Key Takeaways
• San Diego International Airport launched its first hydrant fueling system active since June 2025 at Gates 48-51.
• The system uses underground pipes to deliver fuel directly, reducing emissions, spills, and fuel truck traffic.
• Planned expansion will cover more gates, improving safety, efficiency, and supporting airport growth and sustainability.
San Diego International Airport’s New Hydrant Fueling System: A Major Step for Sustainability and Efficiency
San Diego International Airport has taken a big step toward a cleaner and more efficient future by launching its first-ever hydrant fueling system. This new system, which became active in early June 2025, marks a major change in how planes are refueled at the airport. Instead of using many fuel trucks driving around the tarmac, the airport now uses underground pipes to deliver fuel directly to planes at the gate. This change is not just about saving time—it’s also about making the airport safer and better for the environment.
The San Diego County Regional Airport Authority, which manages the airport, announced the new system on June 9, 2025. The project is part of a larger effort to make the airport more sustainable and ready for future growth. The first phase of the hydrant fueling system now serves Gates 48-51, but there are plans to expand it across the entire airport in the coming years.
Let’s take a closer look at how this new system works, why it matters, and what it means for travelers, airlines, and the local community.
What Is a Hydrant Fueling System?
A hydrant fueling system is a network of underground pipes that carry fuel from storage tanks directly to aircraft parked at the gates. Instead of driving fuel trucks to each plane, workers connect hoses from special hydrant points on the ground to the aircraft. This setup is common at many large airports around the world, but it’s new for San Diego International Airport.
The main parts of the system include:
- Underground pipelines that move fuel safely and quickly from storage tanks to the gates
- Hydrant pump pads that help push the fuel through the pipes
- Above-ground storage tanks that hold large amounts of fuel
- Power distribution centers and backup generators to keep the system running even during power outages
- Fuel transfer lines that connect the pump pads to the rest of the airport’s fueling network
This new system was designed by Burns & McDonnell, a company with experience in airport infrastructure. They worked closely with the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority and SAN Fuel Company, a group of airlines that use the airport. Menzies Aviation, a company that handles fueling operations, is responsible for running the new system day-to-day.
Why Did San Diego International Airport Make This Change?
There are several reasons why the airport decided to switch from fuel trucks to a hydrant fueling system:
1. Environmental Benefits
- Lower Carbon Emissions: Fewer fuel trucks driving around means less pollution from truck engines. This helps the airport reduce its carbon footprint and meet its environmental goals.
- Less Risk of Spills: Underground pipes are less likely to leak or spill fuel compared to trucks, which can have accidents or equipment failures.
- Cleaner Air: With fewer trucks running on the tarmac, there’s less exhaust and fewer harmful particles in the air.
2. Operational Efficiency
- Faster Refueling: Planes can be refueled more quickly because the fuel is delivered right to the gate. This can help flights leave on time and reduce delays.
- Less Traffic on the Tarmac: With fewer trucks moving around, there’s less congestion and a lower chance of accidents.
- Better Use of Space: The airport can use its limited space more effectively, which is important since San Diego International Airport is the busiest single-runway airport in the United States 🇺🇸.
3. Safety Improvements
- Reduced Vehicle Movement: Fewer trucks mean fewer chances for accidents involving people or planes.
- Modern Equipment: The new system uses the latest technology to monitor fuel flow and detect problems quickly.
How Was the System Built?
The hydrant fueling system has been in the works for nearly a decade. Planning began in 2016, when airport leaders realized that the old way of fueling planes would not be enough for the airport’s future needs. The airport is growing, with new terminals and more flights, so a better fueling system was needed.
The project included:
- Expanding fuel storage: Building larger tanks to hold more fuel for busy travel days.
- Installing underground pipes: Laying out a network of pipes under the tarmac to reach the gates.
- Upgrading power systems: Adding new power centers and backup generators to keep the system running smoothly.
- Coordinating with terminal construction: Making sure the new fueling system fit with other big projects, like the new Terminal 1.
The first hydrant pipes were installed at Gates 46 and 47 during other construction work. This careful planning helped avoid major disruptions for travelers and airlines.
Who Are the Key Players?
Several groups and people played important roles in making this project happen:
- San Diego County Regional Airport Authority: The main organization in charge of the airport and its long-term planning.
- SAN Fuel Company: A group of airlines that use the airport and work together on fueling needs.
- Menzies Aviation: The company that operates the fueling system every day.
- Burns & McDonnell: The engineering firm that designed and helped build the system.
Leaders from these groups have praised the new system. Jonathan Flores, who manages fuel operations at Southwest Airlines and chairs SAN Fuel, called the project “a monumental step forward” for efficiency, safety, and sustainability. Angela Shafer-Payne, Vice President and Chief Development Officer at the airport authority, said the system “significantly improves the passenger experience by reducing fueling times and minimizing environmental impact.” Tyler Curry, the program manager at Burns & McDonnell, said the project “showcases our commitment to supporting the airlines and the airport as they position for growth.”
What Does This Mean for Travelers?
For most travelers, the new hydrant fueling system will not be something they see or think about. However, it can have a real impact on their airport experience:
- Faster Turnarounds: Planes can be refueled more quickly, which means less waiting at the gate and fewer delays.
