Looking at the in-flight tracker often adds thrilling context to your trip. In a similar sense, Portland International Airport's recent behind-the-scenes preview of PDX NEXT has us excited for when the $2 billion project comes in for a landing in May 2024.

That's the planned opening date for the main terminal, where the massive 9-acre roof is already in place atop giant Y-shaped columns. There remains quite a lot to do to meet that goal, but here's an update on the progress.

By the end of 2023
In the short term, upgrades will make the space feel more livable. Installing floor-to-ceiling windows will enable climate control.

The ticketing lobby will look a bit different too, as the old ceiling is peeled away. It will be noisy and there will be scaffolding, but if you head to the north end and look up, you might get a preview of the wood lattice.

Flooring is also on the way: part white oak from the Eola Hills and of course, everyone's favorite carpet.

This will be quite a soaring transformation. | Rendering courtesy of Port of Portland/ZGF Architects

Next year and beyond

Tall trees will be planted early next year, creating a fresh, forest feel. Twenty new restaurants and shops will start to put roots down, and eventually, space for temporary and permanent art installations will be available. Four of those will debut from the beginning, including pieces from Yoonhee Choi and Sanford Biggers.

From the winter holidays on, security staff will be hard at work improving the overall experience with wait-time monitors, additional screening lanes, and other technologies.

Although roundabout routes and construction will persist through 2025, the best airport in the country (that's not just our biased opinion) is on its way to a high-flying future. Still having a hard time imagining it all? Take the newly launched augmented reality tour.