Portland International Airport (PDX)
History, Facts and Overview

(Portland, Oregon - OR, USA)

The history of Portland International Airport is both long and interesting, dating back as far as 1925, when it resided on Swan Island, on the city's northwesterly outskirts. However, lack of available space meant that the airfield soon outgrew itself and so was relocated to its present site, on the southerly banks of the Columbia River in the mid-thirties.

Portland opened its new 'Super Airport' in 1940, at the cost of over $1.5 million. Featuring state-of-the-art communications technology, a large terminal and five separate runways, the city had much to feel proud about. However, in 1948 disaster struck, and the entire site was flooded when the adjacent river burst its banks.


Several months later Portland International Airport was operating once more and in 1974, the southern runway was lengthened to over 3,350 metre / 11,000 feet to accommodate Boeing jet planes. Other notable improvements include major renovations in the eighties, the addition of a large food court in the nineties, and the arrival of the new PDX terminal and light rail network in 2001.

Essential passenger facilities at Portland International Airport include an ATM, situated on the ground level of the Baggage Reclaim area and several on the Departures level, along with a currency exchange booth, postal services and a lost property service. There are also plenty of shopping opportunities at the airport including duty-free outlets, Aria, Hudson News, InMotion Pictures, Made in Oregon, Powell's Books and the Relax Station.

Just over 20 cafés and restaurants cater for hungry travelers, with favorites such as the Beaverton Bakery, Pizzicato, Riverfront Café, Rose City Wine Bar, Stanford's Restaurant and Widmer Pub. In addition, there are many other facilities at Portland International Airport including a shoeshine service, children's play area, barbers and seated massage.

Business travelers can make use of the airport's excellent facilities at the PDX Conference Center, which boasts several meeting rooms and a secretarial service. In addition, there are service centers with office facilities on concourses C and D.