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Roadway to SEA Airport reopens after pro-Palestine protest; 46 people arrested

The arrivals and departures were fully blocked for nearly three hours Monday afternoon.

SEATAC, Wash. — A group of protestors blocked the roadway leading to the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Monday afternoon.

According to the Washington State Department of Transportation, all lanes of state Route 518 at Airport Drive were blocked just before 3 p.m. and the roadway reopened at around 6 p.m.

According to Perry Cooper with SEA, 46 protestors were arrested. It is not yet known what they were all charged with, but a spokesperson with the Seattle Police Department said they would likely face some disorderly conduct charges.

According to SEA, as of 5:15 p.m., vehicles that were blocking the roadway were being towed and the expressway to the airport was still blocked. 

In a post to X, formerly known as Twitter, SEA urged all travelers headed to the airport to take alternate routes, take the light rail or other public transportation. Travelers are still urged to check in with the airlines they are flying on to determine if there are any delays.

In a statement to KING 5, Alaska Airlines said, "We are still determining the impact of this disruption."

Protestors at SEA and around the world held these protests on Tax Day as a symbolic way for them to show their frustration with America sending money to Israel. In Seattle, protesters held signs, tied themselves together and wore white suits covered in red paint. 

Passengers on their way to the airport were seen walking on the road with their suitcases after being stuck on the roadway. Some people KING 5 spoke with were disgruntled, some were understanding of the protestors' message and others had mixed feelings. 

Credit: Simone Sutton
Photo of pro-Palestinian protestors captured by a driver stuck in traffic on Monday afternoon.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates. 

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