The Port of Seattle broke ground on the new International Arrivals Facility at Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA). The Port said the facility will improve the experience for international travelers and meet the region’s demand for business and tourism-related international service.
The new multi-level facility will encompass 450,000 square-feet. It is being built to the east of the current Concourse A and is scheduled to open in late 2019.
The International Arrivals facility is expected to increase passenger processing to 2,600 passengers per hour, from about 2,000 per hour processed currently. The new facility is also expected to improve the customer experience by nearly doubling the number of gates capable of serving international wide-body aircraft and more than doubling the passport check positions and kiosks.
“Sea-Tac will deliver faster and better service to our international passengers, responding to the region’s demand for business and tourism travel. International travelers tend to stay longer and spend more,’’ said Commissioner John Creighton. “Through modernization initiatives at the airport, we are supporting a stronger regional economy that creates local opportunities and jobs. The Commission is committed to ensuring local communities and businesses have the best chance to seize those opportunities.”
