Route Development
Pittsburgh Airport Opens Advanced TSA Checkpoint to Enhance Security
Pittsburgh International Airport unveils a modern TSA checkpoint with CT scanners and automated ID systems to improve passenger flow and security.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has officially launched a new, state-of-the-art security checkpoint at Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT), marking a significant milestone in the airport’s ambitious Terminal Modernization Program. As of Tuesday, November 18, 2025, all departing travelers now pass through a single, consolidated facility designed to fundamentally reshape the passenger experience. This isn’t just a minor upgrade; it’s a complete overhaul aimed at boosting efficiency, strengthening security protocols, and streamlining the journey from curb to gate for the nearly 10 million passengers the airport served in the last year.
The new checkpoint is the centerpiece of a multi-year, $1.7 billion effort to modernize PIT. The previous airport design, which required passengers to check in at a landside terminal and then take an underground train to a separate airside building for their gates, often created bottlenecks and confusion. The new, consolidated 811,000-square-foot terminal, which began construction on October 14, 2021, eliminates this disjointed process. By centralizing key functions, the airport and the TSA are directly addressing the challenges of growing passenger volumes and the need for a more intuitive and less stressful security process.
At the heart of the new checkpoint are significant technological advancements designed to make screening both more secure and more convenient. The facility is equipped with sixteen Credential Authentication Technology (CAT-2) units. This system automatically verifies a traveler’s identity by comparing a real-time photo taken at the podium with the photo on their government-issued ID, enhancing identity verification and reducing manual checks.
Once past the identity check, passengers encounter eight Automated Screening Lanes (ASLs). These lanes feature larger bins to accommodate more items, an automated conveyor system that returns bins to the front of the line, and RFID tracking for carry-on items. The most impactful upgrade for many travelers will be the introduction of Computed Tomography (CT) scanners. These advanced machines provide a 3D image of the contents of a carry-on bag, allowing TSA officers to conduct a more thorough analysis electronically. For the passenger, this means laptops, large electronics, and approved liquids can remain inside their bags, speeding up the process and reducing a common point of hassle.
Behind the scenes, a new, fully automated Checked Baggage Inspection System (CBIS) uses a complex network of conveyor belts to screen all checked luggage for potential threats. This integrated system works in tandem with the passenger checkpoint to ensure comprehensive security coverage. The combination of these technologies represents a major step forward in airport security infrastructure.
As Gerardo Spero, TSA Federal Security Director for Pennsylvania, stated, “This new checkpoint represents a leap forward in both safety and efficiency. By combining the latest screening technologies with streamlined processes, we’re able to provide faster, smoother travel while upholding the highest security standards.”
The new security checkpoint is a critical part of the broader Terminal Modernization Program’s goal of creating a more cohesive and pleasant travel experience. The previous system, with its main and alternate checkpoints, is now replaced by a single, 12-lane facility in one centralized location. This creates a more open and predictable environment, guided by modern electronic displays that provide real-time flight and queue-time information. On its opening day, the new terminal processed approximately 20,000 passengers, with a peak wait time of about 20 minutes, a smooth transition for a project of this scale.
The collaboration between the airport authority and the TSA was fundamental to the project’s success. Travis McNichols, PIT’s Chief Operations Officer, highlighted this partnership, stating, “Our partnership exemplifies PIT’s commitment to safety and security in working with all stakeholders. We look forward to an enhanced passenger experience through the new security checkpoint.” This sentiment was echoed by airport CEO Christina Cassotis, who expressed her relief at the smooth opening and noted the team was ready to “tweak in real time” to optimize operations.
Beyond the checkpoint itself, the modernization program includes enhancements to the entire airport ecosystem. Passengers will find larger post-security areas to recompose themselves after screening, reducing congestion. The project also addresses landside logistics with a new 3,300-space parking garage and an 8,000-space shuttle lot, improving access to the new terminal. Every element is designed to work together to shorten the total time from car to plane. The opening of the new TSA checkpoint at Pittsburgh International Airport is more than just a local news story; it’s a case study in the future of airport design. It demonstrates a clear shift toward integrating advanced security technology with passenger-focused infrastructure. By consolidating operations and deploying systems that reduce hassle without compromising safety, PIT is setting a new standard for how airports can manage increasing passenger loads, which have already surpassed pre-pandemic levels at the facility.
