Support Us Button Widget

Get to know Seattle Paine Field International Airport

It’s a new brand name for the old Everett facility.

The exterior of Seattle Paine Field International Airport in Everett, WA

Everett’s small airport didn’t offer commercial flights until 2019.

Photo via Seattle Paine Field International Airport

Hey, did you catch the flighty news? Seattle has a brand new airport — well, sorta. The facility formerly known as Paine Field recently added our city to its name and will henceforth be called Seattle Paine Field International Airport. Whew, that’s a mouthful.

The rebranding hopes to remind folks from outside the region that the lil’ old airport up in Everett is not too far from Seattle. But even locals may not be fully familiar with the smaller Sea-Tac alternative — so let’s take this in for a landing.

Paine’s gains

Established in 1936 and located near Boeing’s Everett factory, Paine — originally named Snohomish County Airport — was meant to be one of the country’s first “super airports.” But the field was needed for military operations and Boeing development, delaying the fun passenger stuff for many decades.

It wasn’t until 2019 that commercial flights took off from Paine for the first time with limited service to Portland, Phoenix, Las Vegas, and other West Coast destinations.

A seating area with chairs couches and a fireplace at Seattle Paine Field International Airport in Everett, WA

Paine’s facilities have been referred to as “swank.”

Photo via Seattle Paine Field International Airport

Oh, the places you’ll go

Paine is still boutiquey — the 30,000-sqft facility has just two gates, one wine bar, and a Beecher’s Handmade Cheese outpost. But it’s gradually increased its flight offerings over the past four years, including puddle jumpers to the San Juan Islands and Victoria, BC (ah, there’s the international aspect of the airport’s new name).

Alaska Airlines will soon fly nonstop to Honolulu in November out of Paine — so plan that vacay. Other notable destinations:

  • Anchorage | Seven flights per week
  • San Francisco | 20 flights per week
  • San Diego | Seven flights per week

The airport may be a good option for Seattleites flying to SoCal who don’t want to trek all the way down to Sea-Tac — the drive is about 20 minutes from Northgate. There are hotel shuttles and bus service to Paine, too.

Be sure to check out our guide to Sea-Tac while you’re at it.

More from SEAtoday
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
Reach your local community with our help.
Consider these our Hollywood signs.
We’re highlighting the best kid-friendly activities that Seattle has to offer — complete with art classes, animal encounters, and outdoor fun.
When you find yourself suddenly with a free afternoon on a beautiful Seattle summer day, here are some quick ways to get outdoors and bask in our rarely seen sun.
Happy Small Business Week, Seattle. We’d like you to meet Dog On K9 Academy, a local dog care service that’s here to help get your pup the walk, training, or outdoor adventure they need.
So many movies to see, so little time.
Happy Small Business Week, Seattle. We’d like you to meet Seattle Chainstitch Massacre, a local clothing retailer specialized in customized embroidery.
We’re not always in the mood for a bar on a Friday night, so check out these other late night activities when you’re itching for some night life.
Sponsored
Including Oprah’s favorite eye mask and a No. 1 best-selling beard trimmer.