Constructing something associated to an airport within the US is sort of unimaginable. In case you’re fortunate, it can take years and value an absurd amount of cash. After an extended, lengthy street, it appears that evidently Seattle/Tacoma (SEA) has now handed one of many massive remaining hurdles standing in the way in which of its subsequent section of progress. That is massively vital contemplating how the place is bursting on the seams at this time, however on the draw back… it can most likely want much more capability by the point that is carried out.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has now authorised a “Ultimate Environmental Evaluation” and a “Discovering of No Vital Influence/Report of Choice” for SEA’s massive grasp plan that it hopes to have accomplished by 2032, 5 years behind the earlier schedule. That has been a really lengthy street simply to get up to now.
This undertaking sounded much more spectacular way back when there have been fewer passengers utilizing SEA. However as Alaska and Delta proceed to develop, the airport hit a file of 52.6 million passengers in 2024. It is going to most likely be somewhat increased this 12 months. When the work is completed in 2032, it can put the airport able to deal with… 56 million. That’s not lots of progress, nevertheless it’s a begin.
The centerpiece of this plan entails a second terminal constructed to help 19 new gates. This new terminal plan appears like some type of Rohrschach take a look at. You wouldn’t design one thing that appears like this in your wildest fever dream, however welcome to SEA the place house is at a premium.
The present terminal is in crimson above. There are 4 concourses that radiate out of that terminal after which the 2 satellite tv for pc concourses. The S gates are the place the worldwide operators are, however aside from that, there are actually two sides right here.
On the left aspect of the picture you see concourses A and B. These are largely for Delta and WestJet, however there are another cats and canines in there too. On the fitting, you will have concourses C and D together with satellite tv for pc N. These are all Alaska and somewhat American. The crimson terminal within the center is the place the airways meet for his or her weekly rumble.
It’s the inexperienced bit on the fitting that might be a brand new terminal. If this appears bizarre, it’s since you want extra context. The airport is hemmed in on just about all sides, so any progress requires some creativity. Right here’s some extra element with all the initiatives which are deliberate..
Up is to the west, if that helps to orient you. However as you may see, rather a lot goes to alter. Simply to have the ability to construct Terminal 2, SEA has to clear the realm out. Airport upkeep, the hearth station, and airline help companies have to maneuver out with upkeep heading to the highest of the image, the hearth station going to the left between the ends of the runways, and airline help going somewhat to the fitting. Southbound lanes that head into the terminal additionally should go away into a special configuration.
Then there are different expansions and adjustments as you may see within the map above. If you need extra element, this doc has somewhat. Or you may go to the grasp plan web site if you end up having bother sleeping at night time.
As soon as all this work is completed, I think about Alaska and Delta could have competed their manner proper previous that 56 million capability quantity. It looks as if SEA ought to take into consideration beginning now on the subsequent section which is already a part of the plan. They may simply create a mirror picture of the brand new terminal to the north (proper) to double the gates.
However wait, that’s wanting too far forward. Subsequent up is a State Environmental Coverage Act evaluation with public remark someday in 2026. Even as soon as that’s totally authorised, nicely, the FAA says which are 17 points that should be handled throughout design and development, “together with potential impacts on air high quality, organic assets, land use, historic assets, and unsafe supplies.”
Even now the timeline appears to have began to slide with initiatives now anticipated to be both carried out or underway by 2032, which means not all the things might be completed then. I feel the terminal is prone to be open by then, barring any additional hurdles taking longer than anticipated.
