Key Takeaways
• Phase 2 footprint of Portland International Airport completed May 24, 2025, part of a $2.1 billion transformation.
• New 400,000-square-foot timber roof with seismic isolation supports sustainable design, reducing columns from 670 to 34.
• Terminal expansion adds 10 local restaurants and Alaska Air lounge; full completion expected early 2026.
The transformation of Portland International Airport is moving ahead with impressive speed and vision, marking a new era for travelers, airlines, and the broader Oregon community. As of May 24, 2025, the airport reached a major milestone: the completion of the Phase 2 footprint in the northwest corner. This achievement is part of the largest public works project in Oregon’s history, a $2.1 billion investment that is reshaping the airport experience for everyone who passes through its doors.
Who is involved? The Port of Portland, construction teams, local artists, and community members all play key roles. What is happening? The airport is undergoing a full-scale revamp, with new spaces, sustainable design, and expanded amenities. When? The most recent milestone was reached in May 2025, with full completion of Phase 2 expected in early 2026. Where? All of this is taking place at Portland International Airport, the main air gateway for Oregon. Why? The goal is to create a modern, sustainable, and welcoming airport that reflects the region’s values and prepares for future growth. How? Through innovative engineering, community input, and a focus on local culture and sustainability.
Let’s take a closer look at the progress, what it means for travelers and the community, and what to expect as the project moves forward.
Major Milestone: Phase 2 Footprint Complete
The week of May 19, 2025, marked a turning point for the Portland International Airport project. Construction crews finished the Phase 2 footprint in the northwest corner, a key step in the airport’s ongoing transformation. This area now features an extension of the airport’s iconic wooden roof, which stretches about 220 feet wide and deep. The new section will cover the space between Concourses B and C and will include a brand-new Alaska Air lounge. This lounge will offer sweeping views of the nearby forested highlands, giving travelers a taste of the Pacific Northwest’s natural beauty even before they leave the airport.
During a special tour for local journalists on May 22, 2025, Port of Portland project manager George Seaman explained the scale of the engineering involved. “The roof is modular, so we could put it up in stages,” Seaman said. “This new roof is probably the biggest piece. I bet it weighs one-point-five, maybe one-point-six million pounds.” The modular approach allowed crews to build and install the roof in sections, making the process more efficient and safer.
Project Timeline and Current Status
The Portland International Airport revamp is now in its second phase. The first phase opened in August 2024, unveiling about 60% of the new main terminal to the public. With the completion of the Phase 2 footprint, the remaining 30% of the terminal is now under active construction. The project is on track for full completion in the first quarter of 2026.
Key points about the current status:
- Phase 2 footprint completed as of May 24, 2025
- Iconic wooden roof extension now in place in the northwest corner
- 60% of the new main terminal opened in August 2024; the rest is under construction
- Project remains on schedule for early 2026 completion
Travelers should be aware of some temporary changes due to ongoing construction. Since December 2024, passengers arriving at Concourse B gates between 6 PM and 3 AM have been using a new exit door that leads straight to baggage claim. Walking distances to Gates B and E have also doubled and will stay longer until early 2026 because of construction detours.
Engineering and Design: A New Standard for Airports
The Portland International Airport project stands out for its innovative engineering and commitment to sustainability. The airport is the first major airport in the United States 🇺🇸 to feature a mass timber roof. This design choice not only honors the region’s timber heritage but also sets a new standard for eco-friendly building in aviation.
Key engineering features include:
- A 400,000-square-foot roof weighing 18 million pounds, supported by just 34 massive Y-shaped columns (down from the previous 670 columns)
- Seismic isolation bearings at the top of the Y-columns, allowing the roof to move up to 24 inches during an earthquake—designed to withstand a 9.0 magnitude event
- Long-span structures (100 ft x 150 ft) that create open, column-free spaces for security checkpoints and check-in areas
- A hanging curtain wall attached to the roof with special hinges, allowing it to slide and pivot during seismic events
- A tight building envelope with passive heating and cooling, plus lots of natural daylight for energy efficiency and comfort during power outages
The design draws inspiration from Portland’s urban planning, with smaller-scale spaces that mimic the city’s walkable neighborhoods, short blocks, and tree-lined streets. The terminal is laid out as a “series of rooms,” creating a welcoming, community feel rather than a vast, impersonal space.
New Amenities: More Choices, Local Flavor
When Phase 2 opens in early 2026, travelers will find a host of new amenities and features designed to make their airport experience more enjoyable and comfortable.
Highlights include:
- 10 new local restaurants and shops, adding to the 12 that opened in Phase 1
- A new Alaska Air lounge with views of the surrounding landscape
- Banks of private, all-user restrooms with tile mosaics by local artists
- Two new waiting areas for people meeting arriving passengers
- A central boulevard inspired by Portland’s city blocks, with café seating and urban-style furniture
- Trees and planters throughout the terminal, creating a calming, neighborhood atmosphere
In total, the completed terminal will offer 22 new local places to eat, shop, and drink. More than half of these businesses are minority- or woman-owned, reflecting the airport’s commitment to supporting small businesses and showcasing the region’s diversity.
Sustainability and Cultural Connections
Sustainability is at the heart of the Portland International Airport project. The terminal uses about 3.7 million board feet of wood, including a nine-acre Douglas fir roof and Oregon white oak flooring. Some of the wood is traced to specific local forests, and the airport features labels recognizing indigenous contributions, such as “COW CREEK BAND OF UMPQUA TRIBE OF INDIANS GREW THE DOUGLAS FIR FOR THIS WALL.”
