Portland International Airport (PDX) has opened its new main terminal, marking the completion of the first phase of its ambitious PDXNext expansion and renovation project. The new main terminal, which has doubled the airport’s capacity, is designed by longtime PDX partners ZGF Architects and features new ticketing and check-in stations, wider TSA lanes, new concessions and retail, and an expansive, forest-like design, including live trees and plants throughout the open, light-filled space, in homage to the airport’s Pacific Northwest location.
“Every part of the new terminal design aims to enhance the traveler journey and reduce stress,” said ZGF managing partner Sharron van der Meulen. “Travelers are immediately greeted with expansive views to the airfield, abundant natural light, and lush interior landscapes that create a sense of wonder and delight and evoke a walk through a Pacific Northwest forest.” The terminal also features a mix of digital displays recreating the region’s exterior landscapes, with six scenes that sync up with real-time weather data, and video vignettes from local artist Ivan McClellan. And for those nostalgic for a bit of the old PDX, there are several photo op-friendly swatches of its well-loved, recently retired teal carpet in certain areas of the new terminal.
Travelers can also enjoy an abundance of locally focused fare and gifts, including donuts from Portland favorite Blue Star Donuts; all-day breakfast and sandwiches from Country Cat deli and market; whiskey from woman-owned distillery Freeland Spirits; fresh-made pasta from Grassa; artisan goods from LGBTQ+ and BIPOC makers at Hello Portland souvenir shop; Oregon brews from Loyal Legion beer hall; dairy-free truffles from Missionary Chocolates; leather goods from Orox Leather Co.; feminist-themed stationery from Paper Epiphanies; well-crafted wool shirts from clothier Pendleton; locally roasted coffee from Portland Coffee Roasters; regional merchandise from Portland Gear; new reads from Powell’s Books (appearing as a kiosk until a full-size store is complete); teas from Steven Smith Teamaker; craft cocktails from Straightaway Cocktails; and single-origin coffees from Stumptown Coffee Roasters, with more store and restaurant openings planned around the completion of the project’s second phase in 2026.
“Our focus throughout this entire project was: How do we reflect the pride and love we all have for the region in the new PDX?” said Curtis Robinhold, executive director for the Port of Portland. “And that question drove every decision, including to work with locally owned small businesses using local materials to fill the new PDX with local art and shops from our favorite neighborhoods—and, of course, to bring back the iconic carpet. It was a lot of local love for the Pacific Northwest that made it all happen.”
