PITTSBURGH, Pa. — The McDonald’s at Pittsburgh International Airport has officially closed its doors after serving travelers for more than three decades. The popular fast-food outlet’s last operating day was December 31, 2022, providing the airport community with its signature burgers and fries until the very end. The closure is part of larger concession renovations announced last July, which are aimed at enhancing the dining options available to those flying through the airport.
Bob Kerlik, the spokesperson for the airport, confirmed the closure and remarked on the transition as part of efforts to modernize the terminal. Travelers may have noticed the absence of McDonald’s, but they will soon be greeted by new dining establishments such as Shake Shack and Mineo’s Pizza House. “Announcements about the new food options are expected to be made soon,” Kerlik stated, indicating excitement over the upcoming changes.
The reason behind the McDonald’s closure stems from the completion of its lease at the airport. A statement from the local McDonald’s owner/operator expressed pride in having served the airport community for over 30 years. “While closing a restaurant is never easy, we look forward to continuing to serve the community – including those bound for the airport just minutes away at our Oakdale location,” the statement read. The operator also mentioned their commitment to creating job opportunities at nearby locations for employees affected by the closure.
Interestingly, amid the changes at the airport, Chick-fil-A temporarily closed for renovations as well but has since reopened to serve customers once again. According to Kerlik, those renovations included expansions aimed at offering both a broader menu and increased capacity for travelers, which becomes pivotal during peak travel times.
Construction at the airport has been extensive, transforming the airside terminal area significantly. Reports from various sources, including airport officials, outline plans for a modernized experience featuring natural light and architectural elements reflecting Pittsburgh’s local flora, particularly the white oak of the Allegheny National Forest.
Christina Cassotis, the CEO of the airport authority, highlighted the distinctiveness of the new design elements, which are intended to provide a sense of place and connection to nature upon entering the terminal. “Everything here is supposed to say this is very specific to Pittsburgh,” she stated during an exclusive tour of the updated facilities. The terminal is currently about 75% complete, with the grand opening tentatively scheduled for October.
The updated terminal is expected to feature modern architectural designs alongside improved passenger flow systems, including easy access to security checkpoints and streamlined dining experiences. Travelers and airport officials alike express enthusiasm about the changes, which aim to create not just functionality, but also a unique and welcoming atmosphere.
New dining options will be situated where the McDonald’s was located, drawing considerable interest from both locals and travelers. There has been considerable anticipation around the introduction of Shake Shack, known for its burgers and shakes, and Mineo’s Pizza House, which has been popular among Pittsburgh residents for years.
This wave of changes at the Pittsburgh International Airport is part of broader efforts to revamp many of the facilities to create more appealing and modern experiences for travelers. With exciting new food options coming, the local community, and especially frequent flyers, are eager to see how the terminal’s offerings will evolve post-renovation.
The McDonald’s closure might mark the end of an era for many long-time passengers, but it also signals the beginning of new culinary opportunities at one of the region's busiest travel hubs. Despite the bittersweet nature of the change, the move is being seen as beneficial for the overall passenger experience at Pittsburgh International Airport.