reputation as a global hub for innovation in air travel and technology.

Avina Announces Development of Nation’s First On-Site SAF Production Facility at PIT

By Blue Sky Staff – June 2

PIT launched a partnership with Avina Synthetic Aviation Fuel to develop the first on-airport sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production facility using one of the earliest alcohol-to-jet pathways in the U.S. Through a multi-phased project, Avina will build a state-of-the-art facility on airport property utilizing KBR’s PureSAF technology to produce ASTM-certified fuel, which is estimated to generate more than 100 million gallons of SAF annually, support hundreds of full-time jobs, and deliver fuel with at least 65 percent lower carbon intensity than conventional jet fuel. Backed by industry leaders including Boeing and KBR, the project strengthens PIT’s role as a global leader in energy resiliency and innovation, complementing its award-winning microgrid and expanding solar infrastructure.

‘Committed to Doing the Right Thing’: PIT Staff Finds Passenger’s Missing Diamond

By Bob Kerlik – June 18

After losing the diamond from her engagement ring while retrieving luggage at PIT, April Schmitt feared it was gone for good, but airport maintenance staff launched an extensive search and found it inside the baggage carousel later that day. The recovery reflects PIT’s broader culture of customer service, including previous successful efforts to reunite passengers with lost valuables and the launch of its “We Got You” program to help travelers through unexpected situations. Schmitt said the dedication and compassion shown by airport employees made her feel valued, reinforcing PIT’s reputation for going above and beyond to care for passengers.

East Coast Storms Divert Near Record Number of Flights to PIT

By Dan Lagiovane – July 21

Severe storms along the East Coast drove a sharp increase in flight diversions to PIT in 2025, including 18 rerouted flights on July 8 alone and 285 total diversions by mid-July, putting PIT on pace for its highest total since 2018. Airlines consistently choose PIT because of its ideal location, long and multiple runways, high landing capacity and reputation for remaining open and safe during major weather events year-round. Strong partnerships with airlines and the FAA, along with recent investments in equipment, technology and operations systems, allow PIT to handle most diversions quickly and efficiently.

How PIT Transformed Its Concessions Program to Meet Travelers’ Changing Needs

By Harriet Baskas – Aug. 25

PIT has long been recognized for innovation, beginning with its groundbreaking 1992 “Airmall” that introduced street pricing and a mix of retail and dining, setting a standard for airport concessions. As passenger travel patterns have shifted, PIT has moved to an in-house concessions program using data and passenger feedback to curate a balanced mix of popular national brands and distinctive local businesses that reflect Pittsburgh’s culture. The evolving program, which has added nearly 20 new concessions in the past year, aims to give travelers a strong sense of place while offering an experience that encourages them to arrive early and enjoy shopping and dining at the airport.

Peewee’s Big Airport Adventure: PIT Operations Team Reunites Missing Dog with Owner

By Gina Mastrangelo – Sept. 19

Kalynn Schweichler’s 3-year-old dog, Peewee, ran off at Pittsburgh International Airport while her family was getting a rental car, prompting a frantic overnight search with the help of the Allegheny County Police and local nonprofit H.A.R.T. Airport Operations staff, led by Mark Nassan and Marc Buranovsky, joined the effort the next morning, locating Peewee hiding in brush and safely returning him to Schweichler after a 45-minute search. The reunion highlighted PIT’s commitment to customer service and community, as Schweichler praised the teamwork and care that helped bring her beloved dog back within 24 hours.

ACAA Fire Training Team Honored by FAA Working Group

By Gina Mastrangelo – Oct. 20

This year, PIT’s fire training facility received the FAA’s Karl Beeman Award for Technical Achievement, recognizing its innovative solutions to water supply and firefighting capabilities. The 8,800-acre facility, upgraded in 2024, attracts hundreds of firefighters from across the country each year to learn modern aviation firefighting techniques using state-of-the-art resources. The award also highlights the airport’s modernization efforts, including new equipment.

Pittsburgh’s Strength as Business Center Fuels Aer Lingus Entry into Market

By Brian Hyslop – Dec. 11

Irish flag carrier Aer Lingus announced in December it will launch nonstop flights between Pittsburgh and Dublin starting May 25, 2026, marking the first scheduled nonstop connection between the two cities and providing Pittsburgh travelers with access to over 30 European destinations through Dublin. Aer Lingus’ service becomes PIT’s third nonstop transatlantic route, joining British Airways to London Heathrow and Icelandair to Reykjavik, building upon PIT’s successful international network and expanding Pittsburgh’s global connectivity. The Pittsburgh-Dublin route strengthens the longstanding cultural and business ties between Pittsburgh and Ireland and is expected to generate an economic impact of $23 million annually while supporting 156 jobs.

To follow the highlights of the year leading up to the opening of the new terminal, read Reflecting on PIT’s Transformation: A Year in Review.