
The new PDX Airport terminal is a game-changer for travelers. The expanded terminal offers 20 new gates, increasing the airport's total to 72 gates.
The terminal's design is focused on efficiency and comfort, with larger concourses and more natural light. This means less time spent waiting in lines and more time enjoying your travel experience.
One of the standout features of the new terminal is its innovative use of technology. The airport has implemented a digital bag drop system, allowing passengers to check their bags quickly and easily.
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Airport Design and Features
The new PDX airport is a game-changer when it comes to airport design and features. Its main terminal is a spacious, flexible, and green space with plenty of Pacific Northwest character.
The terminal's striking nine-acre roof is constructed entirely from Douglas fir, carefully selected and harvested by four local tribes: the Yakama Nation, the Coquille Indian Tribe, the Skokomish Indian Tribe, and the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians.
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Portland's Revolutionary Airport Terminal
Portland's Revolutionary Airport Terminal is a game-changer in airport design. The newly opened main terminal is a fusion of contemporary design and the cultural legacy of the Pacific Northwest's Native tribes.
The terminal's striking nine-acre roof is constructed entirely from Douglas fir, carefully selected and harvested by four local tribes: the Yakama Nation, the Coquille Indian Tribe, the Skokomish Indian Tribe, and the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians.
The materials used in the terminal's construction were sourced via selective logging methods historically practiced by these tribes, which helps reduce wildfire risks and enhance climate resilience.
The terminal's design is inspired by the smaller scale of Portland's city blocks, with a central boulevard and urban furniture that invites travelers to linger.
Retail concessions were designed as a "kit of parts" with plug and play utilities for ease of installation and flexibility in configuration and brand expression.
The terminal's roof features 49 thoughtfully placed skylights that filter daylight through the mass timber roof's lattice and large skylight openings, illuminating 60% of the terminal.
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The use of mass timber for the roof celebrates Oregon's history and the future of forest product innovation, craftsmanship, and ingenuity, and because wood sequesters carbon, it is also a major sustainability feature.
The terminal's design and construction process required a phased approach to construction, with the assembly of the roof taking place on an empty airfield and then slowly moving piece by piece to avoid disrupting operations.
The terminal's roof is designed to withstand a 9.0 magnitude earthquake, with seismic isolation bearings at the top of the Y-columns allowing lateral movement up to 24 inches during a seismic event.
Concourse B Arrival
Concourse B is the new kid on the block, replacing Concourse A with a bigger and brighter space.
The daylight-filled design of Concourse B is a game-changer, providing a more pleasant travel experience for passengers.
Concourse Expansion and Improvements
Concourse E gets a significant upgrade with the addition of six new gates. This expansion brings more dining options to the area.
The new gates in Concourse E also come with a unique installation from acclaimed artist Jacob Hashimoto. His artwork adds a touch of creativity to the airport's design.
Travelers can now enjoy stunning views of Mt. Hood from Concourse E. This makes for a great spot to take in the scenery while waiting for your flight.
A new addition to Concourse E is the Tillamook Market, offering more shopping and dining options for travelers.
Cultivating a Replicable and Transparent Wood Supply Chain
The new PDX airport is committed to sourcing its wood from certified sustainable forests.
The airport's wood supply chain is designed to be replicable, meaning that other organizations can follow their lead and create their own sustainable wood supply chains.
The airport is working with the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) to ensure that all wood products used in the airport meet strict sustainability standards.
This commitment to sustainability has earned the airport a gold certification from the FSC.
The airport's wood supply chain is also transparent, with clear documentation and tracking of all wood products used in the airport.
This transparency allows stakeholders to see exactly where the wood is coming from and how it is being sourced.
The airport's commitment to a replicable and transparent wood supply chain is a model for other organizations to follow.
By prioritizing sustainability and transparency, the airport is helping to promote responsible forestry practices and reduce the environmental impact of its operations.
Airport Experience and Amenities
You'll find plenty of exciting new amenities to enjoy at the new PDX airport. Concourse E has been expanded with six new gates, bringing more dining options to the area.
One of the standout additions is the new Tillamook Market, where you can grab a bite to eat. The stunning views of Mt. Hood from Concourse E are a bonus to exploring the new gates.
You can also expect to see new art installations throughout the airport, including a piece from acclaimed artist Jacob Hashimoto.
Expanded Concessions and Arrivals
Portland International Airport (PDX) is expanding its concessions and arrivals area, which is a game-changer for travelers. The new space will feature small plazas, pavilions, and active corridors inspired by Portland's urban planning tradition.
