Seattle's New $1 Billion Airport Terminal Needs a New $78 Million Upgrade

Rich Thomaselli
by Rich Thomaselli
Last updated: 11:20 AM ET, Mon April 10, 2023
Aerial view of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

PHOTO: Aerial view of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. (photo via PapaBear/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport invested nearly $1 billion in a new terminal so that it can handle more long haul flights.

But it was set for more than 20 long haul plains and it can only handle 16, because of a design flaw.

Now the port of Seattle says it will take $78 million more to fix.

Apparently, there is a shortfall of available gates than what was originally designed.

The new facility has been opened for more than a year, but when Seattle-Tacoma started coming up short in what was expected to be an increase in long haul flights, they took a second look. What they found was that there are a handful of wide-body planes that don’t fit into the gates.

Port officials say that one gate might never be able to handle a wide-body plane.

It all has to do with how the gates are laid out. But it might be too late for some of the gates.

An official with the Port said in a statement, “(we are) actively and aggressively working to address deficiencies”,  but also admitted that  “plans have not been finalized.”


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Related Videos

Rich Thomaselli

Rich Thomaselli

Associate Writer

Editor Associate Writer true 9281 14744 Rich Thomaselli has written for TravelPulse since 2014 and has been a professional journalist for nearly 40 years. His work has appeared in USA Today, the New York Times and New York Yankees publications. He is an 11-time writ

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Puerto Vallarta Specialist ProgramEnveloped in the beauty of a by-gone time, this colorful town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is sure to win...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Korea Travel Specialist ProgramThis course will allow you to explore this fascinating country's incredible diversity of experiences...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Costa Rica Specialist ProgramCosta Rica Specialist Program academy ENROLL NOW Costa Rica offers golden shores, fish-filled waters,...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Puerto Vallarta Specialist ProgramEnveloped in the beauty of a by-gone time, this colorful town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is sure to win...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Korea Travel Specialist ProgramThis course will allow you to explore this fascinating country's incredible diversity of experiences...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Costa Rica Specialist ProgramCosta Rica Specialist Program academy ENROLL NOW Costa Rica offers golden shores, fish-filled waters,...

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
July AAT Kings WebinarTuesday, July 7, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Save your spot for this upcoming webinar! Details coming soon!
Upcoming Webinar
July Avanti Destinations WebinarTuesday, July 14, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Save your spot for this upcoming webinar! Details coming soon!
Upcoming Webinar
July The Travel Corporation WebinarTuesday, July 21, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Save your spot for this upcoming webinar! Details coming soon!
Upcoming Webinar
July AAT Kings WebinarTuesday, July 7, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Save your spot for this upcoming webinar! Details coming soon!
Upcoming Webinar
July Avanti Destinations WebinarTuesday, July 14, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Save your spot for this upcoming webinar! Details coming soon!
Upcoming Webinar
July The Travel Corporation WebinarTuesday, July 21, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Save your spot for this upcoming webinar! Details coming soon!