en.Wedoany.com Reported - On August 11, the Port of Seattle Commission approved the initial funding for the S Concourse renovation project at Seattle–Tacoma International Airport, authorizing $1.1 billion to support project implementation through 2029. The project's current total investment is estimated at approximately $2.5 billion, with the remaining funds to be submitted for Commission review in subsequent phases.
The S Concourse renovation project is a key component of the $5.5 billion "Upgrade SEA" capital improvement program at Seattle Airport. The project is currently in the design and construction preparation phase, with early works expected to commence in the fourth quarter of 2026, major construction scheduled to begin in 2027, and full completion anticipated by 2034.
Built in 1973, the S Concourse primarily serves international flight operations. The renovation will add approximately 150,000 square feet (about 13,900 square meters) of space to the existing structure, including a new upper-level waiting area, dual-level boarding facilities at select gates, and expanded dining, retail, airline lounge, and passenger service areas.
The project will also repurpose portions of the customs area vacated after the 2022 International Arrivals Facility opened, upgrading the building structure, seismic systems, mechanical and electrical systems, passenger flow, and aviation operations facilities. Due to space constraints between the main terminal and the airfield, the S Concourse will retain its 12 gates after the renovation, with no increase in gate count.
Construction will be carried out in multiple phases to keep most gates operational during the work. The project plans to build a temporary satellite concourse on the east side of the S Concourse to support ground-level boarding operations while certain gates are closed, with no more than 3 gates affected at any given time during each construction phase.
The project plans to pursue LEED Silver certification. The design includes high-performance building facades and glazing systems, lighting controls and building management systems, electric airport service equipment and charging infrastructure, water-efficient plumbing fixtures, and building material reuse. Compared to the Port of Seattle's current construction standards, the project is expected to reduce annual operational greenhouse gas emissions by 58% and lower annual energy consumption by 16%.
Hensel Phelps serves as the project's general contractor and construction manager, with AECOM and HOK forming the design team. Project funding will be shared between the Airport Development Fund and future revenue bond issuances, with no taxpayer dollars used.
