New Terminal 1 Opens at San Diego International Airport

Turner-FlatironDragados JV Celebrates Major Milestone at San Diego International Airport

The Turner Construction Company and Flatiron Dragados joint venture, working closely with the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority, has officially opened the newly built Terminal 1 at San Diego International Airport (SAN). This major milestone completes the first phase of the airport’s $3 billion progressive design-build redevelopment, which began in November 2021.

The newly opened phase introduces 19 gates, upgraded passenger facilities, outdoor check-in areas, and significant landside infrastructure. Travelers will now experience improved access thanks to nearly five miles of new roadways, including separated arrivals and elevated departures routes, new bridges, and a multi-level 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, hard-working team and to have the opportunity to open the doors to the new Terminal for the community to experience.”

Mario Martinez, Senior Vice President at FlatironDragados, praised the scale of the partnership and the long-term impact of the development. “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,” he said. “Together, we’ve delivered a modern gateway that strengthens regional mobility, supports future growth and elevates the passenger experience for millions of travelers.”

Features and Phase 2 Outlook

Once Phase 2 is complete in early 2028, Terminal 1 will expand to 30 total gates, replacing the former terminal with a net increase of 11. The three-level structure includes:

• A central security checkpoint
• Airline operations areas
• Expanded departure lounges
• A fully automated outbound and inbound baggage system
• Two passenger bridges with vertical circulation access
• A Smart Curb for streamlined check-in and baggage drop
• 15 retail and dining concessions
• An outdoor dining terrace overlooking downtown San Diego
• Commissioned artworks by seven artists
• A “luminous wave wall” designed to capture and diffuse natural light

Additional landside infrastructure includes new bridges, bike lanes, pedestrian connectivity, and enhanced traffic circulation.

Sustainability and Infrastructure Reinforcement

Project teams prioritized long-term resilience and sustainability. Key utility upgrades were made to protect airport operations in the event of power disruptions. Certification goals include:

• LEED Silver for the terminal, designed for 33% energy cost savings and 66% irrigation reduction
• Envision Silver for landside projects, addressing light pollution, floodplain management, and renewable energy
• Parksmart Silver for parking structures, with EV charging, reduced carbon materials, and enhanced accessibility

“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.”

Phase two is scheduled to begin in October 2025, continuing through early 2028.

Originally reported by Turner Construction.