It’s an exciting day for Portland, as the main new terminal has just opened at Portland International Airport (PDX). Generally airports in the United States aren’t much to get excited about, but this looks stunning.
Basics of Portland Airport’s new terminal
As of today (August 14, 2024), the main new terminal has opened at Portland International Airport. Construction has been underway for years at a cost of $2.15 billion, so this is no doubt something that travelers passing through the airport will appreciate.
There’s a lot to love about the new terminal, though perhaps the most exciting thing is the extent to which the terminal reflects the Pacific Northwest, from the local timber used to build it, to the shops inside.
The first thing that stands out about the new terminal is the design. The terminal has touches of the region’s signature greenery and landscape, with over 70 towering live trees, and over 5,000 plants, plus soft daylight filters through the wooden roof. It’s supposed to feel like walking through a forest, which is pretty cool, if you ask me.
The new terminal also has technical upgrades, including wider TSA checkpoints and new equipment, to make the screening process more efficient. Furthermore, passengers can now check in at airline ticket counters arranged in four “islands,” to better accommodate future growth.
The dining and shopping at the airport has also been greatly expanded, and is heavily focused on local businesses in the community. From Grassa, to Portland Coffee Roasters, to Pilot House Distilling, there are lots of unique options.
Here’s how Curtis Robinhold, Executive Director of Port of Portland, describes the new terminal:
“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. It was a lot of local love for the Pacific Northwest that made it all happen.”
While the new terminal opening is a major milestone, it’s not the end of improvements at the airport. In the next and final phase of this project, we’ll see even more local shops and restaurants added, plus meet and greet areas, and more. This is expected to be completed by early 2026.
Expect a new Alaska Lounge Portland in 2026
Alaska Airlines is the biggest airline in Portland. Unfortunately the current Alaska Lounge Portland is on the small side, and kind of underwhelming. The good news is that there’s a new Alaska Lounge in the works. The bad news is that we’ll have to be patient.
The current plan is for the new Alaska Lounge Portland to open in 2026, coinciding with the final phase of the terminal redevelopment project.
The new Alaska Lounge Portland is expected to be 12,000 square feet, with a “modern Pacific Northwest vibe.” The lounge will include all the signature Alaska Lounge elements, like a barista station, a cozy fireplace, and great views of the new terminal.
Bottom line
The long awaited new terminal has finally opened at Portland Airport. Portland has long had an airport that’s popular with consumers, but this new airport really takes it to the next level. This has to be one of the nicest terminal designs we’ve seen anywhere in the country. I also love the heavy emphasis on the region, from the design, to the shops and dining outlets.
Now if only the lounge situation would improve. The new Alaska Lounge can’t come soon enough…
What do you make of the new terminal at Portland Airport?
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