San Diego International Airport’s New Terminal 1: A Game-changer In Sustainability, Passenger Comfort And Capacity

Published on September 23, 2025

San Diego International Airport proudly opens its sleek New Terminal 1, completing nan $3.8 cardinal redevelopment that creation teams, engineers, and organization partners person pursued for nan past decade. This stunningly curved, people lit abstraction does overmuch much than look great. It sets a benchmark successful sustainability—scale-optimized star canopies, recyclable building materials, and water-saving systems now hum softly supra TSA and container claim. Terminal 1 besides advances nan wider $3.8 cardinal redevelopment program, a cornerstone of San Diego’s blueprint for a greener and much welcoming introduction to nan region.

Expanded Capacity to Accommodate Growing Travel Demand

San Diego International Airport’s Terminal 1 now spans 1.2 cardinal quadrate feet, offering ample abstraction to service a larger number of passengers. With 19 state-of-the-art gates initially, plans are already successful spot for a 2nd shape of development, group to bring an further 11 gates by 2028. This description is basal to accommodate nan quickly increasing number of travelers and guarantee smoother operations during highest recreation periods.

The upgraded terminal besides features 66 check-in counters, 69 self-service kiosks, and 13 information lanes designed to streamline rider flow, reducing hold times and improving wide efficiency. This infrastructure overhaul is geared towards making recreation done SAN faster, easier, and much convenient for passengers.

Sustainability astatine nan Heart of nan New Design

One of nan cardinal features of Terminal 1 is its committedness to sustainability. With a beardown attraction connected minimizing biology impact, nan terminal is pursuing LEED Silver certification and incorporates respective energy-saving and eco-friendly technologies.

Key sustainable features include:

• 100% Carbon-Free Electricity: The terminal operates wholly connected renewable energy, making it 1 of nan first airports to scope this goal.
• Stormwater Capture and Reuse Systems: These systems thief trim h2o waste, contributing to SAN’s wide sustainability efforts.
• Energy-Efficient Design: The terminal’s creation reduces power usage by 20%, pinch energy-efficient systems integrated into each aspects of nan building.
• Solar Power: The tile of nan terminal is designed to support a 4 MW star array, which will powerfulness a important information of nan facility.

The operation of these features ensures that Terminal 1 is not only a cutting-edge installation for travelers but besides a exemplary of biology work wrong nan aviation industry.

Passenger Experience Enhanced pinch Modern Amenities

Terminal 1 is designed pinch nan comfortableness of travelers successful mind, offering galore amenities aimed astatine making nan recreation acquisition much pleasant and convenient. Among nan highlights are:

• Modern Restrooms and Family-Friendly Spaces: With 23 caller restrooms, including family restrooms, and upgraded seating areas, nan terminal provides a much comfortable situation for travelers.
• Dining and Retail Options: A assortment of nutrient and beverage concessions person been added, offering some section and world cuisines. Passengers tin now bask eating options that bespeak San Diego’s vibrant culinary scene.
• Outdoor Terrace: For those looking to relax earlier their flights, nan caller outdoor terrace features seating for complete 300 group and provides stunning views of nan harbor and downtown San Diego skyline.

The terminal’s open, airy creation maximizes earthy light, providing passengers pinch a agleam and welcoming ambiance passim their journey.

Cutting-Edge Technology for Seamless Travel

San Diego International Airport has integrated cutting-edge exertion into nan creation of Terminal 1 to heighten nan ratio and convenience of nan recreation experience. Some of nan cardinal technological advancements include:

• Biometric Screening: Select boarding points now characteristic biometric look pods that alteration faster and much unafraid boarding for passengers.
• Self-Service Kiosks: The terminal is equipped pinch 66 self-service kiosks, allowing passengers to cheque successful and people boarding passes pinch ease, further streamlining nan process.
• Dynamic Flight Information System: Powered by SITA Airport Vision, nan strategy provides real-time updates and helps airlines flexibly negociate counters, kiosks, and gates to amended rider flow.

These technological innovations purpose to trim hold times and summation operational efficiency, offering travelers a smoother and much hassle-free airdrome experience.

A Glimpse into nan Future: What’s Next for San Diego International Airport

The opening of Terminal 1 is only nan first shape successful a larger translator of San Diego International Airport. The 2nd phase, scheduled for completion by 2028, will adhd 11 much gates, bringing nan full number of gates to 30. This will let nan airdrome to grip moreover much flights, ensuring it continues to meet nan needs of some home and world travelers.

Future plans besides see improvements to nan airport’s airfield operations and crushed proscription systems, which will further heighten accessibility and convenience for passengers.

A Modern, Sustainable Hub for nan Future of Air Travel

The opening of Terminal 1 marks a historical leap for San Diego International Airport, marrying eco-conscious invention pinch passenger-friendly style. From energy-saving systems to smart navigation lights, each plane, each person, each molecule of actual whispers 1 message: airports tin turn without sinking nan planet. Beyond glossy Instagram corners, travelers will spot wide, airy concourses and shades of bluish that mimic nan Pacific—designed for travelers, built for tomorrow.

To dive deeper into nan project, entree unrecorded camera feeds of nan building zone, aliases browse nan freshest announcements, plaything by nan airport’s charismatic page.

Image: M. Arthur Gensler Jr. & Associates, Inc.