The Port of Seattle and Alaska Airlines have marked the completion of major construction work on the SEA Gateway Project at Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA). The project focuses on the north end of the main terminal and forms part of the airport’s wider Upgrade SEA programme.
The work, carried out over two years, has introduced new passenger facilities and technology from curbside to gate. It includes changes to ticketing, security screening, baggage claim, road access, and public areas. The project is intended to improve passenger flow and operational efficiency ahead of a series of other airport upgrades scheduled to finish later this year.
The SEA Gateway Project has a total cost of approximately 546 million USD. Key elements include Alaska Airlines’ first large-scale automated bag drop system, a redesigned security checkpoint, a new Bridge Level check-in area, upgraded baggage claim equipment, improved digital signage, renovated restrooms, and new entry and exit doorways with safety and accessibility features. Public art installations have also been added throughout the renovated areas.
The new Alaska Airlines ticketing lobby features higher ceilings, increased natural light, updated digital displays, and revised layouts to support the new check-in technology.
Shane Jones, Senior Vice President of Fleet, Revenue Products and Real Estate at Alaska Airlines said: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. We now have an amazing space with innovative technology in our lobby that provides for a more seamless travel experience.
The completion of the SEA Gateway Project is one of several Upgrade SEA developments planned to finish before the FIFA World Cup is scheduled to take place in the region this summer. Other projects due for completion include the C Concourse Expansion, which will add four floors of passenger amenities, and roadway improvements designed to increase capacity and efficiency around the airport terminal and parking garage.
In the past year, SEA has also opened redesigned security checkpoints, including Checkpoint 6 and a new Checkpoint 1 at the south end of the baggage claim area. The airport reports that in 2024, 93 percent of passengers cleared security in under 20 minutes. Additional completed projects include restroom renovations across multiple concourses and the expansion of lounge facilities in the A Concourse.
Port of Seattle Commission President Ryan Calkins said:Everyone has worked tirelessly to bring this multi-level project to life as a portal to the Pacific Northwest. 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.
Further details of the SEA Gateway Project include expanded space at Checkpoint 6, new baggage claim devices at carousels 15 and 16, upgraded lighting and seating areas, accessibility improvements to roadways and entrances, and infrastructure upgrades covering mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire safety systems. The project is also on track to achieve LEED Silver certification for Commercial Interiors, reflecting energy-efficiency measures incorporated into the design.
