Originally Posted by number_6

DL operated PDX-JFK for many years (back when DL had lots of 763/MD11 service into PDX as their Asian mini-hub). Nice to see it restored, but still a lot less than it used to be. As for new KLM flights, there simply isn't any Skyteam feed at PDX and LH has the O/D traffic wrapped up (with contracts for corporate travel, a legacy of their incentive package to start the PDX-FRA service). So there is next to no chance of any other carrier starting PDX-Europe flights (or PDX to Asia service again, for that matter). SEA is too close and too well connected. While PDX has the legacy of immigration and customs hell (years of harrassment of arriving pax, due to bored agents with nothing to do all day, making PDX the most difficult port of entry in the US). PDX will never recover from that and won't be a major international gateway in the next 20 years.