Summary:
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport completes the $546m SEA Gateway Project, transforming the north end of the terminal with a modern, light-filled and more efficient customer journey from curb to gate.
- Passenger experience and operational efficiency converge, with automated bag drops, redesigned security, digital wayfinding and Alaska Airlines’ innovation technology reducing queues and friction across the terminal.
- ‘Upgrade SEA’ accelerates airport readiness for future demand, as major infrastructure investments support seamless travel ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026 and reinforce SEA’s position as a top-tier international gateway.
Port of Seattle and Alaska Airlines – both Corporate Partners of the FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub – have celebrated the completion of major construction for the SEA Gateway Project. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport’s (SEA) north end of the main terminal has received a major facelift, transforming the customer experience from curb to gate. The completion kicks off a year of ‘Upgrade SEA’ projects finishing ahead of this summer’s FIFA World Cup 2026.
After two years of construction walls and scaffolding, the SEA Gateway Project now offers a lighter, brighter, more efficient and modern customer experience.
“Everyone has worked tirelessly to bring this multi-level project to life as a portal to the Pacific Northwest,” said Port of Seattle Commission President Ryan Calkins. “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 $546 million project adds Alaska Airlines innovation technology with the first at-scale automated bag drops, efficiency upgrades, light-filled open spaces, Bridge Level check-in, upgraded baggage claim devices, digital monitors, new art displays throughout, a redesigned security checkpoint, upgraded restrooms, and new entry/exit doorways with safety bollards and accessibility ramp accommodations.
“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 Alaska Airlines Senior Vice President of Fleet, Revenue Products and Real Estate Shane Jones. “We now have an amazing space with innovative technology in our lobby that provides for a more seamless travel experience.”
More project completions are on the way for ‘Upgrade SEA’. The C Concourse Expansion will add four new floors of amenities and services, while the ‘Roadway Improvements’ project will add two more lanes and efficiencies into the airport garage and drives.
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