Seattle Airports: 8 International, Domestic, & Recreational Options


How many airports are in Seattle, Washington? While SeaTac is the airport most people will fly in and out of, there are smaller and recreational options you should know about. So, let’s learn about all the Seattle airports!

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, commonly called Sea-Tac Airport or simply SEA, plays a significant role in serving the Seattle metropolitan area in Washington. As the primary commercial airport in the region, it has established itself as a vital hub for domestic and international flights. In 2019, the airport handled an impressive 51,829,239 passengers, highlighting its importance in connecting people to various destinations worldwide.

Boasting 31 airlines offering services to 91 non-stop domestic and 29 international locations, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport has an extensive range of destinations for travelers. The airport functions as the central hub for Alaska Airlines and Delta Air Lines, demonstrating its significance as a crucial component of the United States’ aviation network. As the demand for air travel continues to grow, SEA Airport continuously evolves to meet the needs of its ever-increasing number of passengers.

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Overview

Seattle Airports: International, Domestic, & Recreational Options

Airport History

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), also known as Sea-Tac, is an important airport in the Pacific Northwest region of North America. It has been serving the people of this area since its establishment in the late 1940s. Over the years, SEA Airport has undergone numerous expansions and renovations to accommodate the growing number of passengers and evolving travel needs.

Airport Location

Strategically located between Seattle and Tacoma in Washington, the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is roughly halfway between Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, British Columbia. The airport is easily accessible by various modes of transportation, including public transit, shuttle services, taxis, and private vehicles. The address for the airport is 17801 International Blvd, Seattle, WA 98158, United States.

Main Terminal and Concourses

Covering an area of 2,500 acres, the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport may be smaller than other US airports with similar passenger numbers, but it is well-equipped to handle the traffic. In 2021, the airport served over 36 million passengers, making it the 10th-busiest airport in the United States.

The airport’s main terminal consists of a central terminal and multiple concourses designed to provide passengers with streamlined access to the airport’s facilities and services. The concourses are divided into two sections: South Satellite (Concourses A, B, and S) and North Satellite (Concourses C, D, and N). These sections are connected via an underground train system that allows passengers to navigate between concourses quickly and efficiently.

At Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, travelers can find a wide array of amenities, including the following:

  • 31 airlines operating at the airport
  • Direct flights to 91 domestic and 29 international destinations
  • Numerous dining and shopping options throughout the terminal and concourses
  • A comprehensive live music program that showcases local talent

Overall, SEA Airport effectively caters to the needs of the Pacific Northwest region, generating approximately $20 billion in economic activity and providing valuable services to both domestic and global travelers.

Flights and Airlines

International and Domestic Flights

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), also known as Sea-Tac Airport, serves international and domestic flights. The airport connects passengers to over 100 destinations, including 29 international destinations across North America, Europe, and Asia. Travelers can expect flights to nearby countries like Canada and Mexico, as well as more distant locations such as Europe and Asia.

Major Airlines and Destinations

Several major airlines operate from Sea-Tac Airport, providing passengers with a wide range of travel options. The primary airlines include Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Northwest Airlines. Among these carriers, Alaska Airlines is one of the most prominent, with many departures and a strong presence in the region.

Some popular domestic destinations from SEA include:

  • Los Angeles, CA
  • San Francisco, CA
  • Denver, CO
  • Las Vegas, NV
  • New York, NY

For international flights, some top destinations include:

  • Vancouver, Canada
  • Toronto, Canada
  • London, United Kingdom
  • Tokyo, Japan
  • Beijing, China

Passengers can check their flight schedules on the Port of Seattle’s website or by contacting their airline directly. With a wide variety of airlines and destinations, travelers can enjoy the convenience and flexibility that SEA offers.

Small Airports & Heliports Around Seattle, WA

Paine Field – Snohomish County Airport

Paine Field, also known as Snohomish County Airport, is a regional airport in Everett, Washington. It primarily serves the general aviation and corporate aviation community, offering various aviation services such as:

  • Aircraft maintenance
  • Flight training
  • Charter operations
  • Air cargo handling

Boeing Field – King County International Airport

Boeing Field, officially known as King County International Airport (IATA: BFI, ICAO: KBFI), is one of the nation’s busiest primary non-hub airports, averaging 180,000 takeoffs and landings each year. Supporting $3.5 billion in local business and over 16,000 jobs in King County, the airport provides services for:

  • General aviation
  • Air cargo
  • Corporate jets
  • Charter flights

Renton Municipal Airport

Renton Municipal Airport (IATA: RNT, ICAO: KRNT) is located in Renton, Washington, and primarily serves the general aviation community. The airport offers various services, including:

  • Aircraft maintenance
  • Fixed-base operations
  • Flight training schools
  • Aviation fuel services
  • Hangar rental

528 Seatac

528 Seatac, officially known as Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (IATA: SEA, ICAO: KSEA), is the primary airport serving the Seattle metropolitan area. Offering various services and facilities to its passengers, the airport is a major hub for domestic and international flights.

Lake Union Heliport

Lake Union Heliport (IATA: LKE, ICAO: W55) is a public-use heliport located in the Seattle central business district on Lake Union. It is a convenient downtown location for quick access to corporate and executive helicopter operations.

Kenmore Air – Lake Union

Kenmore Air Harbor Seaplane Base (IATA: LKE, FAA LID: W55) is on Lake Union in Seattle, WA. The seaplane base serves both private and commercial seaplane operations, offering:

  • Seaplane flight training
  • Charter services
  • Regularly scheduled flights to nearby destinations

Plant 2 Heliport

Plant 2 Heliport (FAA LID: WN55) is a private-use heliport located in Everett, Washington. It is primarily used for corporate and executive helicopter operations, providing quick access to nearby businesses and facilities.

Upcoming Plans for Seattle Airports

The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) has been working on a Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP) to meet the increasing demand for passenger and cargo services. This plan outlines necessary changes to the current facilities, infrastructure, and operations, with projections for the next five, 10, and 20 years.

As part of the SAMP, the airport has initiated a series of capital projects called Upgrade SEA. These projects aim to enhance the passengers’ experience from arriving at the airport to their departure. Recently completed projects include improvements to the Central Terminal, N Concourse, and the International Arrivals Facility, which have created or modernized approximately 1 million square feet of space.

Seattle is considering the need for a new airport due to the ongoing expansion of the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac) and the projected doubling of demand for cargo and passenger movement by air by 2050. According to an initial analysis by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), there are 10 possible locations for the new airport.

However, no one wants the new airport near them, and local communities do not necessarily favor it being built in their backyard. The Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP) by the Port of Seattle recommends more than 30 near-term projects, including a new terminal with 19 gates and an automated people mover with three stations to connect the rental car facility, new terminal, and main terminal at Sea-Tac.

While a recommendation for a major new airport was expected to come by 2022, there is no indication in the search results that this has been finalized.

About the author

My name is April, and I’m a Seattle-based writer, traveler, and foodie. I started this travel guide blog to share my passion for Seattle with fellow travelers and locals alike.

Whether you’re looking for the best coffee shops, the trendiest restaurants, or the most scenic hiking trails, I’ve got you covered.

When I’m not writing or exploring Seattle, you can find me watching movies with my husband, reading, or gardening with my dog in the backyard.

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