Portland International Airport (PDX) News

[colossalorder]

Given Portland's lack of direct international flights, I often do the PDX to SeaTac hop and then out of the country. Yesterday, flying back from Asia however I went through Vancouver (YVR) for the first time.

Wow, what a difference! I don't know about you, but I really dislike SeaTac for international. Although their international arrivals hall is gorgeous, it is a long demoralizing schlep to get to it ... and then it is typically so swamped with people, it involves a long wait time for those without global entry. Also, given SeaTac's serpentine design, getting to your connecting flight on time can be a challenge. I think one time I had to take 3 separate trains.

YVR was a snap, especially because you go through US customs in Canada and then head to their secure US-only gates. That way when you land in PDX, you are already cleared and go right to the exit home. US customs at YVR was easy ... no trudging down endless walkways, no lines, no hassle, no problems.

YVR has a really long list of direct international flights. https://www.flightsfrom.com/YVR

And if you are going to Asia or Europe, it is basically on the flight path, so not going out of your way. It probably means flying Air Canada, which isn't really a bad or good thing IMO.

Anyway, maybe everyone knew this already and I'm late to the game. Just thought I'd share because it was such a pleasant surprise and opens up so many direct flight options around the world.

[maccoinnich]

Portland approves tax breaks for proposed $150 million Alaska Airlines hangar



Portland city councilors voted unanimously Wednesday night to temporarily exempt a proposed Alaska Airlines maintenance hangar at Portland International Airport from property taxes.

The project could create 100 permanent jobs, including as many as 60 for maintenance workers who would earn average salaries of $120,000, according to details of the project posted on the city’s website. Another 45 jobs would be created for shipping and receiving workers earning up to $50,000. The facility would employ as many as eight engineers making $160,000.

The vote happened less than a week after an economist warned Portland is in a recession and needed to find ways to attract businesses.

The resolution passed by councilors extends the city’s enterprise zone less than 100 yards to the site of the proposed $150 million hangar. Enterprise zones are designated areas that offer up to five years in tax incentives in exchange for job creation.

...continues at the Oregonian.

[dizflip]

Originally Posted by colossalorder

Given Portland's lack of direct international flights, I often do the PDX to SeaTac hop and then out of the country. Yesterday, flying back from Asia however I went through Vancouver (YVR) for the first time.

Wow, what a difference! I don't know about you, but I really dislike SeaTac for international. Although their international arrivals hall is gorgeous, it is a long demoralizing schlep to get to it ... and then it is typically so swamped with people, it involves a long wait time for those without global entry. Also, given SeaTac's serpentine design, getting to your connecting flight on time can be a challenge. I think one time I had to take 3 separate trains.

YVR was a snap, especially because you go through US customs in Canada and then head to their secure US-only gates. That way when you land in PDX, you are already cleared and go right to the exit home. US customs at YVR was easy ... no trudging down endless walkways, no lines, no hassle, no problems.

YVR has a really long list of direct international flights. https://www.flightsfrom.com/YVR

And if you are going to Asia or Europe, it is basically on the flight path, so not going out of your way. It probably means flying Air Canada, which isn't really a bad or good thing IMO.

Anyway, maybe everyone knew this already and I'm late to the game. Just thought I'd share because it was such a pleasant surprise and opens up so many direct flight options around the world.

The new SEA IAF is cool, especially if the Link happens to pass by, but I had a bad experience with wait times at customs and security.

On the other hand, I just flew MUC-ATL last week, and that was the first time I didn't have to talk to a CBP officer to re-enter the US. US passport holders were directed to a different line where they just took our photo and boom, welcome back to the US. Didn't speak to anyone until I had to go through security again.

Wondering if that is the new norm or if it has anything to do with the World Cup? Because if it's the new norm, they can take all the photos of me they want.

[maccoinnich]

Portland airport’s latest terminal renovation will fix one lingering annoyance



Though the Portland International Airport is still celebrating the 2024 opening of its new main terminal — a space that has earned the airport scores of accolades — PDX is now looking ahead to its next big addition.

The Port of Portland, which operates the airport, gave a behind-the-scenes look Thursday at roughly 300,000 square feet of new space at PDX, showing off new storefronts, permanent art installations and, crucially, shorter walks to baggage claim.

Located at the north and south ends of the airport, the two new areas comprise 30% of the main terminal hall, officials said. Those areas, which are still walled off from the public, are expected to open on a rolling basis throughout the spring, airport officials said.

The $2.15 billion terminal project, which is paid for by the airlines that fly out of PDX, was originally expected to wrap up in December 2025. George Seaman, engineering project manager for the PDX Next project, said it has been able to stick to its original budget.

As walls begin to come down, PDX travelers will see not only more local shops and restaurants but more wood-beamed ceilings and more live plants throughout the airport.

