Allegheny County Airport

Courtesy of Avicennasis

4 April 2011

Location:
12 Allegheny County Airport, West Mifflin, PA 15122

Description:

Located in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, United States, approximately 7 miles (11 km) southeast of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County Airport (IATA: AGC, ICAO: KAGC, FAA LID: AGC) stands as the fifth-busiest airport in Pennsylvania, trailing behind Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, and Harrisburg. Operated by the Allegheny County Airport Authority, it serves as the primary FAA-designated reliever airport for Pittsburgh International Airport. Allegheny County Airport was inaugurated on September 11, 1931.

Upon its completion, the airport ranked as the third-largest in the country and was the sole hard-surface airport at the time. It served as the primary gateway to metropolitan Pittsburgh via air until June 1952, when the Greater Pittsburgh Airport (now Pittsburgh International Airport – KPIT) commenced commercial aviation operations.

While Allegheny County Airport adeptly accommodates small and mid-sized private, corporate, and commercial traffic, it was not designed for handling jet airliners. Nevertheless, over the years, a Boeing 727 owned by Rockwell and two DC-9s found residence at the field. Notably, political candidates frequently utilize chartered jet airliners for their operations, and even Air Force 2, a Boeing 757, has graced the airport's tarmac in the 2000s.

Given its proximity to downtown Pittsburgh, Allegheny County Airport remains popular among business travelers. It serves as a convenient alternative to Pittsburgh International Airport, especially for individuals residing in the densely populated South Hills, Monroeville area, and Monongahela Valley.

Moreover, the airport hosts the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics (PIA), a renowned aircraft maintenance school.