100 Days In: PIT’s New Terminal Earns Strong Reviews from Locals, Travelers and Media

“Big. Beautiful. State-of-the-art and reflects Pittsburgh’s transformation.”

That’s how Tom Costello, NBC News Senior Correspondent, described Pittsburgh International Airport’s new terminal. Slate’s Alex Kirschner said, “Yinzers finally built an airport on their own terms—and it’s incredible.”

“Our beautiful new building,” actor and Pittsburgh native Joe Manganiello described it.

When Pittsburgh International Airport opened its new terminal on Nov. 18, 2025, reviews of the new terminal were overwhelmingly positive. The terminal quickly drew praise from travelers and media for its modern design, efficiency, and strong connection to the Pittsburgh region. It also started getting recognized as a model for the next generation of airport design.

Positive Reviews Were Immediate

Passengers were among the first to applaud the new terminal’s design and ease of use.

Richard and Linda MacMurdo, interviewed by the Pittsburgh Business Times as they arrived early for their flight to California, said they were wowed on opening day.

“The signage is very good, nice and bright,” said Linda MacMurdo.

“Very, very nice,” Richard MacMurdo said.

In an interview with KDKA-TV, United Airlines Capt. William Westfahl piloted the first flight to arrive into PIT after the opening of the new terminal, calling it a beautiful facility.

“It’s been a few years since I’ve been here, but I’ve always liked the Pittsburgh airport because there’s so much shopping compared to other airports,” Westfall said. “I was telling him on the way in that there’s a lot to do here, but now seeing this, it’s supercharged. It’s fantastic now.”

WTAE-TV interviewed Chantell Johnson, who was among the first travelers to experience the new terminal. “I think it’s nice, very exquisite. It’s a beautiful thing,” she said.

In other interviews, travelers told local media that the building “felt intuitive and welcoming, bright, easy, and wonderful.”

Traveler feedback during the first months of operation has remained overwhelmingly positive. They have cited the terminal’s natural light, reduced wait time in TSA and for baggage, and simple layout as key improvements over the previous design.

Airport officials are using traveler feedback to improve wayfinding and continually enhance the traveler experience.

‘Thoughtful Reinvention’

National publications and trade media reviews were immediate and also reflected what the opening travelers were saying about the new terminal.

“Pittsburgh International Airport’s new terminal isn’t just a shiny upgrade, it’s a thoughtful reinvention built around how real travelers move and what they need. With more parking, faster processing, a shorter baggage system, and inspired design, PIT is stepping boldly into the future. For travelers flying in or out of Pittsburgh, the experience just got a lot more pleasant, and for the region, it’s a statement: this is an airport built by Pittsburgh, for Pittsburgh.” – Marissa Bradstreet, TravelHost, Nov. 16, 2025

Pittsburgh’s new $1.7 billion terminal wows, inspires Cleveland Hopkins airport overhaul Cleveland Plain Dealer headline Nov. 16, 2025

“The newly opened terminal is not just a hub for air travel but also a symbol of Pittsburgh’s growing economy and global connectivity. Designed with local materials and constructed by regional labor, the terminal reflects the pride of the Pittsburgh community while showcasing its industrial and technological advancements. As the front door to the Pittsburgh region, the terminal supports local businesses and serves as an essential tool for economic development.” – Travel and Tour World, Nov. 19, 2025

“Pittsburgh International Airport’s landside terminal is more than a new building. It is a symbol of an airport and a region moving forward. Designed for real travelers rather than connecting traffic from a bygone hub era, the new PIT delivers speed, comfort, better screening, easier navigation, and a sense of place rooted in western Pennsylvania.” – Dave Hartland, Avgeekery.com, Nov. 19, 2025

“The transformed terminal positions PIT as a modern, innovative airport ready to accommodate passenger growth, support airlines, and reflect Pittsburgh’s identity. With its focus on streamlined security, faster baggage handling, enhanced amenities, and community-focused design, the airport delivers a new standard for passenger experience in the region.” – Gabriel Higgins, Airport International Review, Nov. 18, 2025

“2025 highlight: Pittsburgh International Airport’s new terminal” – Harriet Baskas, Stuck at the Airport, Dec. 30, 2025 in her year-end highlights.

National Attention for Design and Innovation

Aviation and architectural outlets across the country also highlighted the terminal’s design as a key feature. These publications noted its architectural features—such as expansive glass walls, tree-like columns, and a sweeping roofline that reflects the rolling hills of Western Pennsylvania—as well as technology upgrades designed to improve passenger flow.

Several examples include:

“Everything from the physical wayfinding to the flight information displays, known as “FIDS,” sports a new look and feel that is distinctly Pittsburgh” – Edward Russell, The Points Guy, Nov. 18, 2025

“In the end, the terminal modernization reflects the spirit of the city it serves: a clarity of purpose, an economy of means, and an insistence on doing the hardest work out of view so the experience feels effortless. It is, as the team repeatedly noted, an airport for Pittsburgh, by Pittsburgh – engineered to carry the region forward.” – Buro Happold Feb. 26, 2026

A New Front Door for Pittsburgh

Airport officials said leading up to the opening that it would be “built for Pittsburgh,” designed to showcase local culture, art, and businesses while providing a world-class travel experience.

One hundred days since opening, the response from travelers, media, and industry media suggests the new terminal has achieved a core goal: transforming the passenger experience while reflecting the region it serves.