The Port of Seattle named Wendy Reiter as managing director of Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA), effective January 7, 2026. A veteran leader at SEA and longtime partner to key federal aviation agencies, Reiter previously led security, fire and emergency preparedness for SEA. Over the last 35 years she has held key management roles with airports and airlines in Seattle and in the Midwest.
SEA is in the midst of a major capital development project. Why was this needed and what will be the end result for the airport?
The current Upgrade SEA capital improvement program tackles many areas of the airport that needed
modernization. These projects address the entire customer journey from curb to gate, including projects that go
completely unseen by the traveling public. Like many airports around the country, our infrastructure was aging and we needed to keep up with the demand we’re already seeing today, plus forecasted demand for the future. We’re the 11th busiest airport in the country, with the smallest footprint of any airport in our category. We operate extremely efficiently, but we needed updates to keep the experience positive for our travelers, and that’s what’s happening with the conclusion of many of these projects. Travelers are getting a lighter, more spacious and
predictable airport journey when they travel through SEA.
The airport is on a plot of 2,500 acres. How do you expand the terminals in your limited footprint?
We don’t really — our footprint is the smallest of 120 large- and mid-sized airports in the U.S. We are directly
surrounded by six cities, so we don’t have any space to go outward. Our airport master plan calls for a new terminal to the north with 19 new gates that would replace a leased parking area. However, those gates are located in areas where we already have cargo, maintenance and aircraft parking facilities. We’d have to move those operations to other areas within our 2,500 acres to make room for the proposed second terminal.
How do you attract and both retain new airlines and have existing airlines increase their service levels?
The region’s attractiveness brings in airlines. They want a direct connection to the hub of global businesses here
in the Greater Seattle Area. It’s why we continue to be one of the fastest growing populations in the country. That’s also why we prioritized building our new International Arrivals Facility, which is four times the size of our 1970s-era space. The facility added eight international capable gates and greatly enhanced the customer experience. We’ve gone from 42 international nonstop services pre-pandemic to what will be more than 60 this summer.
The surge in new services is in large part due to new airlines wanting to partner with us and Alaska Airlines aspirations to expand internationally after their acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines. Delta Air Lines, which has historically been our leading international carrier, is also adding new routes.
n 2025, SEA had record passenger numbers, with more than 52 million passengers served. Why do you think that is and how do you increase it further?
Unlike many airports, our goal is to manage the increasing volumes that are coming, not attract more. SEA is a reflection of the region’s growth and popularity, and passengers are coming whether we’re ready or
not. Our capital investments of more than $5 billion in the last five years improves the amenities and customer experience within our existing footprint.
We’ve built up, not out — and found innovative ways to make travel easier. From a new security checkpoint on the Baggage Claim level, to new check-in and bag drop space, to four new stories in our C Concourse, we’re doing what we can to convert unused space into something useful.
Can you talk about the seasonality of traffic at SEA, particularly during Alaska cruise season. How do you handle increased passenger loads on certain days?
Our busiest period by far is the summer season from June to August. The weather is amazing and travelers
flock to the region, including roughly 70 percent of cruise passengers who pass through the other Port of Seattle
gateway on the waterfront. All of our top one-third busiest days are during the summer, with nearly 200,000 people passing through our terminal on some days. We plan well in advance for summer across all our departments, including operations, security, communications, customer service and beyond.
How do you motivate your staff?
My leadership style is all about people. I love working with this team and really believe we have some of the
best people representing our airport. I’m all about making transparent and timely decisions to help everyone feel
good about the work and where we’re headed as a team. I’ve worked in this industry for more than 30 years, and I’m committed to SEA and this community. I believe our team recognizes that commitment and I hope it motivates them, knowing I’ll be here as we start the next chapter at SEA.
What is your biggest challenge and how do you overcome it?
I strive to be the best mentor and leader for everyone. I have a sense of obligation to have done everything in my
power to ensure others feel successful, but I have to remind myself that everyone has different visions of success and moves at different speeds to achieve those goals. It’s important for me to sit back, reflect and ask myself if I’ve provided the best support I could, and then be happy with whatever the outcome.
What are you focused on toward the future?
I’m excited to be turning the page on a new chapter for the airport. We’re at a point where we get to really enjoy
all of the recent work that’s modernized SEA under the current capital improvement program while also looking at a vision for the future. This vision is shaped by our own region’s change and growth, and we’re ready to meet that moment.
As someone new to the director role, how do you quickly learn the ropes?
I was really excited to take on this role because of my background in emergency management. We went
through some really big moments in my previous role with the airport, including a cyberattack and the Covid-19
pandemic. It’s taught me who I need to bring into the conversation to make the right decisions, even if they are
hard ones.
What advice do you have for those starting out in the airport operations and management field?
Never forget to lead with your heart and listen before you make your decision. You are not the smartest person
in the room. And don’t forget to celebrate success.
What is one fun thing someone wouldn’t know about you?
My girlfriend and I taught Chris Kristofferson how to roller-skate for the movie Heaven’s Gate.
If you weren’t working at the airport what is your dream job?
A counselor for at-risk youth. Listening is a tool that is not used enough today. Kindness can go a long way.
Where is your dream travel destination? And why?
Greece! The beautiful islands, mountain ranges, gorges and quiet villages all speak to me. Any of the non touristy spots are what I’m most excited about.
What is one thing you wish others knew about you?
I come from a huge family that may not always get along but are always there for each other. It truly is always about kindness!