SAN DIEGO, CA — Turner Construction Company and FlatironDragados, in collaboration with the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority, celebrated the opening of the new Terminal 1 at San Diego International Airport (SAN). This marks the completion of the first phase of a $3 billion progressive design-build project that began in November 2021.
The first phase of the project includes 19 gates, modern passenger amenities within the terminal, and outdoor check-in pavilions. In addition to the terminal building, the project features approximately 5 miles of new roadways, including an arrivals roadway and an elevated departures roadway, bridges, and a 5,200-space parking plaza.
“The project has been an incredible collaboration among our team, our trade partners, and the Airport Authority, one that will immediately benefit residents and visitors alike,” said Steve Rule, Vice President and Project Director, Turner Construction Company. “I am grateful to be a part of such an amazing, hardworking team and to have the opportunity to open the doors to the new terminal for the community to experience.”
“The opening of the New San Diego Terminal 1 reflects years of planning, problem-solving, and partnership between FlatironDragados, Turner, the Airport Authority, and hundreds of skilled professionals who brought this vision to life,” said Mario Martinez, Senior Vice President, FlatironDragados. “Together, we’ve delivered a modern gateway that strengthens regional mobility, supports future growth, and elevates the passenger experience for millions of travelers.”
Upon the opening of the second phase in early 2028, Terminal 1 will offer a total of 30 gates. This will be an overall increase of 11 gates when compared to the existing Terminal 1 building. The three-level structure houses a central security checkpoint, departure lounges, airside airline operation zones, and comprehensive baggage handling systems.
| Your local Gomaco dealer |
|---|
| Terry Equipment |
Key features of the project include:
- Nearly 5 miles of new roads, bridges, and bike lanes surrounding the terminal and enhancing overall access to the airport
- A fully automated outbound and inbound baggage handling system
- An entry that features a “luminous wave wall,” specially designed to capitalize on the beauty of the city’s ample sunlight, while allowing muted light throughout the ticketing and concourse levels
- Commissioned art pieces by seven artists
- An outdoor dining area with a downtown city skyline view
- 15 concessionaires and/or shops
- A new Parking Plaza with 5,200 parking stalls
- A Smart Curb, allowing for ease of passenger check in and baggage check prior to entering the terminal
- Two pedestrian bridges connecting the terminal to check-in areas, featuring vertical circulation systems
- Enhanced security and border protection features
Improvements to the terminal ensure a safe, efficient, and enhanced experience for travelers, while enabling the airport to handle increasing domestic and international passenger volumes with confidence.
Significant enabling work such as utility relocation and installation and upgrades to the existing Central Utility Plant were delivered to ensure airport functionality in the event of power grid issues.
| Your local Trimble Construction Division dealer |
|---|
| SITECH West |
| SITECH Southwest |
Environmental stewardship is a core priority of the project. The team is targeting the following certifications:
- LEED Silver for the terminal building (built to include over 33 percent overall energy cost savings, 66 percent irrigation water reduction, and was designed to include natural lighting)
- Envision Silver for landside improvements (minimized light pollution, used renewable energy, and maintained floodplain functions)
- Parksmart Silver for the parking structure (reduced embodied carbon in the structure, increased ease of access, and added ample electric vehicle charging stations)
“We are proud to celebrate the opening of the new Terminal 1, a milestone made possible through the hard work and collaboration of our project partners, airlines, contractors, stakeholders, and the Airport Authority team,” said Angela Shafer-Payne, Vice President and Chief Development Officer, San Diego County Regional Airport Authority. “Together, we have delivered a modern, sustainable, and passenger-focused facility that reflects the spirit of San Diego and will serve our community and visitors for decades to come. This terminal is more than just a building; it is an investment in the future of our region and a gateway that will welcome millions of travelers to San Diego each year.”
The second phase of the project has begun and will continue through early 2028.
