Pittsburgh International Airport opens outdoor terrace

Pittsburgh International Airport has opened a new pre-security outdoor terrace, creating a publicly accessible space that blends nature, wellbeing and innovative airport design to enhance the experience for passengers, visitors and employees.

Summary:

Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) has opened a 36,000-square-foot pre-security outdoor terrace as part of its new terminal development.
The publicly accessible space brings fresh air, natural light and regional design elements into the airport environment, supporting passenger wellbeing and visitor experience.
PIT is among the first major U.S. airports to incorporate multiple outdoor terraces into a new terminal design, reflecting a growing trend towards more human-centred airport spaces.

Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) – a Corporate Partner of the FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub – has opened a pre-security outdoor terrace at its new terminal. It places PIT at the forefront of a growing trend in airport design that incorporates publicly accessible outdoor spaces as a key element of the passenger and visitor experience.

“If we look around today and take a look at what I think is probably the most beautiful outdoor space at a U.S. airport, and one that has been so carefully designed to allow for a Pittsburgh, western Pennsylvania, Allegheny County experience for travellers, as well as staff, to encounter the beauty of this area, and really, to just to feel better,” Allegheny County Airport Authority CEO Christina Cassotis said at a ribbon-cutting event attended by regional and airport leaders.

The 36,000 square-foot UPMC Terrace features a walkway, seating and landscaping inspired by western Pennsylvania’s natural beauty. Visitors can access the terrace on the Arrivals Level at the Welcome Point near the VisitPittsburgh desk or between baggage carousels 5-8.

The pre-security terrace provides travellers, visitors and employees with access to fresh air, natural light and views of airport operations, intending to create moments of calm amid the often-hectic pace of travel.

The terrace was made possible by UPMC and the Richard King Mellon Foundation. “The UPMC Terrace is much more than an airport amenity that we put our name on,” said James Taylor, Senior Vice President and Chief Culture, Community and Talent Management Officer, UPMC. “It is a special community space that reflects the energy, beauty and spirit of our region. It creates a healthier, more welcoming travel experience and reinforces Pittsburgh’s global reputation as a place that values innovation, well-being and community connection. We applaud the leaders of the Allegheny County Airport Authority and Pittsburgh International Airport for their vision, and we are proud to partner with them to bring this extraordinary gathering space to life for the residents of our region as well as visitors from all over the globe.”

Another pre-security terrace on the Arrivals Level, as well as the Green Spine in front of the parking garage, and two additional post-security terraces, limited to ticketed passengers, will open at PIT in the future. The terraces are part of an emerging trend but are still rarely found in American airports: space available to the public, where visitors and travellers can enjoy the outdoors. Most outdoor spaces in airports are part of airline clubs and are exclusive to lounge members, premium cabin passengers or those who purchase lounge access.

PIT is among the first major U.S. airports to incorporate multiple outdoor terraces directly into a new terminal design and to provide such space both before and after security. “We are one of the few airports in the United States that has access to the outdoors like this without the cost of entering; you don’t have to pay, you don’t have to be a member of a certain club,” said Cassotis. “The terraces are redefining what it means to be an airport. These terraces represent innovation in both design and airport planning, bringing local environments directly to passengers, meeters and greeters, staff and crew members. They help people feel more comfortable and connected throughout the travel experience.”

Pittsburgh International Airport CEO Christina Cassotis to deliver keynote at FTE Global 2026

Hear more from Christina Cassotis, CEO, Pittsburgh International Airport, at the 20^th anniversary edition of FTE Global, taking place in Dallas, Texas, on 8 to 10 September 2026. Following the opening of Pittsburgh International Airport’s transformational new terminal, Cassotis will share the most important lessons from the project’s first year. This exclusive keynote – titled ‘One year on: The biggest lessons learned from the opening of Pittsburgh International Airport’s new terminal’ – will explore the realities of bringing a bold airport vision to life, the operational and passenger experience learnings that have emerged since opening, and the insights other airport leaders can apply to their own transformation programmes.

See the FTE Global schedule at a glance >> Register for FTE Global >>