Owais Crawford
There are over 140 public airports in Washington State, with Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (also known as Sea-Tac Airport) being the largest and busiest airport in the state. In this guide, we will explore the different airports in Washington State, their history, and what makes them unique. We will also provide information on the best airport for your travel needs, whether you are looking for a small regional airport or a large international hub. So, whether you're a local seeking the most convenient travel options or a visitor curious about Washington's aviation landscape, read on to discover the airports that serve this vibrant state.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA), or "Sea-Tac" |
| Location | City of SeaTac, Washington |
| Owner | Port of Seattle |
| Area | 2,500 acres (1,000 hectares) |
| Number of runways | 3 |
| Number of terminals | 3 (Central, North Satellite, and South Satellite) |
| Number of gates | 68 (43 in the Central Terminal, 12 in the North Satellite Terminal, and 13 in the South Satellite Terminal) |
| Number of parking spaces | 12,100 |
| On-site parking | Paid and valet parking available |
| Off-site parking | Several privately owned parking facilities with shuttle access |
| Public transport access | 1 Line of Sound Transit's Link light rail system at the SeaTac/Airport station |
| Number of airlines | 31 |
| Number of destinations | 91 domestic and 28 international |
| Notable incidents | Hijacking of Northwest Airlines Flight 305 in 1971, crash of Harbor Airlines Flight 308 in 1974, hijacking of Northwest Airlines Flight 608 in 1983 |
What You'll Learn
Seattle–Tacoma International Airport
The history of Seattle–Tacoma International Airport dates back to the late 1920s when the Port of Seattle and Port of Tacoma proposed a shared public airport. However, these plans were initially deferred due to legal concerns. In 1941, the state legislature authorized municipal corporations to establish aviation facilities, and in 1942, the Port of Seattle accepted a grant to construct a new airport to serve the Seattle area after the U.S. military took control of Boeing Field during World War II. The airport's first parking lot opened in 1955, and the United States Postal Service established an air mail terminal at the airport in 1957. Japan Airlines became the first international carrier to operate at Sea–Tac in 1959.
Today, Seattle–Tacoma International Airport offers a range of amenities for travellers, including live music, artisan shops, restaurants, and fast food options. The airport has also been recognized for its accessibility features and improvements that enhance the overall airport experience. The airport provides various parking options, including a 12,100-space garage, valet parking, and electric vehicle charging stations. Additionally, the airport is easily accessible via public transportation, with a Link light rail system connecting it to downtown Seattle and the University of Washington.
Airports in Phoenix, Arizona: A Comprehensive Overview
You may want to see also
King County International Airport
The airport's proximity to downtown Seattle means that it regularly hosts celebrities, dignitaries, and sports teams. It has a unique environment, hosting numerous businesses, organisations, and public safety agencies. It also provides many educational and employment opportunities. The airport contracts with the King County Sheriff's Office for police services, with deputies wearing a mix of police and fire uniforms and driving King County International Airport Police patrol cars.
The history of King County International Airport dates back to 1928 when it was constructed and served as Seattle's primary airport until 1944. In 1935, the Federal Aviation Administration began investigating the construction of a new airport due to risks associated with the high ridge to the east of Boeing Field. In 1941, Galvin Airport (now Seattle-Tacoma International Airport) was built about five miles south of Boeing Field, changing its function to a significant regional general aviation and industrial airport. In 1946, West Coast Airlines operated scheduled passenger Douglas DC-3 services from the airport, and in 1954, the first Boeing 707 jet airliner prototype landed at Boeing Field, marking the beginning of the jet age in aviation.
Making Announcements: A Guide for Mumbai Airport Speakers
You may want to see also
Bellingham Airport
Bellingham International Airport (IATA: BLI, ICAO: KBLI, FAA LID: BLI) is a busy airport located approximately three miles (5 km) northwest of Bellingham, in Whatcom County, Washington. Covering 2,190 acres (886 ha) of land, it is the third-largest commercial airport in Washington. Bellingham Airport is a low-fare alternative to Vancouver International Airport, and an estimated 65% of its customers are from Canada. The airport is only 54 miles (87 km) from downtown Vancouver and 23 miles (37 km) from the Peace Arch Border Crossing, where Greater Vancouver starts.
The Works Progress Administration (WPA) began studying a potential airport for Whatcom County in late 1935 as part of a program to build airports in large Washington cities. A plan to build an airport west of Bellingham was endorsed by the Washington state WPA office by the end of the year and by the head office the following July. The airport was slowly returned to Whatcom County and redeveloped as a civil airport in the late 1940s. With rising costs and the need for repairs, Whatcom County sold the airport to the Port of Bellingham for one dollar in 1957.
