What's next for Cleveland Hopkins Airport? How Pittsburgh's airport is shaping the future of travel

As airports across the region undergo significant construction projects, there are still some questions about what Cleveland Hopkins International Airport could look like in the future. One location in the region that is emerging as an example of how airports can evolve is Pittsburgh International Airport, which is in the final stages of a new airport terminal project. “We've been under construction since the fall of 2021,” said the Allegheny County Airport Authority Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer Paul Hoback. "We're eliminating our current landside terminal. We're building a new landside terminal that's connected to the airside terminal." The $1.57 billion project aims to streamline operations and improve the travel experience for passengers. "You're not going to have the $4 million a year that we spend in operation and maintenance costs of the people mover train," explained Hoback. "You're not going to have the $6 million that we spend in eight miles of baggage conveyer that connects the two terminals. We're going to significantly reduce our operation and maintenance costs." By the end of this year, what is currently a construction site of steel, drywall and concrete will begin to take shape with new airline check-in areas, security checkpoints and even green spaces. One of the unique features of the project is the inclusion of outdoor terraces. "There's going to be concessions there where they have umbrellas outside that you can sit at a table and just enjoy that outdoor fresh air," said Hoback. These changes reflect a shift in the needs of modern travelers. Pittsburgh International is no longer just a hub for connecting flights, as it once was for US Airways. The airport’s redevelopment was driven in part by a shift to fit the needs to travelers who are arriving to or leaving from the airport. Hoback said this was highlighted during the master planning process that began in 2015. Full coverage: https://www.wkyc.com/article/travel/p... -- At 3News, we’re not here to tell you the news, we’re here to share the stories that you say matter most to you. Share your ideas, thoughts, concerns and engage in conversations about the communities in which we all call home. Follow 3News on Social: Facebook:   / wkyc.channel3   Twitter:   / wkyc   Instagram:   / wkyc3   Visit our site: https://www.wkyc.com/ And be sure to download our app here: https://wkyc.com/app