Sea-Tac International Airport celebrates 75th anniversary

Get those party hats and noise makers ready — Sea-Tac Airport is celebrating the 75th anniversary of its opening on Tuesday, July 9.

And while the airport still has an ongoing plan for growth, let’s step back and look at its earliest days.

Photo via Port of Seattle

Prepare for takeoff

While our sweet little SEA airport is often the first destination on so many Seattleites’ exciting adventures, it sprouted from more serious roots.

Plans for the airport’s construction started to formulate in 1941 as military needs limited civilian access to Paine Field, McChord Field, and Boeing Field — the regional airport of choice in the 1940s.

Two locations were considered for the new airport — a rural Eastside spot near Lake Sammamish (where the Lake Hills neighborhood currently is) and the current site.

Construction began quickly once the Port agreed on the Sea-Tac location and the first runway was completed in 1944. However, it wasn’t until July 9, 1949 that SEA’s official dedication happened. The event drew 30,000 attendees in celebration of what was deemed the most advanced airport terminal in America.

Some other quick facts about the airport at that time:

• It could serve 1,500 passengers in a day on 60 scheduled flights between four airlines.
• The airport included restaurants, a barbershop, gift shop, and a lounge when it opened.
• Eight airplanes could load and unload at any one time.

Time to party hardy

Sea-Tac International Airport certainly isn’t squandering the opportunity to celebrate its diamond jubilee. Planned activities + dedicatory installations include:

• A rotating 75th anniversary globe in the Central Terminal
• An interactive map of historical destinations for SEA travelers
• A scavenger hunt
• Gift handouts

You also don’t need to have a plane ticket to enjoy the fun. In 2018, Sea-Tac Airport was the first on the West Coast to start a visitor program that so non-travelers can still enjoy the airport’s amenities. All you need to do is apply online .