San Diego Airport: A Compact Travel Hub

San Diego International Airport (IATA: SAN, ICAO: KSAN, FAA LID: SAN) is the primary international airport serving San Diego and its surrounding metropolitan area. The airport covers 663 acres of land and is the third busiest airport in California in terms of passenger traffic. Interestingly, it is the busiest single-runway airport in the United States, with a runway length of 9,401 feet and a width of 200 feet. Despite its small size, the airport handles a significant volume of passenger traffic, with over 20 million passengers annually. The airport's unique features, such as its close proximity to downtown San Diego and its busy runway, make it a notable aviation hub on the west coast.

The airport's runway

San Diego International Airport's runway is designated 09/27 for its magnetic headings of 095 degrees (106 True) and 275 degrees (286 True). The runway, which is made of asphalt and concrete, measures 9,401 by 200 feet (2,865 m × 61 m).

The runway has a displaced threshold at both ends: the first 1,810 feet (550 m) are displaced on Runway 27, while the first 1,000 feet (300 m) are displaced on Runway 9. The approach to Runway 27 is unusually steep due to utility poles and buildings over 200 ft (61 m) tall that are located within 2 miles (3.2 km) of the east end of the runway.

In 2015, an updated pavement maintenance/management study found signs of deterioration at the airport’s sole runway, requiring rehabilitation. The rehabilitation project, which cost $23 million, included upgrades to the runway centreline, edge, and touchdown zone light fixtures, replacing incandescent bulbs with more efficient LED bulbs to improve visibility and reduce energy costs. Asphalt on parts of the taxiway was also replaced with more durable concrete.

The runway is the busiest in the United States and the third busiest in the world, serving 22 million passengers a year.

San Diego International Airport's history

San Diego International Airport is the primary international airport serving San Diego and its surrounding metropolitan area in California. Covering 663 acres of land, it is the third busiest airport in California in terms of passenger traffic and the busiest single-runway airport in the United States.

The airport was first established as Lindbergh Field in 1928, named after Charles Lindbergh, the first man to fly non-stop across the Atlantic Ocean. Lindbergh had constructed and tested his record-setting plane, the Spirit of St. Louis, in San Diego. The new airport, dedicated on 16 August 1928, was initially called San Diego Municipal Airport – Lindbergh Field. It was the first federally certified airfield to serve all aircraft types, including seaplanes.

During the 1930s, the airport established a few cargo and airmail services. However, it was during World War II that the airport became heavily involved in military operations, including as an assembly site for Convair bomber planes. This period also saw the construction of larger runways, including an 8,750-foot runway capable of accommodating jet aircraft.

In the 1950s, commercial services from the Lindbergh Airfield became prevalent, aided by startup airline Pacific Southwest Airlines (PSA). The airport also attracted regular services from established airlines such as United, American, and Bonanza. As passenger traffic expanded in the 1960s, the airport became increasingly crowded, leading to discussions about relocating to a new, larger site. However, due to public opposition and military installations in the area, successive governments opted to invest in expanding the existing facility.

In 1967, then-Governor Ronald Reagan opened the East Terminal (now Terminal 1), and in 1979, the second major passenger terminal was completed. In 2003, the airport was officially renamed San Diego International Airport to reflect its status as a major hub. Today, San Diego International Airport continues to undergo expansions and improvements to accommodate the growing passenger traffic, with a complete replacement of Terminal 1 currently under construction.

The airport's location

San Diego International Airport is located just three miles (4.8 km) northwest of downtown San Diego, California. It is the primary international airport serving San Diego and its surrounding metropolitan area.

The airport is located near the site of the Ryan Airlines factory, where Charles Lindbergh flight-tested the Spirit of St. Louis before his historic 1927 transatlantic flight. Inspired by Lindbergh's feat, the city of San Diego passed a bond issue in 1928 for the construction of a two-runway municipal airport. The airport was dedicated on August 16, 1928, as San Diego Municipal Airport – Lindbergh Field.

