SEATTLE – The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport appears to be as popular as a summer sunny day or coffee in the Pacific Northwest as passenger totals for the second quarter continue to break records. The Port of Seattle reports for the second quarter of 2016, nearly 12 million passengers traveled through Sea-Tac. Passenger totals have now increased each month for the past 31 straight months (since November 2013). Passenger traffic is up 10 percent for 2016 compared to 2015.
“The Port of Seattle is proud to be part of the economic growth that has been happening across the Pacific Northwest and Sea-Tac plays a big role in that,” said Sea-Tac Airport Managing Director Lance Lyttle. “More passengers through our airport mean more business for our vendors, taxi drivers, hotels and so many other associated industries. Sea-Tac has many projects in the works which will produce even more jobs as we anticipate welcoming another record number of passengers for 2016.”
Did you know? Sellouts at Seattle’s pro baseball and football stadiums each day in a full year (41,975,000) would still not equal Sea-Tac’s 2015 passenger total of 42.3 million!
- June 2016 busiest June ever, almost 4.4 million passengers traveled through Sea-Tac, an increase of 9.5% vs. 4.01 million June 2015
- At nearly 12 million, Q2 passenger totals are nearly 33 percent higher than just three years ago (10.8 million).
- Average Q2 daily airport operations of 1160 (takeoffs and landings) are up 10 percent vs. Q2 2015 (1055).
- Sea-Tac has set annual passenger records for the past five years, totaling 42.3 million in 2015, a 12.9 percent increase from 2014 which was seven percent higher than 2013. For the past two years, Sea-Tac is the fastest growing large hub airport in the U.S. and is the 13th largest domestic airport based on total passengers.
Sea-Tac takes action to welcome more and more passengers
A popular party running out of food or drinks for guests isn’t cool. Sea-Tac stocked up its customer service cabinet to keep things moving smoothly.
Private customer service contractors
- 90 customer service workers
- Frees up TSA workers to open more checkpoint lanes
TSA security line improvements
- Project with airlines and TSA
- Optimized line configurations
- Changed ID check stations to improve traffic flow
- Occasional live music performers near checkpoints to sooth travelers
- Digital displays of line wait times
More Sea-Tac staff
- Additional customer service “Pathfinders” working more hours of the day
- More traffic control staff to keep driveways moving
New carriers enhance Sea-Tac
In 2016, Sea-Tac expanded its domestic and international reach by welcoming new carriers Spirit and Volaris. Xiamen begins service in September 2016 and Virgin Atlantic arrives in 2017.
Ready for the future
The Port of Seattle is working on more than $2 billion in near-term projects planned to accommodate growth for the future including a renovated and expanded North Satellite, new International Arrivals Facility, updated baggage system and a 20-year Sustainable Airport Master Plan.
Traveler tips
While Sea-Tac is ready for a busy summer, travelers can prepare by visiting our travel tips webpage. Despite Sea-Tac’s TSA line improvements, wait times vary depending on several factors and 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.
About Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
Operated by the Port of Seattle, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA, KSEA) is ranked as the 13th busiest U.S. airport, serving nearly 42.3 million passengers and more than 332,000 metric tons of air cargo in 2015. With a regional economic impact of more than $16.3 billion in business revenue, Sea-Tac generates 171,796 jobs (109,924 direct jobs) representing over $2.8 billion in direct earnings and more than $565 million in state and local taxes. Twenty-four airlines serve 83 non-stop domestic and 21 international destinations.
The Port of Seattle is setting the course for the future with the Century Agenda. In 25 years, we will generate 100,000 new jobs and increase international trade and tourism, while protecting the environment with innovative sustainability initiatives. Learn more about how the region’s economic engine will keep powering King County’s economy for years to come!
