In an April 2019 letter to the Port of Seattle's Executive Director, Alaska Airlines expressed support for SeaTac airport expansion but raised serious concerns about the Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP), arguing that the proposed 19-gate north terminal is disconnected from the main terminal, more gates than needed, and would leave 80% of travelers underserved. Alaska's independent consultants concluded that only 10 additional gates are necessary to meet projected 2027 passenger demand, and the airline proposed a phased 10-gate alternative as a less costly and less environmentally impactful solution. The letter urged the Port to include Alaska's alternative in the formal NEPA environmental review process to ensure a more legally defensible and balanced approach to airport development.Open full document
Notes
Alaska Airlines CEO Brad Tilden writes to Port of Seattle Executive Director Steven Metruck outlining Alaska’s position on the Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP). The letter expresses support for airport expansion and key infrastructure investments while opposing the current 19-gate north terminal proposal as disconnected, oversized, and financially imprudent. Alaska proposes a phased 10-gate alternative and requests the Port include it in the NEPA environmental review process.