...continues at the Oregonian

[maccoinnich]

Today through Thursday is the Routes Americas conference in Rio de Janeiro. The Port of Portland is attending; fingers crossed that their efforts for new service in 2027 pay off.

[maccoinnich]

After a 6-year hiatus, Powell’s has landed back at the Portland airport



Money spent at the airport isn’t real, so you might as well blow it on books.

Finally — after a six-year hiatus — Portland International Airport has a bookstore again.

Powell’s Books celebrated its official return to PDX Thursday with, in true Portland fashion, a stunning display of llamas and literature. The bookseller hasn’t had a full airport storefront since 2020, when it shuttered its PDX store and kiosk amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

...continues at the Oregonian.

[maccoinnich]

PDX 2045 PAC Meeting #12 Presentation, with the Recommended Development Strategy starting on page 13. At the meeting last night the planners were stressing that none of these projects are committed yet; rather, they represent a strategy for where these projects would happen, when and if a decision is made to implement them. For example, if a decision is made to build a new International Arrivals Facility (based on growth of international flights), the recommendation is to place it north of the central terminal, between Concourses D and E.

[maccoinnich]

Online Open House for the PDX 2045 Master Plan. There will also be the following events:

In-Person Open House, April 11, 2026 
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.; presentations at 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 1:00 p.m.
West Park Community Room (next to the Vancouver Farmer’s Market), 610 Esther St, Vancouver, WA 98660 (map) 

In-Person Open House, April 12, 2026
12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.; presentations at 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m.
Multnomah County Library – Albina, Room 1A, 205 NE Russell St, Portland, OR 97212 (map)

Webinar, April 20, 2026
7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Register on Zoom

[DTx2Chi]

I’m a bit frustrated they aren’t recommending Terminal E to be extended to make an international terminal with a separate drop off and pick up area. That seems like a long term solution for the increased traffic we will see going through the airport over the next 20 years.

[downtownpdx]

Today Sheridan Fruit Co opens at the new meeter-greeter area, pre-security on the north side of the terminal near Concourse E with smoothies, fresh fruit etc. Topaz Farms opens at the other meeter-greeter area, pre-security on the south side near Concourse B with food from their Sauvie Island farm, flowers and items from Elephants Deli.

https://www.flypdx.com/PdxPeople/Stories/whats-new-with-pdx-update-new

[MarkDaMan]

I love it! The Stumptown Scallion (basically the Onion for Portland) joked about this a year and a half ago.

https://stumptownscallion.com/2024/09/05/farmers-market-officially-opens-at-new-pdx-terminal/

Farmers Market Officially Opens At New PDX Terminal
September 5, 2024

Portland International Airport has completed a major part of its renovation, and travelers can finally enjoy the open architecture, vaulted ceilings and live greenery inside its main terminal. Phase one of the $2.15 billion renovation project, paid for by the airlines that fly out of the airport, also includes dozens of new shops and restaurants as well as the nation’s first airport farmers market.

“We’re excited to bring an integral part of Oregon to its largest airport,” said Port of Portland Director of Produce Procurement, Taylor Berkham. “Travelers can now enjoy booths from over forty local vendors in the main concourse when they arrive, as well as when they leave. Whether they want rutabagas, custom leather goods, local coffee or smoked salmon, the PDX farmers market will take care of them.”

Dayton Farmer Jebidiah Velasquez from Dayton, OR is confident travelers will enjoy this new opportunity. “Tourists and locals alike go nuts for farmers markets, and here we are with their favorite things right when they step off the plane. I can’t wait to sell pallets and pallets of my sweet delicious peaches. They’re so juicy, you just might have to put them in a gallon ziplock before you go through TSA!”

...

...(continues)

[maccoinnich]

Despite all the new concessions opening, there are still some vacant spaces in the airport. I wonder if the Port is deliberately holding them back, or if they'll be putting out RFPs sometime soon?

Here's what I find, comparing the current map and page 60 of the existing conditions report:

• Pre-Security: 2 spaces adjacent to the bleachers, which were presumably deliberately left vacant while the area in front of them was being used as a temporary exit lane
• Concourse B: Two spaces (combinable into one) near the new exit lanes don't seem to have any announced tenant.
• Concourse C: Vino Volo near C16 appears to have closed within the last few months; I think there may be a vacant space adjacent to Timberline, where I think Pendleton was before moving
• Concourse D: looks like there might be a vacancy between the new Washington Park convenience store and the Escape Lounge.
• Concourse E: Two spaces (combinable into one) near the new exit lanes don't seem to have any announced tenant; there's a new vacant space between gates E1 and E2; a shell space for a new lounge, the same size as the forthcoming Alaska Lounge, is also vacant

[eric cantona]

https://www.instagram.com/reels/DXamuLoiNEI/

[babs]

Originally Posted by maccoinnich

Despite all the new concessions opening, there are still some vacant spaces in the airport. I wonder if the Port is deliberately holding them back, or if they'll be putting out RFPs sometime soon?

