After moving from Pittsburgh to Florida 18 years ago, Eleonora and Joe Buba still find comfort in the sensory details found at the Pittsburgh International Airport.

For Mr. Buba, 77, it’s the echo of suitcase wheels clicking across the floor. For his wife, it’s the smell of restaurants along the concourse.

“I’ve always enjoyed getting off the plane and into the airport. You knew you were in Pittsburgh because it smelled really good,” said Ms. Buba, 75.

Like many who regularly travel in and out of Pittsburgh International, the Bubas wonder what will happen to those familiar cues they’ve grown so fond of as the airport makes its overnight transition to the rebuilt terminal ahead of Tuesday’s grand opening.

Starting Monday evening, as the last international flight touches down just before

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