The Portland International Airport (PDX) has gone through some big changes over the past few years thanks to an 11-year, $2.15 billion renovation. The goal? Make the airport bigger, more sustainable and more earthquake-resistant, while relying heavily on locally sourced materials and highlighting local businesses.Â
The first section of the two-phase project was completed in summer 2024 with the unveiling of PDX’s new main terminal, an expansive — and quintessentially Oregonian — space. The second phase wrapped up in 2026, bringing with it more new shops and dining outlets while streamlining the way passengers move through the airport. Here are many of the amazing new features to check out on your next visit to PDX.
Art and Design
PDX’s striking Oregon-inspired aesthetic was conceptualized using biophilic design, which seeks to create a connection to nature within architectural spaces. Huge windows allow lots of light to stream in, and towering trees and plants remind you that wherever you are in Oregon, the forest is never far away. Massive skylights use wood slats to create “shadow casting,” a technique that evokes the dappled light beneath trees, all while providing a natural alternative to fluorescent bulbs. An art installation dubbed “Extraordinary Windows” — consisting of a pair of 120-foot-long video walls — shows an ever-changing display of imagery from across the region.
The space is crowned by a glorious new latticed ceiling made entirely of wood sustainably sourced from within 300 miles of the airport. Much of the wood was sourced through partnerships with four Pacific Northwest tribes, including Southern Oregon’s Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians and the coastal Coquille Indian Tribe.Â
High-traffic parts of the airport are now floored with terrazzo (which has a lower carbon footprint than carpet) and hardwood tiles, both smoother options for wheelchairs and roller bags. However, you don’t have to give up the tradition of photographing your feet on the airport’s iconic carpet: You’ll find swatches of the teal treasure at nine spots across the airport. A total of 21 new permanent and rotating works of art that represent the region are displayed throughout PDX, including three large-scale sculptures by Indigenous artists Lillian Pitt, Travis Stewart and Marie Watt. The expanded art program is an addition to PDX’s already robust creative footprint, which includes live music performances and a mini Hollywood Theatre that screens local short films.
Practical Perks and Accessibility for All
PDX’s new iteration is as functional as it is beautiful, and numerous improvements have made the space more accessible, inclusive and easy to navigate, with designated north and south exit lanes that make it easier for arriving passengers to get between the gate and the arrivals area.Â
Airline counters have been reconfigured into parallel “islands.” Alaska Airlines has launched an automatic bag drop with kiosks where you can print your own luggage tags (airline staff will still be on hand to provide support as needed). TSA checkpoints have been widened and now have multiple luggage-loading stations so that up to three travelers can load bags onto the belt simultaneously. Women’s and men’s restrooms with accessible stalls and private all-user restrooms are available in both the pre- and post-security areas.
Shopping and Dining
Food and shopping options at the new PDX feature a mix of old favorites along with 27 new-to-the-airport businesses, all of which are local and regional brands. Like everywhere in Oregon, there’s no sales tax, and airport businesses agree to charge the same prices inside the terminal as they do outside. A pre-security market hall in the main terminal features long-standing airport favorites such as The Country Cat and Portland Coffee Roasters, along with a branch of the beloved beer hall Loyal Legion on the mezzanine level with huge runway-facing picture windows. Give yourself enough time before heading to security to browse Portland-themed gifts at Hello From Portland and cards and stationery that support intersectional feminist values at Paper Epiphanies. The hall also features a rotating pop-up space for small local businesses: Current residents are Mikiko Mochi Donuts, which specializes in donuts free of dairy, nuts, and gluten; and ECOVIBE, a local retailer of sustainable gifts and housewares.
Once you’ve cleared security, you can pick up some grab-and-go delights for your flight at Capers Bistro, stop for a gourmet hot dog paired with a cocktail at Straightaway Cocktails or grab a cup of quintessentially Portland joe at Stumptown Coffee Roasters in the south hall. If you’re in the north hall, try a made-to-order pasta dish at Grassa, a slice of innovative pizza at Sizzle Pie or a sweet treat at Blue Star Donuts.
Post-security shopping options are equally Oregonian, with classics such as Pendleton and Made in Oregon selling gifts that are hard to find outside of the Beaver State. Other highlights include Powell’s Books, which supplies bibliophiles with the oldest form of in-flight entertainment, and Steven Smith Teamaker, which offers distinctive tea blends from around the world.
