Paine Field plan is to expand for more airline flights by 2040

County Executive Dave Somers ordered an expansion of Paine Field's terminal to accommodate a projected increase to 4 million passengers annually by 2040, a substantial rise from 2019 levels. The draft plan includes adding four active airline gates and four TSA screening spots, enlarging the terminal to five times its current size. Frontier Airlines is set to start service at the terminal on June 2, joining Alaska Airlines. Somers emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach, directing his team to collaborate with Propeller Airports, which manages the terminal and attracts airlines. The expansion also calls for nearly 2,000 additional parking spaces by 2040.

Somers' order does not specify a timeline but aims to enhance scheduled flights at Paine Field. He requested Sound Transit to assist in establishing a light rail station for improved passenger access. The announcement was made during an event hosted by Economic Alliance Snohomish County at Boeing’s Future of Flight museum.