Portland Airport: Size, Scale, And Significance

Portland International Airport (PDX) is Oregon's largest airport, located just six miles north of downtown Portland. While it is the largest airport in the state, it is still considered relatively small, making it easier for travellers to navigate. The airport has won awards from magazines like Travel + Leisure and Conde Nast Traveler, and is loved for its quirky features, including its famous carpet. The airport is currently undergoing a major construction project, which is set to be completed in 2025. The new terminal will be able to accommodate 35 million passengers annually by 2045.

Portland International Airport (PDX) is Oregon's largest airport

PDX is currently undergoing a major construction project, which is scheduled for completion in 2025. The airport is expanding its main terminal, with a focus on sustainability and celebrating the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. The new terminal will feature a mass timber roof canopy, constructed from wood sourced within a 300-mile radius of the airport. This design pays homage to the local environment and highlights the importance of sustainable practices.

The expansion will enable the airport to increase its capacity, aiming to accommodate 35 million passengers annually by 2045. The new design will evoke the feeling of walking through a forest, with lush interior landscaping and an abundance of natural light. The airport will also continue to prioritise its pre-security retail and dining options, as well as providing unique Oregon shopping experiences and local food options.

PDX offers a convenient light rail connection to downtown Portland, as well as free Wi-Fi, local artwork, and tax-free shopping. It serves as a hub for Alaska Airlines and offers nonstop domestic flights to various destinations across the United States. Internationally, travellers can fly direct to PDX from Amsterdam, Calgary, Frankfurt, Guadalajara, London, Puerto Vallarta, Reykjavik, Tokyo, Toronto, and Vancouver.

PDX's terminal expansion will be completed in 2025

Portland International Airport (PDX) is undergoing a major expansion, with the new main terminal set to be unveiled in August 2024 and the entire project scheduled for completion in 2025. The expansion is designed by ZGF Architects, who have been working with the airport since 1965, and will double the airport's capacity, enabling it to accommodate 35 million passengers annually by 2045. The project will cost $2 billion and is the last piece of the broader overhaul that the Port of Portland refers to as PDX Next, which got underway in 2019.

The new terminal will feature a mass timber roof, constructed from wood sourced within a 300-mile radius of the airport, including from local tribes and family-owned forests. The roof will be made up of 3.5 million board feet of wood and will weigh 18 million pounds. The expansion will also include new check-in areas, security stations, restaurants, shops, and routes through the building. The new security stations are designed for a more streamlined security process, and travellers will be able to reach all four concourses after passing through security. The new terminal will also feature a public space with stadium seating and a mezzanine restaurant.

In addition to the new terminal, the PDX Next overhaul includes the new Concourse B, which replaced the former Concourse A; a new car rental centre; and a redesigned transit hub. The majority of these components have already been completed, with the main terminal being the final piece.

The expansion aims to maintain the intimate scale of PDX, with numerous places to rest, recharge, and refuel. The design prioritises visibility, with broad views of the airfield, and incorporates biophilic design elements, such as large interior landscapes and abundant natural light, to reduce stress and reflect the Pacific Northwest region. The expansion will also include dedicated spaces for employees to take breaks, as well as community lounges that are visible and accessible to all.

The project emphasises sustainability, with much of PDX's existing infrastructure being reused. By reusing the existing terminal and optimising the use of wood, steel, and salvaged materials, the project has achieved a 70% reduction in the embodied carbon footprint of the structure. The new terminal will also feature a highly efficient envelope, natural and LED lighting, and a ground-source heat pump, contributing to a 50% reduction in energy usage compared to the previous terminal.

The completion of PDX's terminal expansion in 2025 will mark the end of a major construction project that began in 2019 and will significantly increase the airport's capacity while enhancing the travel experience for passengers.

The airport is 6 miles north of downtown Portland

Portland International Airport (PDX) is located just 6 miles north of downtown Portland. It is Oregon's largest airport, serving nearly 20 million passengers annually. The airport is easily accessible by train, shuttle, taxi, or rideshare. The Portland light rail system, MAX, connects PDX to downtown in about 40 minutes. Alternatively, a taxi ride can take as little as 20 minutes without traffic.

PDX has been consistently ranked as one of America's best airports by travellers and magazines like Travel + Leisure. The airport offers a unique blend of local culture, convenience, and award-winning design. It is renowned for its easy light rail connection to the city, free Wi-Fi, local food options, art installations, and tax-free shopping.

