Rarely is there such a thing as a “quick project” when it comes to an airport, but there are those classified as near-term airport projects that are part of a facility’s master plan.
For the Port of Seattle, which operates Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA Airport) there are 31 near-term projects that, per the port’s published information, “focus on increasing safety and efficiency” for the facility.
According to port officials, the FAA has completed and approved the federal environmental assessment for the proposed master plan projects that include a new terminal with 19 new gates, an automated people mover with three stations to connect to the rental car facility, new terminal, and main terminal, along with the creation of a ground transportation center, off-site cargo facilities, extensions of airfield taxiways, and expansion of the fuel facility.
Per Sea-Tac’s Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP), all the projects “meet forecast cargo demand, comply with FAA airfield standards and guidance, improve operational efficiency, and provide additional fuel capacity, including meeting the port’s sustainable aviation biofuel initiative.”
The near-term projects will be completed or in progress by 2032 and are designed to accommodate some 56 million passengers passing through KSEA. According to the port, in 2024 Sea-Tac saw a total of 52 million travelers.
The next step is for the Port of Seattle to lead the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) environmental review of the projects. The public comment period is expected to begin in 2026.
The port can expect some pushback from the cities that border the airport, namely Burien, Des Moines, and SeaTac. According to the Seattle Times, all three have filed a petition for a judicial review of the FAA’s ruling that the planned projects will not have a significant environmental impact on nearby communities. The petition filed in November in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals could potentially delay the projects.
Of greatest concern is that an increase in air traffic means an increase in noise. In the past people living in the communities near the airport have raised concerns about airport noise negatively impacting the health and quality of life, in particular for persons who live under the flight path.