Lindbergh Field was the first federally certified airfield to serve all aircraft types, including seaplanes. It was also a testing facility for several early US sailplane designs and the site of a national and world record for women's altitude established in 1930 by Ruth Alexander.

In 2001, the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority (SDCRAA) was created, and it assumed jurisdiction over the airport in December 2002. The Authority changed the airport's name from Lindbergh Field to San Diego International Airport in 2003.

The airport covers 663 acres (268 hectares) of land and is the third busiest airport in California in terms of passenger traffic. It is the busiest single-runway airport in the United States, with its sole runway accommodating around 20 to 30 flights per hour.

The airport's landing approach is known for its proximity to downtown San Diego's skyscrapers, and it can be challenging for pilots due to the short usable landing area, steep descent angle, and shifting wind currents. The flight path takes planes over Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo, and Interstate 5, providing passengers with a unique view of the city.

Traffic and capacity

San Diego International Airport is the third busiest airport in California in terms of passenger traffic, and the busiest single-runway airport in the United States. The airport brings in more than 20 million passengers a year, with roughly two million passengers per month in the summer. It is also the third busiest runway out of any in the world.

The airport's landing approach is known for its close proximity to downtown San Diego's skyscrapers, which can sometimes prove difficult for pilots due to the relatively short usable landing area, steep descent angle, and shifting wind currents. To land at the airport, planes must be carefully choreographed into a flight queue and follow a flight path that goes extremely close to a mountain range, downtown San Diego, Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo, and Interstate 5. This can be a surprising experience for drivers on the interstate, as they may find themselves with a 757 plane only 500 feet above their heads. This happens 20 to 30 times per hour.

The runway is 9,401 feet in length and 200 feet in width. It was originally built to accommodate World War II-era long-range bombers in 1942. The first airline to offer pure jet service from the airport was United Airlines, which began operating in September 1960. Westerly winds predominate, so most takeoffs and landings use Runway 27. The approach to this runway is unusually steep due to utility poles and buildings over 200 feet tall located within 2 miles of the runway's east end.

The airport has two terminals and 51 gates. Terminal 1 has 14 gates, and Terminal 2 has 32 gates and four lounges. A new Terminal 1 is under construction, with the first phase expected to open in 2025, adding 19 gates. The second phase is planned to open in 2028 and will add 11 more gates, bringing the total number of gates at the airport to 61.

Expansion plans

San Diego International Airport (IATA: SAN, ICAO: KSAN, FAA LID: SAN) is undergoing a significant transformation with the expansion and redevelopment of Terminal 1 as part of its Airport Development Plan (ADP). The project is split into two phases, with an expected total budget of $3.8 billion, and is set to enhance the airport's capacity and improve the overall traveller experience.

Phase 1 of the new Terminal 1 involves the construction of a 19-gate standalone facility east of the original Terminal 1, along with a new parking structure, an arrivals/departures roadway, a new entry road, and an expanded aircraft taxiway. This phase is scheduled for completion in late summer 2025, with construction 60% done as of April 2024. The new terminal will cover approximately 108,000 square metres, with 8,360 square metres dedicated to concessions, and will feature a rainwater capture system, electric vehicle charging stations, and consideration for future sea level rise.

Phase 2, planned for 2028, will involve the demolition of the original Terminal 1 and the addition of 11 more gates. Upon completion, the new Terminal 1 will have a total of 62 gates, offering seamless connections to Terminal 2. Additionally, travellers can look forward to an outdoor patio, lounges, a children's play area, and improved accessibility with a new three-lane entrance roadway and a multi-use path.

The expansion of Terminal 1 is expected to have a positive economic impact, with an estimated creation of 15,000 to 20,000 local jobs. The project is made possible by a ten-year management and lease agreement with partner airlines, ensuring stability and financial support.

Beyond the Terminal 1 project, the ADP also includes plans for a westward expansion of Terminal 2 West, which could increase the total number of gates at the airport to 61. However, this third phase is not expected to be completed before 2035.

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