Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) has welcomed the first passenger flight at its new International Arrivals Facility (IAF).
Delta Air Lines flight 196 was the first flight to use the new facility, arriving from Seoul-Incheon on 19 April as part of the project’s final readiness testing phase.
Throughout the testing, flights are initially scheduled to arrive at the A Concourse, which features a dual gate system that directs passengers through a secure corridor into the new IAF for processing by Customs and Border Protection. This element adds eight additional international-capable gates, increasing SEA’s flexibility during peak periods.
Port of Seattle Commissioner Sam Cho said:Today is a huge milestone. Delta has been a great partner in the development of the International Arrivals Facility. We appreciate their partnership as we expand testing to include their first arriving flights. The next few weeks are key to ensuring that all our guests receive a welcome that reflects the best of our region.
The trials will also soon expand to include flights arriving on the S Concourse. These passengers will use the world’s longest walkway over an active taxi lane to enter the IAF’s Grand Hall.
During these initial trials SEA’s Operational Readiness, Activation, and Transition team will monitor the flow of travellers and track the operation of the IAF’s equipment and systems. The testing phase will also gather feedback from passengers, while allowing staff to become familiar with real-time activity.
