Big Changes Afoot At Pittsburgh International Airport

PITTSBURGH, PA - Pittsburgh International Airport hopes to help stimulate a return to air travel by adopting new safety protocols that should limit potential exposure to the coronavirus.

The program includes mandating facial coverings while on airport property, practicing social distancing through guided markers in high-traffic areas, utilizing protective shields in high traffic areas, enhancing leaning and disinfection, and implementing new touchless transaction technology.

The safety program will also apply to the Allegheny County Airport in West Mifflin.

“Public safety and security are always the top priorities. We are enhancing already rigorous protocols to ensure that our passengers and staff are protected and that our terminal is ready for business,” Allegheny County Airport Authority CEO Christina Cassotis said in a release. “This initiative will continue to grow as we implement evolving best practices and the latest technology to benefit our passengers and staff through UV disinfection, touchless transactions and more.”

The first phase of key changes at the airport in the coming weeks include:

• Facial coverings: All employees, passengers and visitors are required to wear face coverings on all public airport property.

• Social distancing: Signage and floor markings throughout the terminal will give guidance on six-foot distancing in common areas.

• Enhanced cleaning and disinfecting
  
  
  • Frequent deep cleaning practices continue in all public spaces and restrooms and additional hand sanitizing stations have been added.
  • PIT is pioneering the use of UV light in airport public areas such as floors, moving walkways, elevators and escalator rails to reduce contaminants and provide another layer of sanitation.

• Protective shields: Shields and barriers are being installed in high-traffic areas, including public counters, checkpoints and baggage claim.

• Reconfigured seating: Furniture in gate areas, food court and baggage claim are being removed or repositioned to allow for social distancing.

• Touchless transactions: The airport is evaluating touchless technology for concessions and parking transactions.