The Port of Seattle and Alaska Airlines celebrate the completion of the $546 million SEA Gateway Project, delivering a major transformation to the north end of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport’s main terminal.
The project refreshes the airport’s primary entrance and customer flow from curb to gate, introducing automated bag drops, redesigned security areas, upgraded baggage claim facilities, digital displays, new public art, and expanded accessibility features.
The project finishes ahead of this summer’s international soccer tournament and marks the first major milestone in a wider series of Upgrade SEA projects scheduled to roll out throughout the year. After 2 years of construction, the airport now offers brighter open spaces, faster processing points and a more streamlined passenger journey designed to reduce waiting times and improve overall comfort.
The SEA Gateway Project modernises nearly every stage of the departure and arrival experience. Alaska Airlines introduces its first at-scale automated bag drop technology at the airport, while Bridge Level check-in creates new options for faster processing between Skybridges 5 and 6. The baggage claim area now features new claim devices at carousels 15 and 16, enhanced lighting, widened seating areas and multiple art display cases.
Security operations also benefit from expanded capacity. Checkpoint 6 doubles its front space, triples the recompose area and reconfigures all 6 lanes to increase efficiency. Restroom upgrades across the terminal add additional fixtures, companion care adult changing tables, a nursing room and water refill stations, improving accessibility and comfort for families and travelers with mobility needs.
“Everyone has worked tirelessly to bring this multi-level project to life as a portal to the Pacific Northwest,” said Ryan Calkins, Port of Seattle Commission President. “This level of customer service and ease is what people have come to expect of a top-tier international airport, and together, we’ve delivered.”
The redesigned entryways also improve curbside flow with updated door portals, new ADA-compliant access ramps and long-term structural upgrades to glass elevators. Eight major public art installations appear throughout the terminal, reinforcing the region’s creative identity while creating a calmer and more welcoming environment for passengers.
More upgrades coming ahead of peak travel season
Additional projects under the Upgrade SEA programme continue throughout the year. The C Concourse Expansion adds 4 new floors of amenities and services, while roadway improvements introduce 2 additional lanes to increase capacity in the airport garage and surrounding drives. These developments aim to support higher passenger volumes expected during peak summer travel.
Several improvements already open contribute to smoother airport operations. Passengers begin using the redesigned Checkpoint 6 before the winter holidays, and Checkpoint 1 at the south end of Baggage Claim opens in June. In 2024, 93% of passengers clear security in under 20 minutes. A further $62 million funds restroom renovations across B, C and D Concourses, and the A Concourse Expansion prepares new lounge spaces.
“From initial planning to final construction, this project has been years in the making in partnership with the Port of Seattle – achieving the goal of reducing the time our guests spend in line at the airport,” said Shane Jones, Senior Vice President of Fleet, Revenue Products and Real Estate at Alaska Airlines. “We now have an amazing space with innovative technology in our lobby that provides for a more seamless travel experience.”
Sustainability remains a central element of the redesign, with the project on track to achieve LEED Silver certification for Commercial Interiors. Energy-efficient systems support upgraded HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and fire safety infrastructure, aligning environmental performance with long-term operational resilience.
