The Port of Seattle Commission has agreed its 2026 budget and five-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), setting out investment priorities for airport infrastructure. The decision follows two months of public presentations and a formal hearing on 11 November.
For 2026, the Port has approved an operating budget of just over 1.1 billion USD and a 4.4 billion USD CIP for 2026–2030. Much of this programme is directed towards modernisation and capacity projects at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), reflecting continued growth in passenger demand and preparations for events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Port of Seattle Executive Director Steve Metruck said:As a port for the future, we are moving forward with major investments to meet rising demand and support economic opportunity and environmental sustainability. Our focus on long-term impact — building a more competitive, resilient, and sustainable Port — ensures that we can meet the needs of today and prepare to make transformational investments for the future.
SEA Airport remains the largest focus area within the Port’s capital programme. The 2026–2030 aviation capital plan totals 3.75 billion USD, with 847 million USD expected to be spent in 2026.
Key components include terminal upgrades, airfield improvements, and continued work under the Upgrade SEA programme, many elements of which are intended to be substantially complete ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
The Port also continues its work on the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) review for SEA’s Sustainable Airport Master Plan. The review covers 32 near-term projects, among them a proposed second passenger terminal with 19 new gates.
