A Step in the Right Direction

Sea-Tac Airport Announces $375 Million South Terminal Expansion Project

Seattle, WA -- Port of Seattle Commissioners have approved the demolition and reconstruction of Concourse A at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The expanded concourse is just one part of a multi-billion capital improvement program at the airport.

"We need to get nearly 29 million people a year to their destinations, all while operating an airport under construction," said Gina Marie Lindsey, Managing Director of Aviation for the Port of Seattle. "It's like remodeling your kitchen while you cook Thanksgiving dinner."

Later this summer, airlines such as TWA and US Airways will begin moving their gates to other parts of the airport.

"The changes will make it even more important that travelers plan to arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before their flight leaves," said Lindsey. "Gates and services that many people have used for years will likely be in different places."

To help passengers navigate those changes, Sea-Tac will have personnel in the terminal ready to assist. Skycaps and airline ticket agents will also be kept informed of the changes.

The $375 million project will nearly double the length and width of the existing concourse. The project will add seven new aircraft gates for a total of 14 gates on Concourse A. The new concourse will be 2,100 feet long and house airline offices, first class lounges, moving walkways and new food concessions.

To make this new concourse a reality, a nearly 87,000 sq. ft. Northwest Airlines hangar must be demolished and rebuilt nearby. Northwest Airlines will do that work, and the Port of Seattle will relocate an airport access road, move ground transportation service areas and make significant infrastructure upgrades.

The new South Arrivals Hall will make the most dramatic statement in the new facility. The design features a 70-foot high ceiling in a steel and glass structure offering panoramic views of Mt. Rainier. The space will accommodate passengers, passenger greeters, new ticket counters for international airlines and three new baggage claim carousels. Plans also call for a five-story office tower on top of the new concourse with public auditorium space and airport administrative offices.

One of the guiding design principles for the expansion project is to enhance the characteristic Pacific Northwest appearance of the airport terminals. Themes include Northwest native folklore symbols, art and design. The interior features stonework, indoor water passages, and views of beautiful outdoor landscaping.

The architect for the project is Seattle's NBBJ. "The Port wanted to create a unique space that would represent the spirit of the Pacific Northwest; we've done just that with the terminal's South Hall," said Rick Zieve, lead architect at NBBJ.

The Port of Seattle began development of the expansion project in 1996, when traffic growth began to exceed capacity. The current airport was remodeled in the early '70s to handle a maximum of 25 million passengers a year. This year, passenger traffic is expected to grow by more than 6 percent, or to nearly 29 million.