SEATTLE – The Port of Seattle today released first quarter passenger totals at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport which were larger than the entire population of New York City. From January to March, Sea-Tac welcomed 9.5 million travelers; a 10 percent increase from 2015 including an eight percent increase for international passengers.
“Like our popular Northwest music program at Sea-Tac Airport, the beat goes on and it doesn’t look like it’s going to slow down,” said Port of Seattle Commission President John Creighton. “Our double digit growth rate continues even through what is supposed to be the slowest part of the year. If this pace continues, we’ll see another record for the year, exceeding 45 million passengers. The Port is taking steps now to plan to upgrade Sea-Tac to handle future demand and keep the region’s economy strong."
- First quarter passenger traffic of 9,593,927 is equal to busy summer totals from just five years ago. The first quarter is typically the slowest travel season. The first quarter passenger total is 10 percent higher than 2015, eight percent higher for international.
- First quarter passenger growth of 10 percent is higher than the projected growth for 2016 of 5.5 percent.
- March 2016 passenger totals increased seven percent over the previous year with 3,459,518.
- Sea-Tac has set annual passenger records for the past five years, totaling 42.3 million in 2015, a 12.9 percent increase from the previous year which was seven percent higher than 2013. Sea-Tac is the fastest growing large hub airport in the U.S. and is the 13th largest domestic airport based on total passengers.
- Air cargo first quarter volumes ranked as the second highest in the last 10 years at 72,726 metric tons. Domestic volume for March 2016 tallied 13,392 metric tons, a four percent increase over 2015.
Preparing for a busy summer
This summer is expected to break even more passenger records and Sea-Tac is implementing new strategies resulting in shorter wait times at TSA security checkpoints. Changes include the TSA shifting K-9 operating hours to focus on peak early morning screening, optimized line management team hours, and added employees to help balance line volume.
Starting in May, Sea-Tac will be adding 90 temporary private contractors to assist travelers, freeing up TSA officers to open up more screening lanes. Sea-Tac is hiring more full-time customer service staff, known as Pathfinders, to assist travelers throughout the airport.
While Sea-Tac ramps up for a busy summer, travelers can prepare by visiting our travel tips webpage. Travelers are recommended to arrive two hours prior to domestic flights and three hours for international travel to allow time to park, get through airline ticketing/bag drop and the through security checkpoints.