Here's what I find, comparing the current map and page 60 of the existing conditions report:

• Pre-Security: 2 spaces adjacent to the bleachers, which were presumably deliberately left vacant while the area in front of them was being used as a temporary exit lane
• Concourse B: Two spaces (combinable into one) near the new exit lanes don't seem to have any announced tenant.
• Concourse C: Vino Volo near C16 appears to have closed within the last few months; I think there may be a vacant space adjacent to Timberline, where I think Pendleton was before moving
• Concourse D: looks like there might be a vacancy between the new Washington Park convenience store and the Escape Lounge.
• Concourse E: Two spaces (combinable into one) near the new exit lanes don't seem to have any announced tenant; there's a new vacant space between gates E1 and E2; a shell space for a new lounge, the same size as the forthcoming Alaska Lounge, is also vacant

There is also the vacant space in Baggage Claim under the North Escalator. Although I think Peets is still there on the south side.

I think the Port is holding back some space for two reasons. One not to overwhelm the market and let the market absorb this space. Second, I wonder if they want to also stagger the leases so the entire airport doesn't come up for renewal at the same time. On the flip side, the Port has to be looking at growing revenue as much as they can considering they just took on $2 billion in debt to pay for the new terminal. Gotta be some pressure there.

I also seem them adding more kiosks in some of the open space as time goes on. Those smaller kiosks could really be an opportunity for smaller businesses.

[downtownpdx]

Are Kure, Straightaway, Lola's, Freeland Spirits and Bar Pilot all now open in permanent spaces? They look like they are from this recent map on the Fly PDX website, just curious if some of the empty spaces Mac mentioned are these retailers that haven’t opened yet. I’ll be flying out in a week so I suppose I’ll see for myself.

IMG_6637 by Ryan Miller, on Flickr

[maccoinnich]

Originally Posted by downtownpdx

Are Kure, Straightaway, Lola's, Freeland Spirits and Bar Pilot all now open in permanent spaces? They look like they are from this recent map on the Fly PDX website, just curious if some of the empty spaces Mac mentioned are these retailers that haven’t opened yet. I’ll be flying out in a week so I suppose I’ll see for myself.

IMG_6637 by Ryan Miller, on Flickr

Kure and Lola's have appeared on the this interactive map, but still show as "Coming Soon". Freeland Spirits is open. Bar Pilot isn't on the map yet, but I wasn't counting that space as empty. Straightaway is shown as open, but I'm not sure if just their temporary kiosk has relocated or if their permanent store is now open.

[PhillyPDX]

Picked up my wife last night at pdx, and it was a complete zoo of people, likely due to Alaska’s banked flights (plane spotted before and there were constant AS arrivals coming in that specific bank). There was a ton of vehicle traffic leaving the terminal and it took a few light cycles to get to 82nd ave, seemingly due to volume of cars.

This is the 2nd time this has happened recently (last time it took my dad literally an hour to get from 82nd cell lot to departures curbside to get me, and back to 82nd), and made me realize the unintended consequences to Alaska’s new banked schedule. The road simply isn’t structured to deal with the waves of cars needed to get PAX to/from the terminal with the dominant carrier using banks.

I wonder if this is something they will need to address moving forward. We don’t ever pick up at arrivals given that long queue of cars. Looked like a good 1/2+ mile back up last night. I’m not really sure what can be done though, as 82nd is also busy and so adjustments to that traffic light will be hard.

I guess one upshot is it was so busy that her baggage was late, my wife got $25 from AS from their 20 minute guarantee.

[downtownpdx]

My husband and I fly out on a 2:45pm flight to LAX Sunday and we're planning on getting there at like 12:15. I looked at FlyPDX departures for that hour and there are like 30, vast majority Alaska.

Re: Alaska, a new daily flight to Wenatchee, WA starts in October.
https://www.bizjournals.com/portland/news/2026/04/29/alaska-airlines-wenatchee-washington.html

[mhays]

MAX runs until about 12:30 am. Why not pick people up at Mt. Hood Ave?

[PhillyPDX]

Originally Posted by mhays

MAX runs until about 12:30 am. Why not pick people up at Mt. Hood Ave?

Mostly we go so my kids can plane spot on the parking deck roof. That plus 15 minute headways + 6 mins trip to get to Mount hood on Max. That’s like the entire drive to my house.

Really the traffic is a minor inconvenience. More just an observation that the banked flights seem to be causing some consequences to pdx overall (clearly mayhem in baggage claim, which is why her bags were late; 3 flights per carousel). Still feels like banked flights requires more staff to operate, I don’t really get the advantage, but airlines are doing that everywhere. Connections be damned, people do what they need to.