Projects Overview

Photo courtesy of the Port of Seattle

Overview of proposed near-term projects at SEA

The Master Plan identified a set of Near-Term Projects (NTPs) needed to address current and future needs at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). These projects focus on improving safety, efficiency, access, and passenger experience while supporting the airport’s role as a regional transportation hub. The projects are being reviewed together under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) to understand potential environmental effects and to identify appropriate mitigation, if necessary.

What are the near-term projects?

The NTPs include a range of improvements across the airport, such as:

• Building a second terminal with 19 gates to reduce crowding, ensure more on-time flights, and generate more jobs
• Airfield updates to improve safety and efficiency
• Increased fuel storage
• Off-site air cargo facilities
• New roads to connect existing and new facilities

The projects are located in different areas within and around the airport and may be built over time, as funding and approvals are secured.

Why do we need these improvements?

SEA serves as a gateway to the more than eight million people who live in our state, and the one million more who are expected to move to the Puget Sound by 2035. To meet our region’s forecasted travel needs and support a great traveler experience, the Port of Seattle proposed a plan to guide future development for the airport. The NTPs will:

  • Expand passenger processing facilities and gates to comfortably serve our growing passenger needs
  • Expand cargo facilities to keep pace with growing demand
  • Upgrade airfield infrastructure and taxiway layouts to meet regulatory compliance and modern aviation standards
  • Increase fuel storage capacity to support projected demand and the Port’s sustainable aviation fuel initiative
  • Improve the efficiency and functionality of the overall taxiway layout.

Upgrading our airport

SEA plays a critical role in serving the Puget Sound region. The NTPs will help the airport safely and efficiently meet travel demand and support a positive experience for travelers and those who work at the airport. The NTPs are expected to provide several benefits to airport operations, including:

Improving airport operations and efficiency

The NTPs include terminal, gate, and airfield improvements that support day-to-day airport operations. Together, these upgrades help reduce crowding, improve on-time performance, and ensure the airport can operate smoothly and reliably as demand increases.

Supporting airport jobs and activity

SEA is one of the largest employment sites in King County, supporting tens of thousands of airport jobs and many more throughout the region. By improving airport facilities and operations, the NTPs help maintain reliable access for employees, airlines, and airport services while supporting continued airport-related economic activity.

Benefits to the region

SEA serves as a gateway for more than eight million people who live in our state, and for the one million more expected to move to the Puget Sound by 2035. The NTPs help ensure the airport can meet future demand while continuing to support a safe, efficient transportation system for the region.

Improving regional transportation and access

The NTPs include roadway, access, and circulation improvements that support how people travel to and from the airport. These investments help reduce congestion, improve traffic flow, and strengthen connections between the airport and the regional transportation network, benefiting travelers and nearby communities.

Supporting regional jobs and the economy

SEA is an important economic engine for the Puget Sound region, supporting jobs, wages, and business activity well beyond airport boundaries. The NTPs help sustain employment, support tourism and trade, and maintain more efficient movement of people and goods throughout the region.