The Pacific Northwest is one of North America’s most distinctive travel regions, shaped by coastal geography, mountain ranges, and a network of cities connected through air travel. From major international gateways like Seattle and Portland to smaller regional airports across Washington and Oregon, flying into the region offers a direct connection to its diverse landscapes and communities.
This guide explores the major airports of the Pacific Northwest and the cities they serve, helping you understand how the region’s air travel network connects coastal hubs, inland destinations, and everything in between.
Major Pacific Northwest Gateways
Two cities serve as the primary entry points into the region, anchoring both tourism and business travel:
- Seattle (SEA) – Washington’s largest city and a major international gateway to the Pacific Northwest
- Portland (PDX) – Oregon’s largest city and a central hub for travel across the Willamette Valley and beyond
These two airports form the core of Pacific Northwest air travel, with most regional routes connecting through or near these major hubs.
Washington State Airports
Washington’s airport network extends far beyond Seattle, connecting coastal cities, inland communities, and regional centres across the state.
- Spokane (GEG) – Eastern Washington’s largest city and a key inland gateway
- Bellingham (BLI) – Northern coastal access point near the Canadian border
- Everett (PAE) – Part of the greater Puget Sound aviation network
- Olympia (OLM) – Washington’s capital and southern Puget Sound access point
- Yakima (YKM) – Central Washington hub surrounded by agricultural valleys
- Walla Walla (ALW) – Southeastern Washington wine and agricultural region
- Pasco (PSC) – Part of the Tri-Cities regional network
- Pullman (PUW) – University city in the Palouse region
Oregon State Airports
Oregon’s air travel network is centred around Portland, with additional regional airports connecting coastal towns, valley cities, and inland communities.
- Eugene (EUG) – University city in the Willamette Valley
- Medford (MFR) – Southern Oregon’s Rogue Valley hub
- Salem (SLE) – Oregon’s capital city in the Willamette Valley
- Astoria (AST) – Coastal gateway at the mouth of the Columbia River
- Redmond (RDM) – Central Oregon gateway to high desert landscapes
Understanding the Pacific Northwest Travel Network
The Pacific Northwest is defined not just by its geography, but by the way its cities are connected through air travel. Major hubs like Seattle and Portland anchor the region, while smaller airports extend access into coastal, inland, and mountain communities.
This network reflects the region’s unique balance of urban centres and natural landscapes—linking people to cities that are both destinations and departure points.
Explore the Region
Looking deeper into the Pacific Northwest? Explore our regional collection, or discover individual state hubs in Washington and Oregon.
