Photo: SEA AIRPORT Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and Alaska Airlines this week (January 28, 2026) marked the completion of major work on the SEA Gateway project, a large-scale upgrade of the north side of the main terminal at the airport. The two-year project redesigned the airport’s façade and the passenger experience from the entrance to the boarding gates.
The completion of the project marks the start of a busy year of inaugurations as part of the Upgrade SEA program, in preparation for this summer's World Cup tournament. After a long period of work, the passenger area will be brighter and more open, screening processes will be more efficient and infrastructure will be more modern.
Photo: SEA AIRPORTThe $546 million investment included installing automated baggage drop-off points, opening a new check-in area, upgrading baggage claim systems, installing new digital screens, renovating restrooms, and adding accessibility features. The security screening area was redesigned and public art was added throughout the complex.
Seattle Port Commissioner Ryan Calkins said the project is designed to serve as a modern gateway to the Northwest United States and provide a level of service befitting a leading international airport.
Alaska Airlines also emphasized that the move is intended to reduce wait times and create a better experience for passengers by incorporating innovative technologies into check-in.
During the coming year, additional projects, including improving the road and parking lot system by adding lanes to increase traffic flow, will be underway.