LVIA launching new TSA checkpoint this week. And more changes are coming

HANOVER TWP., Pa. — Lehigh Valley International Airport is prepared to debut its TSA Checkpoint and Terminal Connector on Wednesday, Aug. 30.The new facility addresses several critical operational needs, including:

In an interview with LehighValleyNews.com in early June, Colin Riccobon, director of public and government relations with Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority, elaborated on how the new TSA checkpoint works.

“If you know our airport and you've ever been there, you know we have a two-lane TSA checkpoint in which there are outbound passengers and inbound passengers flowing through so it's two-way traffic,” Riccobon said.

“So what this new checkpoint is going to do is bring that checkpoint downstairs — actually upstairs to the ticketing level — so people will go to the ticket counter and then really have a short walk on the same level right to the TSA checkpoint.

“And it's going to start with three lanes, but it has the potential expanse of four lanes, which will certainly speed up the process for people.”

Officials said LVIA is also the world's first airport to install the LifeAire System, manufactured in the Lehigh Valley. The system is designed to reduce airborne pathogens, including COVID-19, more than 99% and was shown in a recent health care study to reduce 96% harmful surface pathogens.

Karen Keys-Turner, Transportation Security Administration federal security director for the airport, also shared her insights.

"The additional space increases our capacity to screen more travelers comfortably and efficiently than the previous space allowed,” Keys-Turner said.

“The environment of the new space is a once-in-a-generation modern checkpoint not only built for today but also with an eye toward the future with infrastructure for state-of-the-art technologies as they come online."

On July 28, Gov. Josh Shapiro, U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and U.S. Rep. Susan Wild were at LVIA to celebrate the completion of a $35 million connector bridge.

"The Lehigh Valley has long been an economic leader in Pennsylvania," Shapiro said. "But let's be frank: It's too often had to take a back seat to some other regions in Pennsylvania. Today, we say no longer.

He praised the Lehigh Valley’s ability to get critical infrastructure improvements done and make a better economy for Pennsylvania.

Days after the celebration, LVIA said it was going to get more funds to invest in the airport upgrades. Two funds will be used to continue construction of a northside parallel taxiway and update terminal facilities.

Visit the airport's website for more information.