Portland Airport Plans New Terminal

Portland International Airport plans to build another new terminal - at a minimum cost of $125 million - to handle rapid growth in passenger travel.

Nearly 10 million passengers flew through Portland last year, up from 8.5 million in 1993. But new studies predict the number could grow to 18 million by 2001.

The last new section of the airport’s North Terminal opened three months ago, and airport officials say some gates already are so crowded that waiting passengers can’t find an empty seat.

At their regular meeting Wednesday, port officials said they wanted to push the expansion ahead as fast as possible.

The port plans to hire a consultant next month to draft an expansion plan. The plan would be submitted to the airlines for approval in June or July.