April passenger numbers are lowest since 1967; New data dashboard to provide key indicators for governments and industry to track the recovery

SEATTLE – Usually this time of year at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), we share tips for passengers navigating a bustling airport ahead of Memorial Day weekend. Today, we are sharing the data that illustrates how the airport is operating to meet essential trade, travel, and economic needs of the Puget Sound region while experiencing the ramifications of the global pandemic. The public dashboard, built to provide local governments and industries with key indicators as they track the recovery, shows the dramatic drop in passenger volume down to a 53-year low.

Most passengers continue to follow guidance to avoid non-essential travel, actions that help us maintain the health and safety of those performing essential tasks. About 260,000 passengers travelled through SEA in April of 2020, which is a decrease of 93.6 percent from the same month last year. The last time April passenger volumes were at a similar level was 53 years ago, in 1967.

Forecasts show passenger volume increasing slightly this month with as many as 8,000 departing screened passengers on the busiest May travel days. In May of 2019, SEA averaged almost 53,000 departing screened passengers.

About Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

Operated by the Port of Seattle, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is a top-10 U.S. airport, serving 51.8 million passengers and 453,549 metric tons of air cargo in 2019. As the region’s gateway to the globe, 30 airlines connect to 91 non-stop domestic and 27 international destinations. At SEA, we promise to create, through a passionate service culture, an elevated travel experience that’s inspired​ by the original nature of the​ Pacific Northwest. 2020 is a monumental year at SEA, ushering in a new era of customer-centered travel with better services, facilities, and amenities. For more information, visit www.flysea.org and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Every day. Elevate.