Seattle-Tacoma Airport: A Sprawling Northwest Aviation Hub

The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), also known as Seattle Airport and Sea-Tac, is the largest airport in the Pacific Northwest region of the U.S. It is located about 19 kilometers from downtown Seattle and is connected by Sound Transit's light rail system. With about 33 million passengers passing through each year, it is one of the busiest airports in the United States, handling almost 50 million passengers in 2024. The airport features one terminal with six gates and several shopping and dining options.

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is the official name

SEA is the largest airport in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. It serves the entire Seattle metropolitan and Tacoma areas of Washington, providing essential services and access to hundreds of domestic and global destinations. The airport is a hub for 37 airlines, serving 94 nonstop domestic and 35 international destinations, including Canada, Mexico, and seasonal operations.

In terms of size and capacity, SEA is a significant aviation hub. Built initially in 1949 to handle half a million passengers annually, the airport has experienced substantial growth over the years. By 2018, the airport was handling an average of 136,000 passengers per day, amounting to almost 50 million passengers annually, making it the 8th busiest airport in the country and the 29th largest in the world. SEA set a new record in 2024, accommodating over 52.6 million passengers, and forecasts suggest further growth in 2025.

The airport's single terminal features six gates, and it offers a range of amenities for travelers, including shopping and dining options. The Central Terminal is a vibrant shopping destination, featuring stores like Fireworks for handmade jewelry and accessories, designer brands such as Coach, and the MAC Makeup Boutique for beauty enthusiasts. The Made in Washington store showcases locally smoked salmon and artisan gifts, while duty-free shopping offers exclusive perfumes, cigars, alcoholic beverages, and gourmet food items.

For dining, The Club, located in Concourse A and the South Satellite, provides a thoughtfully designed space reflecting the culture and history of Seattle. The dining area offers a menu with healthy and fresh options, including favorites like the ginger chicken rice bowl and superfood sunrise oatmeal. The bar features craft beer from local breweries and a curated selection of regional wines from Washington State.

It's the 8th busiest airport in the US

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, also known as SEA Airport, is the 8th busiest airport in the US. In 2018, the airport served 49.8 million passengers, a significant increase from the 45.7 million passengers recorded in 2016. With an average of 136,000 passengers per day, SEA Airport has experienced a 43% increase in traffic over the last five years, making it one of the fastest-growing large hub airports in the country.

The airport's booming passenger volume can be attributed to several factors, including its role as a global gateway for Washington State products and its convenient location in the thriving Puget Sound region. International traffic has played a crucial role in the airport's growth, with Seattle-based businesses relying on SEA Airport to access global markets for their perishable products.

The increasing passenger demand at SEA Airport has led to several significant construction projects. The Port of Seattle is investing over $2 billion in capital improvement projects, including the North Satellite modernisation project, a new International Arrivals Facility, and a new baggage-handling system. These projects aim to accommodate the airport's continuing growth and enhance the passenger experience.

SEA Airport's economic impact is substantial, generating more than 151,400 jobs and contributing over $3.6 billion in direct earnings and $442 million in state and local taxes. The airport's growth has also spurred the development of new hotel rooms in the surrounding area, further contributing to the region's economy.

SEA is the 29th largest airport in the world

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, also known as SEA Airport, is the 29th largest airport in the world. It is the primary international airport serving Seattle and its surrounding metropolitan area in the U.S. state of Washington. The airport is located in the city of SeaTac, approximately 14 miles (23 km) south of downtown Seattle and 18 miles (29 km) north-northeast of downtown Tacoma.

SEA Airport covers an area of 2,500 acres (1,000 hectares) and has three parallel runways. It is the largest generator of vehicle trips in the state, with a parking garage that is the second-largest in the world, accommodating over 12,000 vehicles across eight floors. The airport is easily accessible via several interstate highways and is served by a light rail system, providing frequent service to downtown Seattle and the University of Washington.

SEA Airport is a major hub for air travel in the Pacific Northwest region, with 31 airlines operating as of 2022 and serving 91 domestic and 28 international destinations. It is the primary hub for Alaska Airlines, whose headquarters are located near the airport. The airport also serves as a hub and international gateway for Delta Air Lines, contributing significantly to the local economy.

In addition to its role as a passenger hub, SEA Airport is a crucial gateway for Washington State products to reach global markets. In 2018, the airport handled about 438,391 metric tons of cargo, including important exports such as seafood, which require a fast journey to market. The airport's cargo volume ranked 16th in the U.S. and 29th in the world in 1987, highlighting its significant contribution to international trade.

The airport has one terminal with six gates

The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), also known as Seattle Airport and Sea-Tac, is a busy airport serving the entire Seattle metropolitan and Tacoma areas of Washington. With about 33 million passengers passing through each year, it is one of the busiest airports in the United States. The airport features one terminal with six gates.

The single terminal design of Seattle Airport makes it quite distinct from other large airports, which often have multiple terminals. This makes it a relatively straightforward airport to navigate. The terminal is also referred to as the Central Terminal.

Within the terminal, there are two main departure areas for international flights: Concourse A and the South Satellite. Concourse A also features duty-free shopping, where travellers can purchase exclusive perfumes, cigars, alcoholic beverages, gourmet food items, sweets, and more.

The South Satellite is home to The Club, a thoughtfully designed lounge with an interior that reflects the vibrant culture and history of Seattle. The colour palette takes inspiration from the region's landscapes, from the ocean to the forests. The Club offers a dining area with a menu of healthy and fresh options, including favourites like the ginger chicken rice bowl and superfood sunrise oatmeal. There is also a bar serving craft beer and regional wines.

Overall, the single terminal with six gates at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport provides a centralised and efficient gateway to the Seattle area, offering travellers a range of services and amenities to enhance their travel experience.

The airport offers shopping and dining experiences

The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is a large airport, handling almost 50 million passengers annually. It is a global gateway for Washington State products, with about 438,391 metric tons of cargo passing through in 2018.

Shopping and Dining at SEA

The airport offers an eclectic mix of over 100 dining, retail, and service options. There are 42 dining options throughout the post-security areas of the airport, catering to all tastes, including NW-inspired local brands and well-known favourites. For those who like to arrive early and explore, there are unique shopping experiences throughout the airport, including bookstores, gift shops, designer brands, and local goods. The airport also has duty-free shopping options.

The Port of Seattle has been working on a long-term dining and retail redevelopment program to increase options for travellers and expand access for small and local businesses. This means that travellers can expect even more variety in the future.

The airport's website, ExploreSEA.org, provides an interactive map to help travellers find their way around the terminal and locate specific restaurants and services. This can be accessed by enabling your current location on your mobile device.

Frequently asked questions