As the aviation industry continues to evolve, projects like PIT’s Terminal Modernization Program will likely become a blueprint for other airports. The successful collaboration between government agencies like the TSA and airport operators proves that strategic, long-term investment can solve long-standing travel pain points. The result is a system that is not only more secure but also more respectful of the traveler’s time and experience, ensuring that the journey is as smooth as the destination is exciting.
Question: When did the new TSA checkpoint at Pittsburgh International Airport open? Question: What is the biggest change for passengers with the new CT scanners? Question: Is the new checkpoint part of a larger project?
Pittsburgh International Airport Unveils Next-Generation Security Checkpoint
A New Era of Screening Technology
Streamlining the Entire Passenger Journey
Conclusion: A Model for the Future
FAQ
Answer: The new checkpoint became fully operational for all departing passengers on Tuesday, November 18, 2025.
Answer: Passengers can now leave laptops, other large electronics, and 3-1-1 approved liquids inside their carry-on bags during the screening process, which helps to speed up the lines.
Answer: Yes, it is a key component of Pittsburgh International Airport’s $1.7 billion Terminal Modernization Program, which includes a new, consolidated 811,000-square-foot terminal building and other infrastructure improvements.
Sources
Photo Credit: KDKA Radio
Route Development
AnguillAir Starts Direct Seasonal Flights from U.S. Northeast to Anguilla
AnguillAir, a BermudAir brand, begins nonstop flights from Boston, Newark, and Baltimore to Anguilla’s upgraded airport through April 2026.
For the first time in history, travelers from the U.S. Northeast can fly nonstop to the Caribbean island of Anguilla, bypassing the traditional and often cumbersome connections through St. Maarten or Puerto Rico. AnguillAir, a new sub-brand operated by the boutique carrier BermudAir, officially launched its inaugural services this week.
According to reporting by Travel Weekly, the new carrier began operations on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, with a flight from Boston (BOS). This was followed by a Newark (EWR) launch on Thursday and a Baltimore/Washington (BWI) service commencing today, December 19. The flights are timed to coincide with the opening of the newly upgraded passenger terminal at Anguilla’s Clayton J. Lloyd International Airports (AXA).
The introduction of these routes represents a significant shift in regional Caribbean aviation, offering a “tarmac-to-tarmac” solution for high-end leisure travelers who previously relied on ferries or charter hops to reach the destination.
AnguillAir operates as a seasonal service, scheduled to run through April 2026. While marketed under the AnguillAir brand, the flights are operated by BermudAir using its existing Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC), flight crew, and fleet. Official scheduling data confirms the following operational timeline:
The routes will be served twice weekly using BermudAir’s fleet of Embraer E175 and E190 regional jets. These aircraft are configured to support a premium leisure product, with the E175 offering 10 Business Class and 60 Economy Class seats, while the E190 features 8 Business Class and 88 Economy Class seats.
Historically, access to Anguilla has been a logistical challenge for U.S. visitors. The standard journey involved a commercial-aircraft flight to St. Maarten (SXM), followed by a taxi to a ferry terminal, and finally a boat ride to Anguilla. Alternatively, travelers could connect via San Juan (SJU) onto smaller propeller aircraft.
In a statement regarding the launch, Adam Scott, Founder and CEO of BermudAir, emphasized the strategic intent behind the new brand:
“This is much more than a new route, it’s a reflection of what BermudAir was built to do: deliver extraordinary service while broadening our destination offerings. We’re thrilled that we are now able to extend the service and care we offer from Bermuda now also to our sister British Overseas Territory neighbour Anguilla.”
The launch of AnguillAir is closely coordinated with infrastructure developments on the island. The government of Anguilla recently opened a new terminal at Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport on December 15, 2025, specifically to handle increased capacity and direct jet service.
According to local officials, the government has provided support for the route, including a seat guarantee reported to cover up to 7,000 seats to mitigate the airline’s risk. Jose Vanterpool, Anguilla’s Minister of Infrastructure, highlighted the economic implications of the new service: “The reopening of the Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport marks a pivotal moment for Anguilla’s economic future. Our agreement with BermudAir to launch nonstop service from the U.S. Northeast is a crucial first step.”
The creation of AnguillAir represents a shrewd operational pivot for BermudAir. Launched in 2023 to serve the business and premium leisure market in Bermuda, the airlines faces significant seasonality issues, with demand for Bermuda dropping during the winter months. By deploying its aircraft to Anguilla, a warm-weather destination with peak demand from December to April, BermudAir can maximize fleet utilization without acquiring new assets.
We observe that this “pan-Caribbean” approach allows the carrier to act as a flexible capacity provider for British Overseas Territories, leveraging its existing regulatory standing and premium cabin configuration to serve niche, high-yield markets that major U.S. carriers may overlook.
