10 News San Diego has reported that San Diego International Airport has officially opened its revamped Terminal 1, which is nearly three times larger than the old structure and built with a strong emphasis on sustainability, innovation, and passenger experience. The terminal opens amid growing demand for travel to and from San Diego, and is intended to support future growth for decades.
- IATA Code
-
SAN
- City
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San Diego
- Designation
-
Major-Domestic
The new Terminal 1 replaces the original modular facility built in the 1960s. Its scale and features reflect San Diego’s ambition to modernize one of the relatively few cities in the United States constrained by geography, where airport expansion is often limited. The goal is not simply to replace the old terminal but to transform the airport experience with more technology, superior passenger flows, and flexibility.
Looking At The New Terminal 1
The new Terminal 1 at San Diego is currently operating with 19 gates, and 11 more are expected to come online by 2028. As such, it represents a significant improvement in capacity over its predecessor. The design includes a sweeping roofline, large glass façades, and open, light-filled interiors intended to give a more relaxed and spacious travel environment.
Technologically, Terminal 1 comes equipped with numerous digital innovations. SITA’s Departure Control System is deployed for check-in and baggage, and the terminal integrates myriad tracking, sensors, and automation systems to manage movement and flow. From biometric gates to smart signage, the infrastructure aims to streamline processes and minimize bottlenecks.
One of the most significant techniques used in the new terminal’s construction is the sustainability efforts. The project uses solar rooftop arrays, energy-efficient systems, water recycling, and a high degree of daylighting to reduce electricity consumption. The terminal was built under LEED standards, with materials selected to lower lifecycle impact and features to manage stormwater and local environmental effects.
What Can Passengers Expect From Terminal 1
For passengers, the new Terminal 1 offers a dramatically improved experience. The terminal features larger waiting areas, walkways with clear sightlines, more retail and dining options, better connection pathways, and improved accessibility. The goal is to reduce stress, increase comfort, and reduce congestion, especially during peak times.
Operationally, the increased gate count and more efficient passenger flows allow airlines to schedule more aircraft, reduce ground delays, and better distribute traffic between Terminals 1 and 2. The new terminal not only comes with more gates, but it also includes 13 security lanes and seven baggage carousels.
|
San Diego International Airport’s Terminals |
Number Of Gates |
|---|---|
|
Terminal 1 |
19 (11 to open) |
|
Terminal 2 |
31 (12 East Concourse, 19 West Concourse) |
From a strategic point, the new terminal signals San Diego’s commitment to growing as a major gateway. The airport is uniquely constrained in that it’s surrounded by the Pacific Ocean on one side and by the city on the rest. As such, using its limited space efficiently is critical to ensuring that the airport can grow.
Looking Forward
While the terminal is now open, the transition phase is never seamless. Airlines, ground handlers, and airport staff will need time to adapt to new systems, gate allocations, and flows. Early days may see some misconfigurations, user learning curves, or bottlenecks in unforeseen areas. The airport is also advising passengers of the opening of the new terminal.
The aviation world is changing, and while the new terminal is meant to be flexible, the airport will still need to plan for new developments, such as electric VTOL aircraft or new technologies in automation. Adapting infrastructure years down the road may still pose challenges. Maintaining modularity in systems and structural allowances for upgrades will be key to keeping the terminal relevant.
As a whole, the new terminal has been designed as future-proof as possible, and the increased capacity is helping the airport to attract more services. San Diego International Airport is already the busiest single-runway airport in the country, and the opening of the new terminal shows that San Diego is focused on becoming more and more relevant. The opening of the additional gates will also serve to greatly boost San Diego’s capacity and attract even more airlines.