New PDX Escalators Connect South Terminal to Baggage Claim

Portland International Airport opened new baggage claim escalators on May 8, 2026, marking a significant milestone in the facility’s $2.15 billion renovation project. The newly operational escalators at the south terminal exit are designed to expedite the movement of arriving passengers and reduce congestion within the terminal.

The south escalators specifically serve passengers arriving at B and C gates. According to reporting from The Oregonian, the structures feature circular portals of wooden beams intended to mirror the design of the airport’s wooden ceiling.

Operational Improvements and Passenger Flow

The installation of the new escalators addresses previous logistical bottlenecks. In April 2026, the airport opened new exit lanes at the north and south ends of the facility, which allowed passengers to move directly through security. This system replaced a temporary exit established in 2024 that required all arriving passengers to funnel through a single central exit.

While the April 2026 exit lanes improved the initial departure from the gates, passengers were previously required to share existing escalators to reach the baggage claim area. This arrangement frequently resulted in traffic jams during peak travel periods. The May 8, 2026, opening of the south escalators is intended to resolve these delays by providing a direct path to the lower level.

Passengers utilizing the new south escalators can proceed directly to the curb for pickup or head toward the rental car center. The Port of Portland indicated that these escalators will eventually provide access to the MAX train once a new exit is constructed.

Despite these improvements, some logistical constraints remain. Passengers using rideshare applications are still required to walk to the transportation plaza.

Renovation Timeline and Future Phases

The opening of the south escalators represents one part of a phased rollout. The Port of Portland stated that the north escalators, which will serve passengers at D and E gates, are expected to open in mid-June 2026.

The broader baggage claim area continues to be under construction as the airport works toward completing the multi-year, $2.15 billion overhaul of its infrastructure.