Is AnguillAir a separate airline? What aircraft are used for these flights? Are these flights year-round? Do I need to take a ferry if I fly AnguillAir? Sources: Travel Weekly, BermudAir.
AnguillAir Launches Historic Direct Service from U.S. Northeast to Anguilla
Operational Details and Schedule
Addressing the “Access Issue”
Strategic Context and Infrastructure
AirPro News Analysis: BermudAir’s Counter-Seasonal Pivot
Frequently Asked Questions
No. AnguillAir is a brand name. All flights are operated by BermudAir using BermudAir aircraft and crew.
The routes utilize Embraer E175 and E190 regional jets.
No, the service is seasonal. Flights from Boston, Newark, and Baltimore operate from mid-December 2025 through April 2026.
No. These flights land directly at Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport (AXA) in Anguilla.
Photo Credit: Government of Anguilla
Route Development
ASUR Expands into US Market with $295M URW Airports Acquisition
ASUR acquires URW Airports for $295M to manage commercial operations at major US airports, diversifying revenue and gaining USD exposure.
This article is based on official press releases and financial filings from Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste (ASUR).
Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste (ASUR), the international airport group known for operating Cancún Airport and hubs across Colombia and Puerto Rico, has officially entered the United States market. According to a company announcement released on December 11, 2025, ASUR has completed the acquisition of URW Airports, LLC, marking a significant strategic pivot for the Mexico-based operator.
The transaction, valued at an enterprise value of $295 million USD, was executed through the company’s subsidiary, ASUR US Commercial Airports, LLC. This move transforms ASUR from a regional infrastructure operator into a diversified player with a direct commercial footprint in some of the busiest aviation hubs in the United States.
In addition to this major expansion, ASUR released its passenger traffic report for November 2025 earlier this week, showing steady but mixed growth across its existing portfolio. We examine the details of the acquisition and the current operational climate below.
The acquisition of URW Airports, formerly owned by Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, represents a shift in business model for ASUR in the U.S. market. Unlike its operations in Mexico or Colombia, where it manages entire airport infrastructures, this acquisition focuses specifically on the high-margin segment of commercial management, including retail, dining, and passenger services.
Under the new operating name ASUR Airports, LLC, the company will now manage commercial programs at major U.S. terminals. According to the transaction details, the portfolio includes:
ASUR stated that this acquisition is designed to diversify revenue streams and leverage the group’s extensive experience in commercial development. By entering the mature U.S. travel market, ASUR gains exposure to USD-denominated revenue, potentially offsetting currency volatility in its Latin American markets.
Based on financial data from ASUR’s Q3 2025 report released in late October, the company was well-positioned to execute this all-cash transaction. The company reported cash reserves of approximately 16.2 billion MXN, allowing it to fund the $295 million purchase without significantly leveraging its balance sheet. While Q3 EBITDA showed a slight decline of 1.3% due to cost pressures, revenue had increased by 17.1% year-over-year, driven largely by construction services.
While the U.S. acquisition dominates the headlines, ASUR’s core business operations continue to show resilience. On December 8, 2025, the group released its traffic report for November 2025, revealing a consolidated year-over-year increase of 1.5% in passenger traffic, totaling 5.9 million passengers. The traffic report highlights a divergence in performance across ASUR’s three main geographic regions:
The completion of the URW Airports acquisition signals a maturation of ASUR’s corporate strategy. By securing a foothold in JFK, LAX, and ORD, ASUR is effectively hedging against the regional risks inherent in Latin American infrastructure operation. The “blue ocean” opportunity here is not in building runways, but in optimizing the retail spend of U.S. travelers.
Furthermore, the November traffic data suggests that while the Mexican market is stabilizing, Colombia has emerged as the current growth engine for the group. The dip in Puerto Rico remains a metric to watch as the company approaches its Q4 earnings report, but the injection of U.S. commercial revenue from the new acquisition may soon alter the complexion of ASUR’s balance sheet significantly.
What did ASUR acquire? Will ASUR operate the runways at JFK or LAX? How is ASUR’s traffic performing? Sources: ASUR Press Release (Dec 11, 2025), ASUR Traffic Report (Dec 8, 2025), SEC Filings (Form 6-K)
ASUR Enters U.S. Market with $295 Million Acquisition of URW Airports
Strategic Expansion: From Cancún to JFK
Portfolio Additions
Financial Context
Operational Update: November 2025 Traffic
Regional Performance Breakdown
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
ASUR acquired URW Airports, LLC, a commercial management firm operating in major U.S. airports, for an enterprise value of $295 million.
