What to Expect at SAN’s New Terminal 1: Modern, Expanded Capacity

(SAN DIEGO) San Diego Airport’s new Terminal 1 is entering a high-stakes stretch: the original Terminal 1 closed permanently on September 22, 2025, and demolition is underway to clear the site for Phase 1B of the $3.8 billion redevelopment. The New T1 opens its first phase in September 2025 with 19 gates, expanding to 30 gates by 2028 when construction is complete. Airport officials say the project will deliver more space, modern amenities, and better airfield operations to match San Diego’s growing passenger demand.

The San Diego County Regional Airport Authority, which owns and runs the airport, has framed the New T1 as a long-term, future-ready upgrade. Board Chair Gil Cabrera and President & CEO Kimberly Becker have said the project is designed to raise the region’s profile and give travelers a calmer, easier experience than the old terminal, which was widely seen as cramped and outdated.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, large terminal rebuilds often require staged openings and route changes that can add time to airport trips; San Diego’s plan follows that pattern, with clear reminders to leave earlier during peak times.

With the old Terminal 1 gone and Phase 1B beginning, crews are enlarging the terminal footprint and building the remaining sections that will add 11 more gates and additional passenger services. The airport has already opened parts of the project, including a new administration building and initial terminal structures delivered under earlier work, and a major parking expansion next to the construction zone.

Construction phases and timeline

• Phase 1A is complete and set up the base for terminal growth.
• The first New T1 opening in September 2025 brings:
  • 19 gates
  • Upgraded concessions
  • Customer lounges
  • A more spacious layout
• Phase 1B (2025–2028):
  • Demolition of the old facility and build-out of the rest of Terminal 1
  • Final 11 gates added to reach the 30-gate total

The arrivals roadway that once connected Terminals 1 and 2 closed on September 8, 2025, to create a safe work zone. The airport has mapped two main on-airport detour routes for drivers. Pedestrians can use an outdoor walkway, and the free Terminal Loop Shuttle runs daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

While the construction footprint is tight, these options are meant to keep travelers moving between the New Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 with fewer delays.

Phase 1B is the most disruptive stage because it overlaps daily operations with heavy construction. The airport rolled out a parking and roadway plan months in advance to help offset that disruption.

Parking and roadway changes

• A new Terminal 1 Parking Plaza opened its first phase in August 2024 with 2,834 spaces.
• Total parking near the terminal is expected to reach almost 8,500 spaces by late summer 2025.
• These changes aim to:
  • Reduce time spent searching for parking
  • Make drop-off and pick-up less stressful
  • Support continued terminal operations while crews work nearby

Getting to and from the airport during construction

Airport leaders and project teams are asking travelers to build in extra time for pickup, drop-off, and parking. They’re flagging three peak windows when congestion is most likely:

1. 4 a.m.–6:15 a.m.
2. 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
3. 8 p.m.–midnight

That advice applies to all trips to San Diego Airport during Phase 1B, especially for tight connections or families juggling bags and car seats. If you need to move between terminals, plan to use the shuttle or the outdoor walkway, and follow posted signs to detour routes.

Key points for travelers:
– All departing and arriving flights will transition to the New T1 starting in late September 2025.
– Expect lane shifts and changing traffic patterns as crews move equipment in and out of work areas.
– Consider parking in the new plaza when spaces are available, especially if your party needs extra time to get to the gate.
– Use airline apps and airport alerts to keep track of gate assignments in the first weeks after the New T1 opens.

For updates on road closures, detours, shuttle frequency, and parking, the airport directs travelers to the official sites: the main airport page at https://www.san.org and the project hub at https://www.newt1.com. These pages post new maps and timing notices as crews shift to different sections of the job site.

Economic and community impact

The redevelopment is expected to create 15,000 to 20,000 construction-related jobs and add to a regional economy already linked to nearly $12 billion in activity through the airport.

Work is happening on the airfield and in the terminal at the same time, which supports both safety and efficiency when the project is finished. The airport authority says the plan reflects San Diego’s regional identity and a commitment to environmental stewardship, with design choices meant to lower long-term impacts and set up the facility for the next generation of travelers.

Inside, the New T1 will bring:
– Customer lounges
– More food and retail choices
– Better wayfinding
– Wider halls and more daylight
– Seating zones designed for families and solo travelers

The goal is a smoother path from curb to gate with fewer choke points than the old Terminal 1. Airfield improvements are part of the plan as well, to keep planes moving and reduce delays connected to gate availability. The improvements are designed to help one of the world’s busiest single-runway airports run more efficiently once all 30 gates come online by 2028.

VisaVerge.com reports that airport capacity expansions often line up with new or more frequent routes over time, which can help flyers find better connection options once construction ends.

Communication and traveler resources

San Diego’s travel community has seen major construction projects before, but the scale of this one stands out. Airlines, airport staff, and local businesses are adjusting operations to fit staging needs that change by month.

The airport is keeping media lines open for public questions and schedule planning. For press and informational requests, contact:
– Nicole Hall, Senior Communications Specialist: 619.400.2859 or [email protected]
– After hours: Airport Communications Center 619.400.2710 or [email protected]

International and domestic passengers should also plan for federal screening and ID rules that apply to all U.S. airports. For general guidance on travel requirements and security screening, see the Transportation Security Administration’s resource page at https://www.tsa.gov/travel.

While security procedures are separate from construction, tighter road and terminal access during Phase 1B can make those lines feel longer, so arriving early is wise.

The airport’s transportation plan includes new roadways built to fit the future traffic load around Terminal 1. Shuttle services bridge gaps where sidewalks or lanes are closed for construction. The key is constant communication with travelers: push alerts, on-site signs, and frequent map updates on https://www.san.org and https://www.newt1.com guide people through the current layout.

What travelers will notice

Passengers who used the old Terminal 1 will notice the difference right away: more daylight, wider halls, and a layout that reduces backtracking. Concession areas will grow, and seating zones will better accommodate different traveler needs.

As the New T1 moves from the initial 19 gates to the full 30, airlines can add schedules that fit San Diego’s demand patterns. The staged opening is meant to keep the airport running while crews finish the most complex work.

For now, patience and planning will go a long way:
– Leave extra time during the listed peak periods
– Follow detour signs closely
– Use the free Terminal Loop Shuttle when walking isn’t practical

By 2028, San Diego Airport expects a terminal that reflects the region’s growth, improves the passenger experience, and supports the broader economy for years to come.