Why the Portland Airport Is Called PDX
Even an alien invader might notice that Portland regularly favors the nickname PDX — our airport abbreviation. That’s clear enough. But what’s the deal with the name?
Even an alien invader might notice that Portland regularly favors the nickname PDX — our airport abbreviation. That’s clear enough. But what’s the deal with the name?
It’s “P” for Portland, and “D” as in the last letter of the city. “PD” had also been the National Weather Service’s abbreviation for its local station.
That changed when air travel began to expand across the country. Our airport was first located in North Portland on Swan Island. It was moved to its current location in 1940.
Shortly thereafter it added the mysterious “X.” That’s exactly what that third letter is. The X is a placeholder tagged onto airport names after World War II as by then there were more airports in the country than two-letter abbreviations.
LA also got an “X” added to its airport name. Similarly, Phoenix had an X, though that city came by it more honestly.
PDX has qualified as an international airport since the 1960s with direct flights to international destinations.
A whole book could be written about why this town loves its airport so hard — and even uses the airport code as a synonym for the city itself. But at least there's a short, simple explanation for “PDX.”
More about Portland, Explained
How Well Do You Know Our Local Mascots?
Portland Fire, the city’s WNBA team, revealed their new mascot this week after much fanfare.
The Portland Area’s Local Income Taxes, Explained
Here’s a reminder on all our local taxes due today: The Portland Arts Tax, Metro Supportive Housing Services, and Multnomah County Preschool for All Tax.
How Weird Is Portland's Warm Sunny Weather?
The dry, warm winter continues. Outdoor guide and lifelong Oregonian Norther Emily talked to City Cast Portland podcast host Claudia Meza recently about climate change and Portland’s weird weather.
City Cast Portland staffFeb 4, 2026