Terminal 1 rendering (San Diego County Regional Airport Authority)
Development, airport

Countdown to T1

By Frank Sabatini Jr.

Since breaking ground in November, the promising brand-new Terminal 1 coming to the San Diego International Airport is on schedule to open in staggered phases, with completion slated for late 2028.

The project, known as T1, aims to achieve LEED Gold certification for a replacement terminal that welcomes the addition of 11 gates and extra gate seating, plus a streamlined TSA system to move passengers more quickly through security. The plan was approved by the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority for a budget of $3.4 billion.

A “dream team” of designers and artists have been tasked with creating many of the aesthetics. They include renowned architect James Carpenter along with a half-dozen commissioned artists who will specifically oversee the terminal’s outdoor installations. Additional parking as well as new shopping and dining options are also on tap.

Incremental developments of T1 will go as such:

Late 2023 – a new onsite administrative building opens

Late 2025 – completion of Phase 1A occurs, which will include the opening of some new gates

Late 2027 – other sections of the terminal will open along with the remaining gates, which will total 62.

Late 2028 – All indoor and outdoor spaces will be complete.