April 17, 2015

Runway 16C/34C Closure – May 1, 2015 thru Oct. 27, 2015

A major runway construction project at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) will close Runway 16C/34C for six months beginning May 1, 2015. During this runway closure, ATC air traffic management initiatives are likely on days when traffic demand exceeds capacity.

These initiatives include ground-delay programs, time-based metering, airborne holding, mile-in-trail restrictions and possible ground stops. On days with instrument meteorological conditions, a ground-delay program can be expected. Departure delays out of SEA are also possible during times of peak departure demand. Operators should also note that all departures will utilize a single runway (16L/34R), as departures are not permitted off runway 16R/34L. In addition, construction at SEA will likely have impact on operations at Boeing Field (BFI) since BFI is located so close to SEA.

Arrival Rates During Runway 16C/34C Closure:

South Flow

  • VFR Conditions – 42
  • IFR Conditions – 32

North Flow

  • VFR Conditions – 34
  • IFR Conditions – 28

Review an FAA presentation on the project. (PDF)