The Pacific Northwest is served by a diverse network of airports that connect major cities, regional hubs, and smaller communities across Washington and Oregon. From international gateways to regional airfields, these airports play a key role in shaping how people move through the region.
This guide explores the major airports of the Pacific Northwest, highlighting how Seattle, Portland, and surrounding cities connect coastal landscapes, inland valleys, university towns, and mountain regions through air travel.
Major Pacific Northwest Airports
The region is anchored by two primary international gateways that serve as the foundation of Pacific Northwest air travel.
Seattle (SEA)
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is the largest airport in the Pacific Northwest and one of the most important aviation hubs on the west coast of North America. It connects Washington State to major domestic destinations as well as Asia, Europe, and Alaska.
Seattle itself is known for its waterfront setting, technology sector, and proximity to mountain and coastal landscapes. SEA acts as the primary gateway into western Washington and the broader Puget Sound region.
Portland (PDX)
Portland International Airport serves as Oregon’s primary aviation hub and a major connection point for travel throughout the Pacific Northwest. The airport links the Willamette Valley with destinations across North America and beyond.
Portland is widely recognized for its bridges, riverfront geography, and access to surrounding natural landscapes. PDX provides direct access to Oregon’s largest city while supporting regional travel throughout the state.
Together, Seattle and Portland form the backbone of the Pacific Northwest’s air travel network.
Washington State Airports
Washington’s airport network stretches from coastal communities and Puget Sound cities to inland valleys and eastern Washington hubs.
Spokane (GEG)
Spokane International Airport is the largest airport in eastern Washington and a major gateway to the Inland Northwest. It serves travellers across eastern Washington, northern Idaho, and surrounding inland regions.
Spokane is known for its riverfront parks, historic downtown, and role as the primary urban centre east of the Cascade Mountains. GEG connects the inland Pacific Northwest with major western U.S. hubs.
Bellingham (BLI)
Bellingham International Airport serves northern Washington near the Canadian border and provides access to coastal and outdoor destinations in the region. Its location makes it an important gateway for travellers moving between Washington and British Columbia.
Bellingham is recognized for its waterfront setting, nearby mountain access, and connection to the Salish Sea. The airport supports both regional travel and cross-border connectivity.
Everett (PAE)
Paine Field in Everett serves the northern Puget Sound region and has become an increasingly important alternative airport within the greater Seattle metropolitan area. It provides commercial passenger service while also maintaining strong ties to the aerospace industry.
Everett is closely associated with aviation manufacturing and maritime activity. PAE strengthens regional access north of Seattle while supporting the broader Puget Sound travel network.
Olympia (OLM)
Olympia Regional Airport serves Washington’s capital region at the southern end of Puget Sound. The airport supports regional aviation activity and connects the area with the wider state network.
Olympia is known for its government institutions, waterfront setting, and surrounding forests and waterways. OLM reflects the quieter civic and regional character of southern Puget Sound communities.
Yakima (YKM)
Yakima Air Terminal serves central Washington and supports travel throughout one of the state’s most important agricultural regions. The airport provides regional connections between inland Washington communities and larger hubs.
Yakima is widely associated with orchards, vineyards, and agricultural production. YKM acts as a gateway to the valleys and landscapes east of the Cascade Mountains.
Walla Walla (ALW)
Walla Walla Regional Airport serves southeastern Washington and connects one of the Pacific Northwest’s best-known wine regions with the broader aviation network. The airport supports both tourism and regional travel.
Walla Walla is recognized for vineyards, historic downtown streets, and rolling agricultural landscapes. ALW provides access to a quieter part of Washington State with strong regional identity.
Pasco (PSC)
Tri-Cities Airport in Pasco serves the broader Tri-Cities region of southeastern Washington. It is one of the most significant regional airports in inland Washington and supports both business and leisure travel.
Pasco sits within a landscape shaped by rivers, agriculture, and expanding regional development. PSC acts as a central aviation hub for the surrounding communities of Kennewick and Richland.
Pullman (PUW)
Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport serves southeastern Washington and nearby Idaho communities. The airport is closely connected to Washington State University and regional academic travel.
Pullman is located in the rolling Palouse region, known for its distinctive farmland landscapes and university culture. PUW connects smaller inland communities with larger regional aviation hubs.
Oregon State Airports
Oregon’s airport system extends from the Willamette Valley to coastal communities and high desert regions.
Eugene (EUG)
Eugene Airport serves the southern Willamette Valley and is one of Oregon’s most important regional airports outside Portland. It connects university communities and surrounding valley cities with larger western hubs.
Eugene is widely known for the University of Oregon, outdoor recreation, and its riverfront setting. EUG supports both regional travel and broader access throughout the state.
Medford (MFR)
Rogue Valley International–Medford Airport serves southern Oregon and acts as a key aviation hub for the Rogue Valley region. It provides access to inland landscapes, forests, and nearby mountain areas.
Medford is associated with orchards, vineyards, and outdoor recreation throughout southern Oregon. MFR connects the region with major west coast cities and supports year-round regional travel.
Salem (SLE)
Salem Municipal Airport serves Oregon’s capital city in the centre of the Willamette Valley. The airport supports regional aviation activity and connections throughout western Oregon.
Salem is known for government institutions, farmland, and its central location between Portland and Eugene. SLE reflects the agricultural and civic identity of the valley region.
Astoria (AST)
Astoria Regional Airport serves Oregon’s northern coast near the mouth of the Columbia River. The airport connects one of the Pacific Northwest’s most historic coastal communities with the wider regional network.
Astoria is known for maritime history, riverfront scenery, and dramatic coastal landscapes. AST reflects the unique coastal identity of northwestern Oregon.
Redmond (RDM)
Redmond Municipal Airport serves central Oregon and acts as a gateway to the state’s high desert region. The airport supports growing tourism and outdoor recreation travel throughout inland Oregon.
Redmond is closely connected to nearby Bend and the volcanic landscapes of central Oregon. RDM provides access to a very different side of the Pacific Northwest compared to the coastal corridor.
How the Pacific Northwest Airport Network Connects
The Pacific Northwest airport system is shaped by two dominant hubs—Seattle and Portland—with supporting regional airports extending access across coastal communities, inland valleys, university towns, and mountain regions.
Together, these airports form a connected travel network that reflects the geography, culture, and diversity of Washington and Oregon.
Explore the Region
Discover more from the Pacific Northwest through our regional collection, or explore individual state hubs in Washington and Oregon.
