Portland International Airport’s New Main Terminal Has Opened
From August 14th, arriving and departing travelers at Portland International Airport (PDX) have been able to see the new main terminal for the first time. Built and designed by more than 30,000 local craftspeople, the new PDX has double the capacity, but keeps the heart and character of the airport that consistently ranks among travelers’ favorites.
“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? And that question drove every decision. To work with locally-owned small businesses using local materials, to fill the new PDX with local art and shops from our favorite neighborhoods—and, of course, to bring back the iconic carpet,” said Curtis Robinhold, Executive Director for the Port of Portland. “It was a lot of local love for the Pacific Northwest that made it all happen.”
Eating, drinking, and shopping local
Both pre- and post-security, travelers will find more places to eat, drink and shop that reflect the community. In fact, all the new brands are local, and 60 percent include woman or minority ownership. From the feminist stationery and gift shop Paper Epiphanies, to the handmade pasta counter Grassa, the 20 new brands and returning PDX favorites are a mix of permanent retail locations and temporary kiosks—with even more local spots to come in Phase 2 of construction.
“We are ecstatic to bring the donut party back to the new PDX, and to give travelers passing through a delicious taste of what Oregon has to offer,” says Katie Poppe, Co-Founder and CEO of Blue Star Donuts. “As a women-led business, we’re proud to join such an incredible lineup of local shops that make up this vibrant airport community.”
A walk in the forest
The neighborhood vibe isn’t the only thing travelers will find familiar. Throughout the new terminal, there are also touches of the region’s signature greenery and landscapes. There are towering live trees and plants galore, and soft daylight filters through the wooden roof, almost like light filtering through a forest canopy.
“Every part of the new terminal design aims to enhance the traveler journey and reduce stress,” said ZGF Managing Partner Sharron van der Meulen. “Travelers are immediately greeted with expansive views to the airfield, abundant natural light, and lush interior landscapes that create a sense of wonder and delight and evoke a walk through a Pacific Northwest forest.”
An easier trip
Improvements to the traveler journey go beyond making the space more beautiful and light-filled, and include technical upgrades as well. That means wider TSA checkpoints with new equipment (and more of it) to make the screening process more efficient. Plus, travelers now check in at airline ticket counters arranged in four “islands” to better accommodate future growth.
“Our deep collaboration and joint investment with the Port of Portland on its new world-class terminal highlights our focus on improving how our guests travel,” said Shane Jones, Senior Vice President of fleet, revenue products and real estate at Alaska Airlines. “I’ve been fortunate to be involved in large airport development projects across the country, and this one by far stands out for how it combines breathtaking design elements, a signature Oregon feel, and modern technology and efficiency.”
What’s still ahead
The $2.15 billion expansion is being completed in two phases. The next and final phase, to construct permanent exist lanes, meet and greet areas, and even more local shops and restaurants, starts Aug. 15 and will be complete by early 2026.
See for yourself! Photos of the new PDX are available on PDXNext.com, where you can also read more about the big story behind the project.
