PDX Turns One: The "Local-est Airport in America" Lands International Awards and Regional Love

On the one-year anniversary (Aug. 14) of Portland International Airport (PDX)’s new main terminal – Oregon’s largest-ever public works project – locals and travelers from afar have embraced it as a celebration of the people, landscapes, and local flavors that make this region special.

In its first year, the new PDX became home to 23 local new shops and restaurants, joyful reunions, solo adventures, smooth business trips…and yes, even the occasional runaway balloon.

It took thousands of locals to bring this vision to life – including architects, builders, Tribal partners, mosaic makers, feminist distillers, therapy llamas, and artisanal pasta makers. PDX is proof that even the biggest projects don’t have to feel cookie-cutter or bland; done a new way, they can reflect the people and places we love.

First Year Awards
PDX’s national and international attention is proof that people are hungry for an airport experience that reflects its region and centers travelers. Recent awards include:

• #1 ranking, “The 50 Best Airports in America,” The Washington Post
• #2 ranking, “2025 World's Best Awards,” Travel + Leisure
• Laureate, “The World’s Most Beautiful Airports,” Prix Versailles, an international architecture and design award at UNESCO headquarters
• Awardee, “World Changing Ideas,” Fast Company
• Best New Full-Service Restaurant, Airports Council International North America, and Airport Food & Beverage Best Representing a Sense of Place, Airport Food and Beverage + Hospitality Awards, to Oven + Shaker.

"This recognition is a reflection of the thousands of local craftspeople and small businesses who poured their love of the Pacific Northwest into PDX’s new main terminal, and of the thousands of airport employees who go the extra mile every day to help travelers feel at home here,” Port of Portland Executive Director Curtis Robinhold said. “We’re thrilled that locals feel proud of our airport and that visitors are getting to learn about and appreciate our region, even if they’re just passing through.”

What’s Ahead
One year in, PDX isn’t resting on its laurels but continuing to roll out exciting new changes:

• In 2026, PDX will become even PDX-ier with the final phase of the renovation: a 30% terminal expansion that will make it even easier to get to your gate. Travelers can also look forward to new airline lounges, more all-user restrooms, and 14 new shops and restaurants that reflect the flavors, makers, and spirit of the PNW.
• PDX is currently accepting applications for two new pop-up retail spots.
• The next exhibit in the pre-security art gallery will feature artist Sanford Biggers, whose installation “Odyssey” is inspired by quilts from the Oregon Historical Society and the coded messages that once guided enslaved people to freedom. 

Want more PDX? Relive the last year with these photos and videos.