Sea-Tac is changing. Fast. If you haven't been through Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in the last few months, you’re basically walking into a construction zone that’s trying really hard to be a five-star hotel. It’s loud, it’s a bit chaotic, and honestly, the "SEA" we knew three years ago is pretty much gone. Between the leadership shakeups and the massive structural overhaul known as "Upgrade SEA," the airport is currently a mix of high-tech dreams and very real "where did my gate go?" frustration.
January 2026 has already been a massive month for news at the airport. We’ve seen a new managing director take the helm, a massive 5G infrastructure deal signed, and the sudden closure of security checkpoints that might catch you off guard if you’re just showing up two hours before a flight. Here is what is actually happening on the ground.
The New Face of SEA: Wendy Reiter Takes Charge
The biggest headline for the airport’s internal world happened on January 7, 2026. Wendy Reiter officially stepped into the role of Managing Director.
She’s not a newcomer. Reiter is a veteran leader at SEA, and her appointment by Port of Seattle Executive Director Steve Metruck signals a "steady hand" approach during what is arguably the most intensive construction period in the airport's history. She’s taking over at a moment when the airport is coming off a record-breaking 2024 (52.6 million passengers!) and looking at even bigger numbers for the year ahead.
The goal? Keep the gears turning while half the floor is being ripped up. It’s a tough gig.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport News: The Construction Crunch
If you’re traveling this month, pay attention to the floor. Literally.
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Starting January 6, 2026, Checkpoint 5 closed. It’s slated to be down for about five weeks. Why? They are doing intensive terrazzo flooring work along the C and D Concourses. This is part of the broader C Concourse Expansion, a project that is adding four new floors of space, premium lounges, and—mercifully—more bathrooms.
What this means for your morning flight:
- Barricades are everywhere: Narrower hallways in C and D mean you shouldn't try to sprint to your gate if you're late.
- Checkpoint 6 is your new best friend: Most traffic from the closed Checkpoint 5 is being diverted there.
- The "Seismic Hug": You might notice some weirdly thick beams in the North Satellite. That’s the "seismic hug" project, a $712 million retrofitting job designed to keep the building standing if the Big One hits.
The 5G Revolution (No More Dead Zones?)
Let’s be honest: airport Wi-Fi usually sucks the moment you leave the main terminal.
On January 13, 2026, the Port of Seattle announced a partnership with Boldyn Networks to build a massive 5G Distributed Antenna System (DAS). We aren’t just talking about the terminal. They are wiring up the airfield, the rental car facility, and the parking garage.
It covers over one million square feet. The network design is happening right now, with deployment kicking off early this year. If you've ever tried to download a movie for a ten-hour flight while sitting at a gate in the S Concourse and failed, this is the fix.
Alaska Airlines is Going Global (Big Time)
The hometown hero is making moves. Alaska Airlines just confirmed that spring 2026 will see a massive expansion of their international footprint from SEA.
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They are launching nonstop service to London (LHR), Reykjavik (KEF), and Rome (FCO). These aren't just seasonal hops; London will be a daily, year-round service starting May 21, 2026. They’re using the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners for these, some of which feature a new "Aurora Borealis" livery that looks pretty slick.
With these additions, SEA will offer over 60 international services. That’s a massive jump from the 42 they had pre-pandemic. Seattle is no longer just a stopover to Asia; it’s becoming a legit European gateway.
The "Green" Pivot: The Cascadia Accelerator
While travelers care about gates and Wi-Fi, the big money is moving toward fuel.
On January 8, 2026, leaders launched the Cascadia Sustainable Aviation Accelerator (CSAA) at the Boeing Future of Flight. It’s backed by a $10 million private donation and state funding. The goal is to make the Pacific Northwest the world hub for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
The Port of Seattle wants 10% of all fuel at SEA to be a SAF blend by 2028. It’s ambitious, but they have WSU researchers and Boeing engineers basically living at the airport now to figure out how to scale this stuff from landfill waste and woody debris.
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Security Realities and Data Breaches
It hasn't all been smooth sailing. The airport is still dealing with the fallout of the 2024 cyberattack.
If you were an employee, contractor, or used the parking systems before August 24, 2024, you probably got a letter. The Port is still in the process of notifying people whose Social Security numbers or driver's license info might have been snatched. They’ve hardened the systems since then, but the "Notice of Data Breach" is a lingering shadow over their tech upgrades.
Also, a heads-up on security: TSA is currently in hot water with the Port Commission over sharing passenger lists with ICE for immigration enforcement. The Commission publicly stated they are "deeply troubled" by this, so expect some political friction at the checkpoints in the coming months.
How to Actually Navigate SEA Right Now
Don't just wing it. If you’re flying out of SEA-TAC this month, you need a plan.
- Use the FlySEA App: No, really. It has a real-time map that accounts for the construction barricades.
- SEA Spot Saver: This is the "hidden" trick. You can reserve a spot in the security line for free. Do it 72 hours before your flight.
- The Train Change: If you're coming from the Eastside via Link Light Rail, be aware that the "2nd Tunnel" debate is still raging, and transfers at International District can be a mess. Give yourself an extra 20 minutes if you're taking the train.
- Parking Hack: There is a 90-minute free evening parking window if you’re just picking someone up and want to avoid the "cell phone lot" madness.
The airport is a work in progress. It’s kind of a mess, but by the time the World Cup rolls around, it’s supposed to be one of the best-connected hubs in the country. For now, just bring some noise-canceling headphones and watch out for the wet terrazzo.
Actionable Next Steps for Travelers
Check your terminal assignment 24 hours before departure; with the C Concourse expansion and Checkpoint 5 closure, your usual route to the gate might be blocked. If you are eligible for the Port of Seattle's identity protection services following the 2024 breach, ensure you enroll before the 2026 deadlines pass. Lastly, if you're planning a trip to Europe for the summer, keep an eye on Alaska Airlines' new Rome and London booking windows—those inaugural 2026 flights are expected to sell out fast as the "New SEA" goes global.