Built during the war
Sea-Tac was built during World War II by the Port of Seattle, between Seattle and Tacoma, and began commercial flights in 1947. It grew with the region’s aerospace and tech industries and added a third runway in 2008 after years of construction on a huge earthen embankment.
What you’ll see on the live cam
Alaska Airlines dominates the domestic schedule, while Delta uses SEA as a gateway to Asia. You’ll also see long-haul carriers from Europe, the Middle East and Asia, and the occasional Boeing test or delivery aircraft. The stream’s ATC audio and Mount Rainier backdrop make it a favourite.
Runways
SEA has three parallel north–south runways: 16L/34R, 16C/34C and 16R/34L. The spacing between them is tight, so controllers carefully sequence arrivals in poor weather.
Best times to watch
- Clear days (most common in summer): Mount Rainier behind the runways.
- Late morning and afternoon: departures to Asia and Europe.
