City officials kicked off a new era for the San Antonio International Airport (SAT) this week by breaking ground for a new terminal.
Long in the planning stages, the $1.68 billion new terminal will be constructed alongside the existing Terminal B and built to accommodate the region’s continued growth, SAT officials said.
The 800,000-square-foot terminal is expected to be completed in 2028.
“This groundbreaking is more than just the start of a construction project,” said Jesus Saenz, director of airports for the City of San Antonio at Tuesday’s event. “It is the beginning of a new chapter for our airport and our community.
Construction of the new terminal is part of the airport’s terminal development program, a 20-year guide for future development of the airfield, terminal facilities, ground access and support infrastructure, which is the main piece of “Elevate/SAT,” the $2.5 billion capital improvement plan.
Elevate/SAT is the largest capital improvement plan that the City of San Antonio has undertaken and the terminal development program is expected to generate more than 16,000 new jobs.
Tuesday’s groundbreaking event is a step toward meeting the increasing demands put on the airport, officials said.
In November, SAT had its busiest month on record and surpassed 1 million passengers during October. Annually, more than 10 million passengers fly through SAT, an average of 27,000 people a day.
“As SAT continues to experience record-breaking growth each month, this new terminal will ensure we meet the needs of passengers, businesses and partners from San Antonio and around the world,” he added.
The new 17-gate terminal is being designed to provide enhanced passenger amenities and incorporate new technology. Plans call for 37,500 square feet of concessions space and 29,000 square feet of club lounge space.
“This new terminal will help the airport accomplish even more continued growth, fostering the development of important connections and business opportunities for our region,” Mayor Ron Nirenberg said.
Construction is already ongoing at the airport to build a ground load facility expected to open in 2025 and make improvements to runways, all part of what officials estimate will have a $2.8 billion economic impact over two decades.
“This project is a significant economic driver for our region,” City Manager Erik Walsh said. “Its development will create thousands of jobs, stimulate local businesses and bring long-term employment opportunities. Beyond the immediate economic benefits, it will lay the foundation for sustained growth, making our region a destination for innovation, investment and prosperity.”
But airport officials are in a holding pattern on two significant issues.
The first is an overdue decision from the Federal Aviation Administration on whether SAT, and its partner American Airlines, will be awarded a coveted Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) slot.
City officials are also waiting for a ruling in Southwest Airlines’ lawsuit claiming the city discriminated against the budget carrier in assigning it to Terminal A rather than the new terminal.
More information about airport construction work and tips for navigating the busy holiday travel season are available on the airport’s website.
