New Portland airport terminal delayed to August

Friction point: Frequent flyers have grown used to the construction wall behind the ticket counters and have long been promised expedited check-in, a wooden building with oval skylights and tree canopy garden, plus new waiting areas and shops.

Catch up quick: The Port of Portland, which runs the airport, halted work for three days in February due to safety incidents.

• A few weeks later, a port spokesperson cited four times when workers had dropped tools or materials near airport staff or the public, endangering them.

What they're saying: "The three-month delay gives the crew breathing room" for safer working conditions, Port of Portland spokeswoman Allison Ferré said in a media release last week.

What we're watching: Portland International had a seven-year streak of winning Travel & Leisure's best domestic airport, but it last won it in 2022 as COVID and construction boards persisted.

What's next: Full completion of the $2.15 billion terminal is still slated for 2025.