Portland International Airport Opens Brand-New Terminal

Prepare for a significantly enhanced flying experience when traveling to and from Portland. The new main terminal at Portland International Airport (PDX) officially opened on August 14, 2024, following a significant investment of $2.15 billion.

Alaska Airlines, the leading carrier in Portland for over 2 decades, is set to introduce its cutting-edge technology and streamlined processes to revolutionize the PDX airport experience. The airline’s aim is to ensure guests can effortlessly navigate from the lobby to security in 5 minutes or less.

Let’s take a look at the beautiful new terminal and what you can expect if you fly through Portland.

A New Main Terminal for PDX

Today, travelers arriving and departing from Portland International Airport (PDX) can see the brand-new main terminal for the very first time.

Over 30,000 local craftspeople demonstrated their skills by building the new PDX terminal. With double the capacity, the airport still maintains its beloved heart and character, which has made it a top choice among travelers flying through the Pacific Northwest.

“Our focus throughout this entire project was: How do we reflect the pride and love we all have for the region in the new PDX,” said Curtis Robinhold, Executive Director for the Port of Portland. “And that question drove every decision.”

Visitors to the new terminal can expect a variety of new features. The rebuilt PDX main terminal has new airline check-in areas, expanded public space with stadium seating, a new simplified security process, and 11 local shops and eateries, with more expected once Phase 2 of the transformation is done in early 2026.

Travelers will also see traces of the region’s unique vegetation and scenery throughout the new terminal. Numerous live trees and plants are present, and soft daylight pours through the wooden roof, much like light sifting through a forest canopy.

Next-Level Amenities for Alaska Airlines Flyers

As you might expect, PDX’s brand-new main terminal is packed with cutting-edge technology and security advancements to enable more efficient travel experiences. This is especially true for Alaska Airlines flyers, which runs over 100 daily flights from Portland and is the primary carrier out of the new main terminal.

Custom Apple iPad-powered bag tag stations create tags that customers can scan with their mobile boarding pass at the terminal. Automated bag drop stations scan and receive Alaska passengers’ checked baggage. The airline’s new technology in the new main terminal aims to move guests effortlessly through the lobby and into security in 5 minutes or less.

“As our second largest hub, Portland is an essential part of Alaska’s future,” said Shane Jones, senior vice president of fleet, revenue products, and real estate at Alaska Airlines. “Our deep collaboration and joint investment with the Port of Portland on this new world-class terminal highlights our focus on improving how our guests travel.”

Final Thoughts

Overall, this beautiful new terminal is a major improvement for anyone working at or traveling through Portland International Airport (PDX).

Ultimately, the completion of this huge infrastructure project in early 2026 will bring Portland’s airport up to par with other new or renovated airports in the country.