Portland Airport Opens Final Phase of Terminal Expansion

The second and final phase of the Portland International Airport main terminal expansion is now open. Designed by architecture firm ZGF for the Port of Portland, the one million-square-foot project is the largest public infrastructure project in Oregon's history.

Since the first phase opened in 2024, the terminal has won several international awards. These include the Prix Versailles World's Most Beautiful Airport award and Fast Company's Best Design in North America distinction.

A Pacific Northwest Gateway

The terminal features a nine-acre mass timber roof designed to evoke the feeling of walking through a forest. Abundant natural light, views of the airfield, and interior landscapes celebrating the region are integrated throughout the passenger journey.

The new phase creates a distinct arrival experience. New exit lanes streamline concourse connections, leading passengers to a redesigned descent to baggage claim. Expanded post-security gathering areas, skylit all-user restrooms, new local retail and dining options, and art installations complete the experience.

"This airport is designed to meet the needs of travellers today while adapting to the demands of the future," stated ZGF's managing partner, Sharron van der Meulen.

Sustainable Design Standards

The project's sustainable design aims to set a new global standard. The expansion doubles passenger capacity while targeting a 50% reduction in energy use per square foot. This is achieved through a highly efficient, all-electric ground-source heat pump system. Resilient design strategies also enable the terminal to withstand a 9.0 magnitude earthquake.

Fuel and Concession Developments

In other news, Menzies Aviation has signed a memorandum of understanding with FlyORO Technologies to support sustainable aviation fuel distribution. Menzies will use its fuel operations experience and its network of more than 16 European airports to manage FlyORO's AlphaLite blending solution.

Marco di Mario, Menzies' executive vice president for fuels, said the partnership aims to support SAF growth by ensuring it is handled safely and in compliance with industry standards.

Meanwhile, the Midway Partnership has won the Richard A Griesbach Award of Excellence in Airport Concessions from ACI North America. The award recognises the partnership's redevelopment of the dining, retail, and amenities programme at Chicago Midway International Airport.

The joint venture, comprising Vantage Group, SSP America and Hudson, invested over $75 million. It introduced more than 70 new brands and expanded the concessions area from 40,000 to 70,000 square feet, prioritising iconic local Chicago businesses.

Global Technology Upgrades

A series of technology partnerships are also advancing airport operations. DXC Technology will design and integrate over 70 IT and operational systems for the new terminal at Perth Airport, scheduled to open in 2031. The airport forecasts it will support 30 million passengers annually by 2046.

At New Chitose Airport in Japan, Assaia's AI-powered ApronAI turnaround management solution is being deployed across the international terminal. Facilitated by Marubeni Corporation, this marks the first full-scale deployment of such a computer-vision system in Japan and is scheduled for launch in winter 2026.

Manchester Airport has launched a suite of new digital billboards in its renovated Terminal 2, in partnership with media group Global. The investment includes a five-metre wide 4K HD 'Sky Screen' and 15 other premium displays, adding to a total of 68 digital screens and 31 classic posters at the airport.

Finally, Dubai has achieved a regulatory first. The General Civil Aviation Authority has certified Skyports Infrastructure's VDX vertiport, the world's first purpose-built commercial vertiport for electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft operations.