Summer travel is typically the busiest time of year at Portland International Airport and this summer is no exception. The airport will be busy, international flights have resumed and airport construction continues. Best travel tip of the summer? It’s said every season yet bears repeating – get to the airport early!
Travel Stats: At PDX summer travel peaks early this year; the single busiest day of this summer looks to be Sunday, June 12. On this day, projections show PDX expects more than 51,000 travelers.
June has the highest daily average passenger totals, there are 10 days where more than 50,000 travelers are expected at PDX.
Overall, the season’s travel volumes remain below pre-pandemic numbers.
|
Year |
Summer Total |
July |
Peak Days |
|
2019 |
5.7 million |
2 million |
71,000 travelers |
|
2020 |
1.3 million |
490,000 |
28,000 travelers |
|
2021 |
3.8 million |
1.3 million |
50,000 travelers |
|
2022 (forecast) |
4.2 million |
1.4 million |
50,000 travelers |
International Service: With borders being closed around the world during the pandemic, all PDX’s transatlantic flights ceased; most of PDX’s service to Canada and Mexico slowed or stopped as well.
Fast-forward two years and the PDX traveling community is celebrating the return of transatlantic and transborder services.
Hopping across the pond from PDX is simple this summer.
- Delta Air Lines re-started daily, nonstop, year-round service to Amsterdam on May 5.
- Icelandair re-started seasonal nonstop service to Reykjavik, Iceland on May 11.
- Condor Air Lines re-started seasonal nonstop service to Frankfurt, Germany on May 13.
- British Airways launched year-round nonstop service to London’s Heathrow Airport on June 3.
Heading to neighboring countries north or south is a piece of cake, too. Volaris Airlines flies nonstop from PDX to Guadalajara, Mexico and has been doing so with daily or near-daily service throughout the pandemic. Air Canada flies to Vancouver, BC. The airline re-started seasonal nonstop service to Toronto, Canada on June 7. And, WestJet flies year-round nonstop to Calgary.
Construction Continues: Work continues at PDX to build a new, more spacious main terminal. PDX advises keeping a few things in mind.
Construction may be loud at PDX – find earplugs in the ticket lobby, just before TSA security checkpoints. Travelers with different sensory needs can stop by the Travel Oregon Welcome Center in baggage claim for a free sensory kit.
Don’t go through security twice – make sure to follow the signs to the security checkpoint noted on the boarding pass. There are no shortcuts between concourses beyond security anymore.
With PDX under construction, travelers should give themselves plenty of time to navigate the airport and get to their gates on time. The latest updates can be found at flypdx.com/construction.
Oregon22: PDX Operations and Customer Service teams are working closely with the State and the event organizers to ensure a welcoming visitor experience. Specific to Oregon22: World Athletic Championships, PDX will be providing support with logistics for ground transportation from PDX to Eugene for visitors, competitors, and their equipment, as needed.
As the airline’s summer schedules have already been published, PDX won’t see an increase in the number of flights specifically for the Oregon22 event being held in Eugene from July 15-24. Passenger numbers do not trend upwards surrounding the event dates; airlines are managing flight demand for the event within their existing capacity/schedules.
Travel resources: For general airport information, real-time parking availability, flight status, a list of shops and dining at PDX and terminal maps visit the airport’s website. For information about how to apply for TSA Pre-Check or specifics surrounding what can be placed in carry-on luggage and what needs to be checked, visit the TSA’s website.
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