Pittsburgh International Airport Experiences Growth Surge with Diverse Airline Portfolio
Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) in Pennsylvania is poised for a significant upswing in passenger traffic, expected to surpass its 2019 levels this year. This optimistic forecast is fueled by the addition of 17 new routes launched or announced in 2023, showcasing the airport’s robust recovery and growth trajectory.
In 2023, PIT recorded a passenger count of 9.2 million, marking a 13.3% increase from the previous year and reaching 94% of the levels seen in 2019. This year, airlines operating at PIT are set to serve 61 destinations, with peak-day departures ranging from over 130 in winter to more than 160 in summer.
Southwest Airlines emerged as the top carrier at PIT in 2023, claiming a 24.8% share of passenger traffic. American Airlines was a close second with a 22.8% market share. Overall, 14 airlines offered services from PIT last year, indicating a diverse mix of carriers.
A notable aspect of PIT’s success in 2023 was the significant contribution from airlines outside the U.S. “Big Four” (American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest, and United Airlines), accounting for over 20% of the airport’s passenger traffic. This diversity is a direct result of PIT’s strategic focus on expanding its air service portfolio to cater to various market segments.
In line with this strategy, Breeze Airways introduced flights from PIT to destinations like Los Angeles, New Orleans, and Portland, Maine, last year. The airline is also slated to begin twice-weekly Airbus A220-300 service to San Diego starting May 3.
PIT highlights the increasing trend of passengers opting for non-legacy carriers for their travel needs. Additionally, new routes like Spirit Airlines’ PIT-Miami flights and American Airlines’ service to Cancun, Mexico, further diversified the airport’s offerings.
2023 also saw capacity enhancements on key routes, with Southwest adding more seats on flights to Austin, Denver, and Phoenix. United increased capacity to San Francisco, while Spirit boosted its service to Las Vegas.
Internationally, British Airways ramped up its service between PIT and London Heathrow to six times weekly. Moreover, Icelandair is set to commence a seasonal service from Reykjavik to PIT, operating four times weekly starting in May.
These developments not only reflect PIT’s growing appeal to international carriers but also underscore its position as a dynamic player in the global aviation market. The airport anticipates offering 2.8 million seats in the first quarter of 2024, a slight increase over the first quarter of 2019. Furthermore, airlines are expected to operate 10% more capacity in the summer of 2024 compared to the summer of 2019, signaling continued growth and expansion at Pittsburgh International Airport.