A state work group is exploring air travel at JBLM to ease SEA airport congestion, despite military opposition.
UNION GAP, Wash. — A state work group is again weighing whether to allow civilian air travel at Joint Base Lewis-McChord as a way to relieve Seattle-Tacoma International Airport’s mounting congestion.
The military rejected a similar proposal in 2023 and continues to oppose it. But according to the Federal Aviation Administration, 21 U.S. military bases currently allow some level of civilian air service.
“It’s a discussion about having a discussion,” said Evan Nordby, chair of the Commercial Aviation Work Group. He said the panel wants a consultant to explore whether JBLM could be a viable solution.
The Legislature formed the group in 2023 after community backlash derailed plans to build new airports in Pierce and Thurston counties. Instead, lawmakers directed the panel to study alternatives and expansion at existing airports.
The group met Wednesday in Yakima County, where local leaders advocated for more commercial service in Central Washington. Nordby said allowing Yakima to handle more passenger or cargo flights could help reduce strain at Sea-Tac.
The panel is also studying expanded train service, including high-speed rail, as part of its long-term planning.
“Everybody knows how crowded Sea-Tac is, and plenty of studies have recognized that,” Nordby said. “This is a long-term project, and there are a lot of different moving parts.”
Editor’s note: KING 5 refers to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport by its official name, SEA. The airport officially rebranded in 2020.