Updated on 2nd September 2025 -San Diego International Airport is preparing to unveil its new Terminal 1 on September 2025, following nearly three years of construction that began in November 2021. The $3.8 billion project is designed to replace the outdated terminal and better serve the region’s growing passenger traffic.
“In 2024, we serviced 9.8 million people through the old Terminal 1, which was never built to handle that capacity,” explained airport spokeswoman Nicole Hall. “We knew we needed to create a facility with more space that truly represents San Diego.”
The new terminal will feature 30 gates in total, modernized food and retail options, and a baggage system capable of processing up to 2,000 bags per hour during peak travel times. The first 19 gates will open in September, with the remaining 11 gates scheduled for completion by 2028. Phase 1B construction will begin on September 8, 2025, ahead of the demolition of the existing Terminal 1 on September 22, 2025.
Supporting infrastructure has also been upgraded. In June, the airport opened the second phase of the Terminal 1 Parking Plaza, adding about 2,400 parking spaces. Just last month, a new roadway was introduced to provide direct access to Terminals 1 and 2.
Reported on 10th July 2025 – The first phase of San Diego International Airport’s new Terminal 1 project, known as the New T1, is approaching completion and is expected to open in September 2025. This initial phase will add 19 new gates and forms part of the larger $3.8 billion effort to fully replace the aging Terminal 1. It joins the ranks of major terminal upgrades going on in the USA.
Reported on November 17th 2023 – the San Diego International Airport Authority celebrated the completion of Terminal 1’s steel framework.
Terminal 1’s first phase is scheduled to operate in late summer 2025. According to the airport authorities, the renovated terminal will feature extra room, a parking plaza, and a lane devoted to arrivals. Meanwhile, passengers continue to pass via the old terminal. Due to ongoing work, some traffic has been redirected.
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The first phase, according to the airport authority, will open in late summer 2025 and will include 19 gates. Additionally, a parking plaza, an elevated departures highway, outdoor check-in pavilions, and a dedicated arrivals lane.
Cabrera and Becker were joined by San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, representatives from Southwest and Delta airlines, and representatives from Turner Construction.
The T1 parking plaza is around 45% finished and is set to open in late 2024. This five-story building will include 5,200 parking spots. 10% of the parking spots in the new parking structure will include electric car charging stations.
According to the authority, work is also continuing on a three-lane on-airport access route that will transport traffic straight from Laurel Street to the airport, displacing 45,000 cars from Harbour Drive each day.
Details on the San Diego International Airport Terminal 1 project
In the first phase of the terminal, 19 new eateries and retail establishments will open. To complete the first phase of development, 500 contracted construction companies and 5,000 labourers have been employed. The second phase is set to open in 2028. Moreover, it will bring 11 additional gates to the new T1, bringing the total to 30.
“This project milestone would not be possible without the efforts of our Airport Authority Board and staff, our airline partners and the thousands who work for the Turner-Flatiron joint venture and its subcontractors,” stated Kimberly Becker, president and chief executive officer of the airport