Due to financial constraints, the Port of Bellingham could only resurface the longest runway (16/34). Runway 16/34 is still the only runway used as it provides adequate year-round wind coverage for aircraft servicing Bellingham. The airport closed runway 12/30 in 1986, and runway 2/20 was shut down in 1997. The two diagonal runways have fallen into disrepair, and their easternmost ends are used as taxiways between tarmacs and the sole remaining runway. Bellingham International Airport accommodates more than 800,000 travellers each year, serving the commercial, general aviation, and corporate air transportation needs of the region.
The airport is also a busy general aviation (GA) facility, with numerous flights oriented towards sightseeing in the San Juan Islands, Victoria in British Columbia, or the Canadian Gulf Islands. The majority of GA operations are commercial, including charters, flight training, transient flights, and private business operations. Bellingham International Airport serves as a port of entry for international travellers. GA facilities occupy about 20 acres (8.1 ha) south of the passenger terminal and include tie-down spaces, numerous hangars, and a dedicated GA terminal.
The Size of Greenville, SC Airport and Its Future Plans
You may want to see also
Yakima Air Terminal
The Yakima Air Terminal, also known as McAllister Field, is an airport located in Yakima, Washington. The airport covers 825 acres (334 hectares) of land and sits at an elevation of 1,099 feet (335 meters) above mean sea level. It has two asphalt runways: 9/27, which measures 7,604 by 150 feet (2,318 x 46 meters), and 4/22, which measures 3,835 by 150 feet (1,169 x 46 meters). The Yakima Air Terminal is equipped with a contract Air Traffic Control Tower, operated by SERCO, which operates daily from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm.
The airport is designated as the primary diversion site for flights unable to reach the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, the primary international airport serving Seattle and its surrounding areas. In the year ending December 31, 2022, the Yakima Air Terminal accommodated 35,588 aircraft operations, averaging 97 per day. The airport is home to a variety of aircraft, including single-engine, multi-engine, jet, helicopter, and glider planes. It also serves as the base for Cub Crafters, a manufacturer of light sport and light utility aircraft.
The Yakima Air Terminal has a full-service fixed-base operator (FBO), McCormick Air Center, which offers a range of services such as hangar leasing, aircraft rental, flight instruction, and fuel. The airport has seen several airlines throughout its history, including Northwest Airlines in the 1930s and 1960s, and West Coast Airlines in the 1950s and 1960s. Today, Alaska Airlines provides services through the Yakima Air Terminal, and travellers can use the Alaska Airlines mobile app to obtain their boarding passes.
The Yakima Air Terminal also places a strong emphasis on travel documentation and security. As of May 7, 2025, the Real ID Act was implemented, requiring all domestic flight passengers to possess a Real ID-compliant form of identification. Additionally, the airport provides specific guidelines for checked baggage, recommending that travellers arrive at the airport at least 1.5 hours before their scheduled departure time when travelling with bags.
Strategies to Conquer Skull's Airport: A Comprehensive Guide
You may want to see also
Friday Harbor Airport
The primary international airport serving Seattle, Washington, is Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA). However, there are other airports in the state of Washington, including Friday Harbor Airport.
The airport accommodates a variety of aircraft, including single-engine and multi-engine planes and helicopters. In May 2020, there were 151 aircraft based at the airport, with the majority being single-engine planes. The airport offers various aeronautical services, such as a maintenance and repair shop, self-serve fuel, flight instruction, and casual dining options.
The Roy Franklin Terminal serves over 10,000 passengers annually, with scheduled air service to Seattle, Bellingham, and Anacortes. Additionally, charter services are available to other destinations. Friday Harbor Airport caters to commercial, general aviation, and corporate air transportation needs, providing a convenient and accessible aviation hub for the region.
Airports' Strategies for Tackling Flight Delays and Disruptions
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (also known as Sea-Tac Airport) is the primary airport serving Seattle and the surrounding metropolitan area. It is located in the city of SeaTac, approximately 14 miles south of downtown Seattle.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is the busiest airport in the Pacific Northwest region of North America. It is also the largest airport in Washington State, serving over 24 million passengers each year.
The airport is the primary hub for Alaska Airlines, whose headquarters are located nearby. It is also a hub for Delta Air Lines and Horizon Air. In total, more than 20 carriers fly to the airport, including British Airways, Emirates, JetBlue Airways, and United Airlines.
The airport's parking garage is the largest parking structure under one roof in North America, offering both short-term and long-term parking. The Port of Seattle also offers paid on-site parking in a 12,100-space garage, as well as valet parking and electric vehicle charging stations.