No. This acquisition focuses on commercial management (retail, dining, and services) within specific terminals, not the operation of the airfield or infrastructure.
As of November 2025, consolidated traffic is up 1.5% year-over-year, with Colombia leading growth (+5.9%) and Puerto Rico seeing a slight decline (-2.9%).
Photo Credit: URW Airports
Route Development
Austin Airport Activates New High-Capacity Baggage System Early
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport launched a new baggage system early, boosting capacity to 4,000 bags per hour and enhancing reliability.
This article is based on an official press release from the City of Austin and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) has officially activated its new outbound baggage handling system (BHS) months ahead of its original timeline. According to an official announcement from the City of Austin, the system went live in December 2025, beating the projected Spring 2026 completion date. This infrastructure upgrade represents a critical milestone in the airport’s multi-year “Journey With AUS” expansion program.
The new system, developed in partnership with Siemens Logistics, is designed to address long-standing reliability issues caused by aging infrastructure. By replacing a legacy system that was over two decades old, the airport has more than doubled its processing capacity. Officials state the new BHS can handle approximately 4,000 bags per hour, a significant increase from the previous limit of roughly 1,600 bags per hour.
Ghizlane Badawi, CEO of AUS, emphasized the importance of this project for the airport’s operational backbone:
“This project is a testament to the power of partnership and our commitment to delivering a world-class experience for our passengers. By strengthening the backbone of our airport operations, we are ensuring that Austin remains connected to the world reliably and efficiently.”
The newly activated system is housed within the airport’s expanded “West Infill” area, adding approximately 75,000 square feet to the terminal footprint. The project, executed by general contractor Whiting-Turner Contracting Company and architect Gensler, integrates advanced logistics technology to streamline baggage flow.
According to project details released by the airport, the core mechanical and control architecture was supplied by Siemens Logistics. The system features 1.5 miles of new conveyor belts, high-speed diverters, and vertical sorters. Unlike the previous infrastructure, which relied on older mechanical sorting, the new system utilizes a “smart” networked control architecture to track and route luggage with higher precision.
A primary driver for this $241.5 million upgrade was the structural inefficiency of the previous system. The old baggage handling setup was bifurcated into distinct “East” and “West” loops that were not connected. This lack of redundancy meant that if one side of the terminal faced a surge in volume, such as a bank of heavy flights departing from East gates, the system could not divert excess baggage to the underutilized West side.
The new unified system eliminates these silos, allowing for dynamic routing across the terminal. This redundancy is expected to drastically reduce the risk of missed bags and flight delays, particularly during Austin’s high-traffic events like South by Southwest (SXSW) and Formula 1 race weekends. The activation of the BHS is part of a broader strategy to prepare AUS for a projected 30 million annual passengers. The “Journey With AUS” program aims to modernize the facility to accommodate rapid regional growth through 2030 and beyond.
In addition to baggage handling, the West Infill project has created the necessary physical space for a future expansion of TSA Checkpoint 3. Plans indicate this checkpoint will eventually grow from two lanes to more than six, further alleviating terminal congestion.
The City of Austin confirmed that the $241.5 million project cost was funded entirely through airport cash reserves, revenue bonds, and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grants. No local tax dollars were utilized for the construction.
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson highlighted the economic implications of the upgrade:
“An efficient airport connects Austin to the world and makes our city more competitive. This investment ensures that as our community grows, our infrastructure keeps pace, supporting both tourism and local business.”
The early delivery of the AUS baggage handling system stands out in an era where major airport infrastructure projects frequently face delays due to supply chain constraints and labor shortages. By activating the system in December 2025 rather than Spring 2026, AUS has secured a vital operational buffer before the spring travel season.
Furthermore, the shift from a segmented system to a unified loop addresses a critical vulnerability common in mid-sized airports undergoing rapid expansion. As passenger volumes at AUS have swelled to over 22 million annually, the rigidity of the legacy system had become a single point of failure. This upgrade suggests a shift toward operational resilience, prioritizing “back-of-house” efficiency that, while invisible to passengers, directly impacts the reliability of their travel experience.
AUS Unveils High-Speed Baggage System Ahead of Schedule
Technical Specifications and Capacity Upgrades
Siemens Logistics Technology
Solving the “East vs. West” Bottleneck
Strategic Context and Funding
AirPro News Analysis
Sources
Photo Credit: Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
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