SeaPort Unveils Direct Spokane-Olympia Flips for 2027 Session
OLYMPIA, Wash.—The grueling five-hour drive across the Cascades is about to get a high-speed alternative. SeaPort Airlines, in partnership with the Port of Olympia, announced today it will launch twice-weekly direct flights between Spokane and Olympia starting January 8, 2027. The new service, timed perfectly for the Washington State Legislative Session, promises to slash travel time to about an hour.
The route will connect Spokane’s Felts Field (SFF) directly to Olympia Regional Airport (OLM) on Friday and Sunday afternoons. For years, that journey has meant a treacherous drive over often-snowy mountain passes or a frustrating connection through Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac) followed by a crawl down Interstate 5 through unpredictable traffic near Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM).
A Direct Line to the Statehouse
The stakes are high. This isn’t just about convenience; it’s about access. Olympia is where the state’s business gets done, where laws are debated and where constituents go to be heard.
“Whether you’re a legislator, business owner, advocate, or citizen who wants to make their voice heard, getting to Olympia will no longer require an entire day of travel,” said Kent Craford, Founder and CEO of SeaPort Airlines. “We’re making it possible to spend less time getting there and more time getting things done.”
The new service is a direct response to a well-documented pain point. The five-hour drive across the Cascades is a significant barrier for anyone needing to be in Olympia for a morning meeting or an evening hearing. SeaPort is positioning itself as the practical solution.
The SeaPort Difference: No TSA, No Hassle
SeaPort’s approach is built on simplifying the air travel experience. The airline operates nine-passenger Pilatus PC-12 aircraft, which allow it to use smaller, less-crowded regional airports. This model avoids the delays and congestion associated with major commercial hubs. Passengers can enjoy free, easy parking and arrive at the airport just 20 minutes before departure. Most notably, there is no TSA screening.
“The Port of Olympia is excited to welcome this new service connecting Spokane directly to our state capital,” said Port Commission President Jasmine Vasavada. “Convenient air access supports our regional economy and makes our capital city more accessible to businesses, government leaders, and citizens across Washington. We look forward to working with SeaPort Airlines to make this new route a success.”
The partnership is a win for both ends of the state. For Eastern Washington, it provides a direct conduit to the seat of power. For Olympia and the South Puget Sound region, it strengthens its role as a hub for commerce and civic engagement. Dave Haring, CEO of both Felts Field and Spokane International Airport, echoed this sentiment. “We know that every day, approximately 500 passengers, each way, are traveling between Spokane and western Washington—but this doesn’t include the travelers who are opting, often out of necessity, to drive to destinations outside the Seattle metro area, such as Olympia,” Haring said. “We’re grateful for SeaPort’s continued confidence in the Spokane market, and commitment to increasing accessibility to key markets for our local business community.”
A Question of Scale and Cost
While the announcement is a major improvement, it’s worth considering the limitations of a twice-weekly service.
At $279 for a one-way fare, the cost is a factor. While competitive with the hidden costs of a long drive, it’s a significant expense for a citizen advocate or a small business owner. The “affordable” label is relative and depends entirely on the traveler’s budget and priorities.
Still, the service works in reverse. It offers South Puget Sound residents a quick weekend getaway to Eastern Washington, adding a layer of tourism and economic connectivity to the route.
Bridging the Divide, One Flight at a Time
This move by SeaPort Airlines is part of a slow trend toward restoring convenient connections between smaller cities. For decades, many regional air routes disappeared as airlines consolidated around major hubs. SeaPort’s model—using efficient turboprops on existing regional infrastructure—offers a blueprint for making such connections viable again.
As the 2027 legislative session approaches, this new flight path is more than just a transportation option; it’s a symbol of a more connected Washington state. It aims to bridge the geographic and political divide between the state’s eastern and western regions. The first flight is scheduled for January 8, 2027, and for the thousands who will use it, that single hour in the air could make all the difference.
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