Energy efficiency goals include:
- Cutting energy use per square foot by 50%
- Using an all-electric heat pump system
- Maximizing natural light throughout the terminal
The project also celebrates local culture through public art. In April 2025, the Regional Arts & Culture Council and Port of Portland invited artists to design a temporary public art display for the terminal. This is the final art installation opportunity for the project, with a selection committee made up of community members, arts professionals, and Port staff.
Community Engagement and Future Planning
The Port of Portland is not just focused on the present; it’s also planning for the future. On March 19, 2025, the Port held a public open house for the PDX 2045 Master Plan Update at McDaniel High School. This long-term planning process will guide the airport’s growth over the next 20 years.
Sean Loughran, Port of Portland Planning and Development Director, said, “The PDX Next investments that we’ve made over the past decade, including the locally-sourced new terminal, are direct outcomes of our planning work and community input that we’ve received. We’re proud that we’ve built an airport that reflects our region, and we’re excited to hear the community’s perspective on how we can continue this success.”
The PDX 2045 plan involves forecasting future needs, comparing them to current capacity, and finding solutions that support sustainability, resilience, and shared prosperity. Community members can learn more and share their thoughts at the official PDX 2045 Master Plan website.
Economic Impact and Operational Changes
The Portland International Airport terminal revamp is a massive economic driver for the region. The $2.1 billion investment is the largest public works project in Oregon’s history. The Port of Portland’s 2024-25 budget shows that about 80% of its $542.6 million capital spending is going toward airport improvements.
Despite the high costs, the Port is working to keep airline rates competitive while managing a slower-than-expected recovery in passenger numbers. Operating expenses for 2024-25 are set to rise by 9.1% (about $14.3 million), reaching $171.1 million. This increase is mainly due to higher wages for contract service providers, maintaining service in the new terminal, managing risks, and inflation.
What Travelers Need to Know
If you’re flying through Portland International Airport during construction, here are some important tips:
- Arrive early: Plan to be at the airport two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights, as walking distances are longer.
- Follow signs: Overhead signs will guide you to the new routes for Concourses B and E.
- Longer walks: Walking distances to Gates B and E have doubled and will stay that way until early 2026.
- Mobility help: If you need assistance, call 503-460-4300.
- Concourse B arrivals (6 PM – 3 AM): You’ll use a new exit door that leads straight to baggage claim.
- Connecting flights: If you arrive at Concourse B during these hours and have a connecting flight, you’ll need to go up to the ticket lobby and pass through security again.
Pre-security dining and shopping options: Peet’s Coffee & Tea and Your Northwest Travel Mart are in Baggage Claim. After check-in, you’ll find The Country Cat, Portland Coffee Roasters, and Loyal Legion.
Alaska Air’s Role in the New Terminal
Alaska Air is a key partner in the Portland International Airport revamp. The new Alaska Air lounge, located in the northwest corner between Concourses B and C, is set to become a highlight for travelers. With its panoramic views of the forested highlands and modern amenities, the lounge will offer a relaxing space for Alaska Air passengers and set a new standard for airline lounges at PDX.
Why This Matters: Implications for Stakeholders
For travelers: The changes mean a more comfortable, efficient, and enjoyable airport experience, with more local food and shopping options, better amenities, and a unique sense of place.
For airlines: The expanded, modernized terminal allows for smoother operations, more space for passengers, and new opportunities to serve travelers—especially for Alaska Air, which gains a new lounge and improved facilities.
For the community: The project creates jobs, supports local businesses, and showcases Oregon’s culture and values. The focus on sustainability and local materials also sets an example for other airports.
For the environment: The use of mass timber, energy-efficient systems, and natural light reduces the airport’s carbon footprint and supports Oregon’s leadership in green building.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Portland International Airport
As the Portland International Airport moves closer to completing its transformation, the focus remains on creating a space that is modern, sustainable, and welcoming. The airport’s design, amenities, and community engagement efforts all reflect the unique character of the Pacific Northwest.
Travelers can look forward to:
- A fully modernized terminal by early 2026
- More local food, shopping, and art
- A safer, more resilient building designed to withstand earthquakes and power outages
- A focus on sustainability and community values
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the Portland International Airport project is setting a new standard for airport design and community involvement, showing how infrastructure can reflect the needs and values of its region.
For more information on airport security and travel requirements, visit the official Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website.
In summary: The Portland International Airport revamp is more than just a construction project—it’s a bold reimagining of what an airport can be. With Phase 2 well underway and completion on the horizon, PDX is poised to offer travelers, airlines, and the community a world-class, distinctly Oregon experience for decades to come.
Learn Today
Phase 2 footprint → The structural area completed in the airport’s second construction phase including new terminal sections.
Mass timber roof → A sustainable roof made from engineered wood panels, supporting large spans with fewer columns.
Seismic isolation bearings → Devices allowing the building to move during earthquakes, reducing structural damage risk.
Concourse → A passenger walkway area in an airport with gates and amenities.
All-electric heat pump system → An energy-efficient heating and cooling system that uses electricity instead of fossil fuels.
This Article in a Nutshell
Portland International Airport’s $2.1 billion revamp reached a milestone with Phase 2 completed in May 2025, featuring a massive timber roof and new amenities. The modernized terminal enhances traveler experience, sustainability, and community engagement, reflecting Oregon’s culture. Full project completion is slated for early 2026, setting new aviation standards.
— By VisaVerge.com