Currently, roughly half of the concessions located beyond security are already open, and the space is open to passengers in a temporary capacity. This is a great opportunity to check out some of the new options before the full expansion is complete.
A central boulevard will be added, featuring cafe seating and urban furniture, complete with trees and planters to create a neighborhood feel. This is a thoughtful design that will help reduce stress and improve the overall passenger experience.
The retail experience is also getting a boost, with 22 concessions designed as a "kit of parts" for ease of installation and flexibility in configuration and brand expression. This means that retailers will have a range of options to choose from, creating a unique and dynamic shopping experience.
Concourse E has already seen some exciting changes, including six new gates, more dining options, and a new Tillamook Market. Travelers can also enjoy an installation from acclaimed artist Jacob Hashimoto and take in the stunning views of Mt. Hood.
Adding More Loved Elements

You'll notice that the Portland Airport is really making an effort to bring back the things that travelers love. A new play area in Concourse E is a great addition for families.
One of the most iconic features to return is the famous PDX carpet, originally designed in 1987. It's a custom-made teal floor covering with pops of red, pink, and purple that's sure to bring a smile to your face.
Travelers can find the carpet in various locations throughout the airport, including under a grand piano next to Missionary Chocolates and at the top of the stadium seating. You can even find its location on the Fly PDX online terminal map by selecting "The Carpet" in the search bar.
The airport is also introducing new restaurants and cafes, including Lardo, Screen Door, and Good Coffee.
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Construction and Challenges
We closed the Clocktower Plaza in April 2021 to make way for the new main terminal.
Crews had a big task ahead of them. They worked to bring the new main terminal to life.
The construction process involved building the wooden roof on a construction lot northwest of the airport.
Project Overview and Completion

The new Portland International Airport (PDX) is a major project that has been in the works for several years.
The project involves the construction of a new Concourse E, which will feature 11 new gates and a 140,000-square-foot terminal building.
The new concourse is expected to open in 2026, providing travelers with a more modern and efficient experience.
The project also includes the renovation of the existing Concourse C, which will feature a new security checkpoint and expanded dining and shopping options.
The new security checkpoint will be equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including automated security screening and biometric identification systems.
Travelers can expect shorter lines and a more streamlined security process as a result.
The project is being led by the Port of Portland, which has partnered with several contractors and architects to bring the vision to life.
The new airport design incorporates sustainable and energy-efficient features, including solar panels and a green roof.
These features will help reduce the airport's carbon footprint and make it a model for future airport development.
The new PDX airport is expected to serve over 50 million passengers per year.
This represents a significant increase from the current 30 million passengers per year.
The airport's expansion is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy, creating thousands of new jobs and generating billions of dollars in revenue.
The project is also expected to improve air quality and reduce noise pollution in the surrounding area.
Overall, the new PDX airport is a major undertaking that will provide a better experience for travelers and contribute to the growth and development of the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PDX building a new terminal?
No, PDX is not building a new terminal, but rather remodeled its main terminal with a significant investment of over $2 billion. The remodel features modern amenities and sustainable materials, including skylights and Northwest-sourced lumber.
Is a PDX remodel done?
While some aspects of the PDX remodel are complete, the main terminal expansion is still in progress and scheduled for completion by 2025. Key projects like Concourse E and Concourse B have already been completed, but ongoing work remains.
Which Airlines are in the new PDX terminal?
Alaska Airlines is the primary airline operating out of the new terminal at Portland International Airport (PDX)
Is Clear coming to PDX?
Yes, CLEAR is now available at PDX. Travelers can enjoy expedited security screening at Portland International Airport's main terminal.
What are the plans for the PDX remodel?
The PDX remodel includes four major projects: Concourse E expansion, new Concourse B, Parking Addition and Rental Car facility, and a main terminal expansion. The main terminal expansion is the largest project, with Phase 1 scheduled for completion by 2025.
Sources
- https://www.zgf.com/work/5683-port-of-portland-pdx-airport-main-terminal-expansion
- https://www.pdxnext.com/Stories/Details/main-terminal-concessions-opening
- https://www.sunset.com/travel/portland-airport-new-main-terminal
- https://www.afar.com/magazine/a-look-inside-portland-oregons-new-airport-terminal
- https://traveloregon.com/plan-your-trip/oregon-welcome-centers/all-the-new-things-at-pdx-airport/
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