- Better On-Time Performance: With more efficient fueling, flights are more likely to leave on schedule.
- Cleaner Environment: Lower emissions and less risk of spills mean a healthier airport for everyone.
These changes help make San Diego International Airport a better place to travel through, even if most people never notice the fueling system at work.
How Does This Help Airlines and Airport Workers?
Airlines benefit from the new system in several ways:
- Lower Costs: Less time spent refueling means planes can spend more time in the air, which is good for business.
- Improved Safety: Fewer trucks on the tarmac reduce the risk of accidents that can damage planes or injure workers.
- Easier Operations: The system is designed to be reliable and easy to use, with backup power in case of emergencies.
For airport workers, the new system means:
- Less Driving: Fueling staff spend less time driving trucks and more time focusing on safe, efficient operations.
- Modern Tools: Workers use up-to-date equipment that helps them do their jobs better and more safely.
What Are the Environmental Impacts?
San Diego International Airport has made a strong commitment to sustainability, and the hydrant fueling system is a big part of that effort. The environmental benefits include:
- Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions: By cutting down on truck traffic, the airport lowers its total emissions. This helps fight climate change and supports local air quality goals.
- Lower Risk of Soil and Water Pollution: Underground pipes are less likely to leak than trucks, which can spill fuel onto the ground or into storm drains.
- Support for Carbon Neutrality: The airport’s efforts align with global standards set by groups like Airports Council International, which encourages airports to work toward zero carbon emissions.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, airports that switch to hydrant fueling systems often see a noticeable drop in their environmental impact, making them leaders in sustainable aviation.
How Does This Fit Into the Airport’s Future Plans?
The new hydrant fueling system is just the beginning. The airport plans to expand the system to cover more gates and terminals as part of its long-term growth strategy. This is especially important as the airport adds new facilities and welcomes more flights.
Future phases will:
- Extend the hydrant system to more gates: Making fueling faster and safer across the airport.
- Increase fuel storage capacity: Preparing for busy travel seasons and larger planes.
- Coordinate with new terminal projects: Ensuring that all parts of the airport work together smoothly.
These improvements will help San Diego International Airport stay competitive and ready for the future, while keeping its promise to protect the environment.
How Does This Compare to Other Airports?
Many large airports in the United States 🇺🇸 and around the world already use hydrant fueling systems. These systems are considered the gold standard for busy airports because they are:
- More efficient: Planes spend less time on the ground.
- Safer: Fewer vehicles moving around reduces the risk of accidents.
- Better for the environment: Less pollution and fewer spills.
By adopting this system, San Diego International Airport joins other leading airports in making air travel cleaner and more reliable.
What Are the Challenges?
Building a hydrant fueling system is a big job that comes with challenges:
- High Cost: Installing underground pipes and new equipment is expensive.
- Complex Construction: The work must be carefully planned to avoid disrupting airport operations.
- Ongoing Maintenance: The system needs regular checks and repairs to keep it safe and reliable.
Despite these challenges, the benefits for the airport, airlines, and the environment make the investment worthwhile.
What’s Next for San Diego International Airport?
The airport will continue to roll out the hydrant fueling system in phases, expanding it to more gates and terminals. This work will be coordinated with other big projects, like the new Terminal 1, to make sure everything fits together.
Travelers can expect to see ongoing improvements in on-time performance, safety, and environmental quality. Airlines will benefit from faster, more reliable fueling, while the local community will enjoy cleaner air and a safer airport.
For more information about the airport’s sustainability efforts and future plans, you can visit the official San Diego County Regional Airport Authority website.
Key Takeaways
- San Diego International Airport’s new hydrant fueling system is now active at Gates 48-51.
- The system uses underground pipes to deliver fuel directly to planes, replacing most fuel trucks.
- Benefits include lower emissions, faster refueling, improved safety, and less risk of spills.
- The project is part of a long-term plan to make the airport more sustainable and ready for future growth.
- Travelers, airlines, and the local community all benefit from these improvements.
As airports around the world look for ways to become cleaner and more efficient, San Diego International Airport’s new hydrant fueling system stands out as a model for others to follow. The airport’s commitment to sustainability, safety, and operational excellence will help ensure it remains a leader in air travel for years to come.
Learn Today
Hydrant Fueling System → A network of underground pipes delivering fuel directly from storage tanks to aircraft at gates.
San Diego County Regional Airport Authority → The organization managing San Diego International Airport and overseeing its infrastructure projects.
Fuel Transfer Lines → Pipes connecting hydrant pump pads to the airport’s fueling distribution network.
Back-up Generators → Power systems that ensure continuous operation of fueling infrastructure during outages.
Carbon Neutrality → Efforts to balance emitted carbon with offsets to achieve net-zero carbon emissions.
This Article in a Nutshell
San Diego Airport’s new hydrant fueling system reduces emissions and accelerates plane refueling by delivering fuel via underground pipes. Active since June 2025, it improves safety and efficiency, serving Gates 48-51, with plans to expand airport-wide, marking a major step in sustainable airport operations and cleaner air quality.
— By VisaVerge.com
