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San Diego Airport Unveils New Terminal 1 Ahead of Sept. 22 Opening

Media tours highlighted a phased rollout starting with 19 gates.

Security checkpoint at San Diego International Airport’s Terminal 1 on Aug. 26, 2025.

Overview

  • The $3.8 billion concourse opens with 19 gates in September, reaching 30 gates by 2028.
  • A self-guided public open house runs Sept. 14 from 9 a.m. to noon with T1 parking validated for three free hours.
  • The new baggage system was tested against an 8,000-point checklist with over 99% accuracy and is designed to process up to 2,000 bags per hour at peak.
  • Initial carriers include Breeze, Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest, Spirit and SunCountry, with Air Canada and WestJet slated for spring 2026 and Delta in early 2028.
  • Asbestos abatement begins about a week after opening before demolition of the 1967 terminal, and the facility is targeting LEED-Gold certification with energy-saving design features.