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Seattle–Tacoma International Airport

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Seattle–Tacoma International Airport
NameSeattle–Tacoma International Airport
IATASEA
ICAOKSEA
FAASEA
OwnerPort of Seattle
City-servedSeattle metropolitan area
LocationSeaTac, Washington
Opened1944
HubAlaska Airlines
Elevation-f433
Elevation-m132
Websitehttps://www.portseattle.org/sea-tac
R1-number16L/34R
R1-length-m3,627
R1-surfaceAsphalt
R2-number16C/34C
R2-length-m2,873
R2-surfaceAsphalt
R3-number16R/34L
R3-length-m2,591
R3-surfaceAsphalt

Seattle–Tacoma International Airport is the primary commercial airport serving the Seattle metropolitan area in the U.S. state of Washington. Operated by the Port of Seattle, it is a major hub for Alaska Airlines and a key gateway for transpacific and transatlantic travel. Located in the city of SeaTac, Washington, it is the busiest airport in the Pacific Northwest region of North America.

History

The facility was dedicated in 1944, with initial commercial service beginning in 1947 by Pan American World Airways and Northwest Airlines. Significant expansion occurred in the 1950s, including the construction of the iconic Satellite Transit System and the main terminal designed by architects Perkins&Will. The airport played a strategic role during the Cold War as a diversion point for Aeroflot flights. Major renovations in the 21st century, such as the Central Terminal expansion and the construction of the International Arrivals Facility, have continually modernized its infrastructure to handle growing passenger numbers.

Facilities

The airport features a central terminal with four concourses (A, B, C, D) and the North Satellite and South Satellite, all connected by the underground Satellite Transit System. The recently opened International Arrivals Facility includes a grand aerobridge for processing passengers. Key amenities include the Port of Seattle-commissioned art installations, the Alaska Airlines Board Room, and the American Express Centurion Lounge. Cargo operations are supported by facilities for FedEx Express, United Parcel Service, and DHL Aviation.

Airlines and destinations

As the primary hub for Alaska Airlines, the airport offers an extensive domestic network across the United States and to destinations in Canada, Mexico, and Costa Rica. Major international carriers include Delta Air Lines, which operates flights to Amsterdam and Tokyo Haneda Airport, British Airways to London Heathrow Airport, and Lufthansa to Munich Airport. Other significant operators are American Airlines, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines, alongside Condor and Icelandair.

Ground transportation

The airport is directly served by the Link light rail via Sound Transit's SeaTac/Airport station, providing connections to Downtown Seattle and the University of Washington. Several King County Metro and Sound Transit Express bus routes serve the ground transportation court. Road access is via State Route 518 and Interstate 5, with parking managed by MasterPark and other operators. Rental car services are housed in a consolidated facility accessible by shuttle.

Statistics

In 2023, it was the 8th-busiest airport in the United States by passenger count and 30th globally, handling over 50 million passengers. It is a leading cargo airport, with major freight carriers like Amazon Air and China Airlines Cargo operating regular flights. The top domestic destinations include Los Angeles, Denver, and Phoenix, while top international markets are Vancouver, London, and Seoul.

Accidents and incidents

A significant accident occurred in 1956 when a United Airlines Douglas DC-7 collided with a United States Air Force F-86 Sabre fighter jet over the San Fernando Valley. In 1978, a Pacific Southwest Airlines Boeing 727 was involved in a mid-air collision near San Diego. The airport was also the destination of the hijacked Alaska Airlines Boeing 727 in 1971, known as the D.B. Cooper incident, though the aircraft did not land there.

Category:Airports in Washington (state) Category:Port of Seattle Category:Buildings and structures in King County, Washington