The airport's design showcases a strong connection to the Pacific Northwest region. The recently expanded main terminal, designed by ZGF Architects, features a mass timber roof canopy and locally sourced wood, paying homage to the local environment and sustainability. The terminal evokes a walk in the forest, with lush interior landscaping and natural light.

PDX is also known for its quirky features, such as its famous carpet, which has become a cult classic among locals and travellers alike. The airport has a vibrant and intimate scale, reflecting the pedestrian-friendly and tree-lined streets of Portland. It offers a range of dining and shopping options, showcasing the best of Oregon and the Pacific Northwest.

The airport is currently undergoing a major construction project, which is scheduled to be completed in phases by 2025 and 2026. These expansions aim to increase the airport's capacity to accommodate up to 35 million passengers annually by 2045. Despite the ongoing construction, PDX remains a beloved and highly regarded airport, delivering a positive and memorable experience to travellers from all over the world.

PDX has one terminal with two sections: North and South

Portland International Airport (PDX) has one terminal with two sections: North and South. The airport is Oregon's largest and has been named America's best airport by its travellers. It is well-loved for its local food, local artwork, and tax-free shopping. The airport is also known for its quirky features, such as the famous carpet, which was once named the grand marshal of the city's annual Rose Festival Starlight Parade.

The single terminal at PDX houses passenger ticketing, baggage claim, international arrivals, shops, restaurants, and two TSA security checkpoints. The North and South sections of the terminal are served by Concourses B, C, D, and E. Concourse B is the smallest and does not have any restaurants, while Concourse C offers a variety of dining options, including local favourites.

The North and South sections of the terminal are connected by the concourse connector, which allows travellers to access all gates from either checkpoint. However, due to the ongoing construction project, access between the North and South gates may not be available, and travellers may need to go through the checkpoint for their specific gate.

The PDX terminal is designed to evoke the feeling of walking through a Pacific Northwest forest, with lush interior landscaping and an emphasis on natural elements. The terminal features a 9-acre mass timber roof constructed from locally sourced wood, celebrating the history and innovation of Oregon's forest product industry. The airport is also designed with sustainability in mind, reusing existing infrastructure and incorporating energy-efficient features to reduce its carbon footprint.

The expansion of the PDX terminal is part of the PDX Next programme, which aims to bring Pacific Northwest-inspired architecture and local businesses to the airport, along with inclusive design and carbon footprint-reducing technology. The expansion will enable the airport to accommodate 35 million passengers annually by 2045, doubling its capacity while maintaining the intimate scale that travellers have enjoyed.

The airport is highly regarded for its local food, art, and music

Portland International Airport (PDX) is highly regarded for its local food, art, and music. The airport has been voted one of the best domestic airports in the United States by Travel and Leisure readers and has earned accolades from other leading outlets, including Condé Nast Traveler.

PDX strives to be a true reflection of the quirky, craft-driven city of Portland, and this is especially evident in its dining options. The airport features a diverse array of restaurants, cafes, bars, and tasting rooms, including outposts of popular local eateries such as Grassa and Screen Door. The menus cater to a range of dietary preferences, with inclusive options for vegetarians, vegans, and gluten-free travellers.

When it comes to art, PDX offers a dynamic cultural experience through its Art Program. The airport maintains a rotating exhibits program throughout the terminal, featuring the work of the region's finest artists. Additionally, the Port headquarters boasts a robust permanent art collection. The airport also showcases immersive exhibitions, such as Pablo Velasco's "Convergence," which captures Oregon's stunning landscapes through photography.

Music plays a crucial role in enhancing the traveller experience at PDX. The airport's music program creates a relaxing and stress-free environment through live performances by volunteer musicians. These local musicians showcase an eclectic mix of jazz, classical, and contemporary styles, adding to the unique ambiance of the airport.

PDX's commitment to showcasing local talent and culture extends beyond just food, art, and music. The airport also features unique shopping options, including locally sourced souvenirs, and even a piece of the airport's famous original carpet design, which has become a beloved icon for the city.

The airport's recent expansion and renovation projects have further emphasised its dedication to celebrating local culture. The new design pays homage to the local environment and highlights the importance of sustainability by incorporating timber sourced from the surrounding region.

With its diverse food options, captivating art programs, and enriching musical offerings, Portland International Airport has cultivated a well-deserved reputation for excellence in these areas.

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