San Diego Airport Advances $3.4 Billion New Terminal 1 Construction as SANDAG Moves on Airport Rail Link

Transforming Air Mobility at San Diego International Airport

SAN DIEGO, California — Structural steel assembly and interior mechanical fit-outs are proceeding rapidly at San Diego International Airport (SAN) as the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority advances the second construction phase of its landmark $3.4 billion New Terminal 1 (New T1) redevelopment. Building upon the successful operational launch of the terminal's initial 19-gate concourse, civil contractors are executing heavy structural works on the remaining 11 passenger gates, preparing for full facility completion in early 2028.

The multi-phase megaproject completely replaces the obsolete 1967 terminal with a state-of-the-art 30-gate architectural facility designed to handle growing regional passenger demand. The completed complex features soaring natural-light atriums, touchless biometric boarding portals, expanded energy-efficient baggage handling systems, and dozens of locally curated dining and retail storefronts celebrating San Diego culture.

SANDAG Advances Procurement for Direct Airport Transit Connection

Directly complementing the terminal redevelopment, the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) has reached a decisive milestone in its initiative to establish a dedicated rail link to the airport, known as the Airport Transit Connection (ATC). A specialized transportation committee has formally approved a dual-track procurement strategy, issuing Requests for Proposals (RFP) and Requests for Information (RFI) to industry leaders to evaluate automated people mover (APM) and light rail trolley extension technologies.

The Airport Authority has already constructed and preserved a dedicated 'transit-ready' footprint located within direct walking distance of both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. The planned transit connection will seamlessly tie the airport into the regional Trolley network and COASTER commuter rail lines, allowing travelers and airport staff to reach terminals from Downtown San Diego without driving on congested arterial roadways.

Immediate Roadway Decongestion and Environmental Sustainability

To relieve surface bottlenecks while long-term rail infrastructure progresses, the project has already activated an on-airport multi-lane dual roadway system that separates arriving and departing vehicular traffic, removing millions of vehicles annually from North Harbor Drive. Additionally, transit operators have boosted the frequency of the Route 992 Airport Express bus to 15-minute headways running until 1 a.m. daily.

Engineered to achieve rigorous LEED Gold and Envision environmental certifications, the New T1 complex incorporates rooftop solar photovoltaic arrays, rainwater capture reservoirs, and high-efficiency chilled water HVAC systems. Regional civic leaders affirmed that the synchronized delivery of modern aviation and mass transit infrastructure establishes a world-class gateway for Southern California's innovation economy.