Editor’s note: Story updated at 4:00 pm on 6/8/26 to include additional comment from the Port of Bellingham.
BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A rideshare giant is making its return to Bellingham International Airport (BLI) after a more than five-year absence.
The Port of Bellingham announced that Uber will resume service at BLI and Bellingham Cruise Terminal starting on Monday, June 15.
Uber withdrew service from both facilities in May 2021 following a stand-off with the port over the rates it charged.
The rideshare company claimed at the time that the port charged per-trip fees that were up to 400% higher than those at comparable facilities around the U.S. The Port argued that their rates, which stood at $3.50 per pick-up or drop-off at the time, were consistent with that of other airports in the region.
Port spokesperson Mike Hogan said in an email to My Bellingham Now on June 8 that BLI recently reduced its per-trip fee for Transportation Network Companies from $3.50 to $3.00 after conducting a market analysis of similarly sized airports in the region.
According to Hogan, BLI periodically reviews the fee to make sure rates and charges remain aligned with regional market conditions, provide appropriate cost recovery, maintain competitiveness and comply with regulatory requirements.
“Bringing Uber back to our airport and cruise terminal after more than four years is an important step forward for both travelers and our community,” Tiffany DeSimone, Executive Director of the Port of Bellingham, said in a statement from the port’s news release.
“Reliable, accessible transportation is essential to a positive travel experience, and this is one of many ways we’re strengthening connections to and from Whatcom County. It also represents our renewed commitment to actively investing in an airport that reflects our community’s values and unique vibe—welcoming, convenient and distinctly local. We’re proud to work on creating a gateway that not only serves travelers well but truly represents the spirit of our region,” she added.
