SEA Airport Achieves Record Passenger Volumes in 2024, Surpassing Pre-Pandemic Levels
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) has reported a remarkable recovery in passenger traffic, achieving record levels in 2024 that surpass pre-pandemic figures. As the Seattle region continues to grow, SEA Airport stands as a vital economic hub, reflecting a robust demand for air travel. The upward trend is set to continue, with forecasts predicting even larger passenger volumes for 2025.
A Positive Outlook for Passenger Traffic
Lance Lyttle, the Managing Director of SEA Airport, expressed optimism about the airport’s recovery. “We are pleased to report that SEA Airport has rebounded to pre-pandemic levels and is even stronger,” he stated. The airport’s ongoing investments aim to enhance the overall customer experience, and the commitment shown by travelers and airport staff has been instrumental in this recovery.
Record-Breaking Numbers
Key statistics from 2024 illustrate this impressive recovery:
- Passenger volumes exceeded 52.6 million, marking a 3% increase from 2023 and a 2% rise compared to the previous record set in 2019.
- Seven months in 2024 saw passenger totals surpass prior records, with notable peaks in May (over 4.6 million) and July (over 5.4 million).
- The busiest day in SEA’s history occurred on August 18, 2024, with 75,410 outbound travelers.
- International passenger traffic rose by 15%, boosted by the resumption of services to various destinations.
Improvements in Customer Experience
The airport has implemented several enhancements to streamline the travel experience. In 2024, 94% of travelers passed through security checkpoints within 30 minutes, a significant improvement from 80% in 2023. The addition of more lanes to security checkpoints has contributed to these shorter wait times.
New International Services
SEA Airport welcomed eight new international routes in 2024, bringing the total to 53 nonstop international services to 35 destinations. This expansion includes new flights to cities such as Taipei, Munich, and Toronto, as well as additional services announced for 2025.
Record Baggage Handling
In terms of baggage handling, SEA Airport set a record by processing 36 million bags in 2024. This includes 16 million outbound bags, reflecting a notable increase in travelers checking luggage. The average number of bags checked per passenger has doubled since 2018, indicating a shift in travel habits.
Air Cargo Growth
Air cargo operations also saw a significant uptick, with a 10.3% increase in total cargo tonnage compared to the previous year. Domestic cargo accounted for 75% of the total, showcasing robust growth in e-commerce and international services that support cargo capacity.
Dining and Retail Expansions
2024 marked an exciting year for dining and retail at SEA Airport, with the introduction of eight new locations and two refreshed concepts. The airport now boasts a total of 100 dining and retail options, catering to a diverse array of traveler needs.
Ongoing Capital Projects
SEA Airport is in the midst of a comprehensive $5 billion capital investment project known as Upgrade SEA. This initiative aims to enhance facilities and services ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Key projects include the relocation of security checkpoints and the expansion of concourses, scheduled to be completed in the coming years.
As SEA Airport continues to evolve and adapt to the growing demands of air travel, its focus on improving customer experience, expanding services, and investing in infrastructure remains at the forefront of its mission.
