San Diego's Airport: A Guide To Flying In And Out

San Diego, a vibrant city in Southern California, is served by an international airport that acts as a gateway to this diverse and exciting region. San Diego International Airport, conveniently located just a few miles from the city center, offers a range of services and facilities to travelers from near and far. With a variety of airlines operating from this airport, both domestic and international destinations are easily accessible, making it an important hub for tourism and business in the area. The airport's proximity to the city and its efficient transport links make it a popular choice for travelers visiting San Diego and its surrounding attractions. Serving as a vital gateway to the region, the airport plays a key role in connecting San Diego to the rest of the world, facilitating travel, commerce, and cultural exchange. In the following paragraphs, we will delve into the specifics of San Diego International Airport, exploring its history, facilities, and the range of travel options it offers to visitors and locals alike.

San Diego International Airport's location and transport links

San Diego International Airport (IATA: SAN, ICAO: KSAN, FAA LID: SAN) is located 3 miles (4.8 km) northwest of downtown San Diego, California. The airport covers 663 acres of land and is the third busiest airport in California in terms of passenger traffic. It is accessible via Interstate 5, State Route 94, and from San Diego's two cruise ship terminals: the B Street Pier and the Port Pavilion on Broadway Pier.

The airport has two terminals and 51 gates, with a unique landing approach known for its proximity to downtown San Diego's skyscrapers. The approach to Runway 27 is also notable for its steep descent over Bankers Hill and shifting wind currents, providing a dramatic view of the city for passengers.

Ground transportation options include short and long-term parking, taxi, and ride-sharing services. Additionally, there are four public transportation options: Metropolitan Transit System Routes 992 and 923, the TERMINAL → TROLLEY shuttle, and the complimentary San Diego Flyer shuttle.

The airport is currently undergoing construction for a new Terminal 1, with plans for further expansion to Terminal 2 in the future.

The airport's history and previous names

San Diego International Airport (IATA: SAN, ICAO: KSAN, FAA LID: SAN) is the primary international airport serving San Diego and its surrounding metropolitan area. It is located three miles (4.8 km) northwest of downtown San Diego and is owned by the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority.

The airport was first established as Lindbergh Field in 1928, named after Charles Lindbergh, the first man to fly non-stop across the Atlantic. Lindbergh had constructed and tested his record-setting plane, the Spirit of St. Louis, in San Diego. The new, two-runway facility was inaugurated on 16 August 1928, with 140 Navy and 82 Army planes involved in a flyover.

Lindbergh Field was the first federally certified airfield to serve all aircraft types, including seaplanes. The airport was also a testing facility for several early US sailplane designs and was the site of a national and world record for women's altitude, set in 1930 by Ruth Alexander. It was also the site of the first transcontinental glider tow, departing Lindbergh Field on 30 March 1930 and ending in New York City on 6 April 1930. The airport became an international airport in 1934 and was used by the US Coast Guard until the mid-1990s.

During World War II, the US Army Air Corps took over the field and improved it to handle heavy bombers. Two camps, Camp Consair and Camp Sahara, were established at the airport during this time. The airport's runway was extended to 8,750 ft (2,670 m), making it jet-ready long before jet airliners came into service.

In 1949, Pacific Southwest Airlines (PSA) established its headquarters in San Diego and started service at Lindbergh Field. The airport quickly became a hub for US military and general aviation operations, with hundreds of planes stationed there. Commercial services from the Lindbergh Field were prevalent in the 1950s, helped by startup airline PSA, as well as established airlines like United, American, and Bonanza.

In 1967, then-Governor Ronald Raegan opened the East Terminal (now Terminal 1). In 1979, a second major passenger terminal opened. In 2003, the airport was officially renamed San Diego International Airport to reflect its status as a major hub.

Other airports in San Diego

San Diego International Airport is the primary airport serving San Diego and its metropolitan area. It is located just minutes from downtown San Diego and is the third busiest airport in California in terms of passenger traffic.

However, there are also other airports in the city. Here is some information about them:

Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport

Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport is centrally located, just minutes from downtown and its many world-class attractions. It is one of two general aviation airports operated by the City of San Diego. The airport offers ample parking, maintenance, 24-hour fuel, and rental vehicles. Additionally, it supports critical services such as law enforcement, air ambulance, and fire-rescue operations.

Brown Field Municipal Airport

Brown Field Municipal Airport is the second general aviation airport operated by the City of San Diego. It is located 1.5 miles north of the US-Mexico border and provides US Customs service. Like Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport, Brown Field Municipal Airport offers ample parking, maintenance, 24-hour fuel, and rental vehicles. It also supports critical services, including law enforcement, air ambulance, and fire-rescue operations.

Other Airports

In addition to the airports mentioned above, there have been proposals to relocate San Diego International Airport or establish alternative sites due to congestion and capacity limitations. One such proposal suggested Marine Corps Air Station Miramar as a preferred site, but this idea was rejected by voters in 2006 due to concerns about interference with military activities and the potential impact on the region's economy.

The airport's terminals, facilities and services

San Diego International Airport, also known as Lindbergh Field, is the primary international airport serving San Diego and its surrounding metropolitan area. It is located just 3 miles (4.8 km) northwest of downtown San Diego, across from Harbor Island. The airport is owned and operated by the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority and covers 663 acres of land. It is the third busiest airport in California in terms of passenger traffic, serving more than 20 million passengers annually.

Terminals

The airport has two terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, with a total of 51 gates. Terminal 1 has two concourses, East and West, and currently has 14 gates (5-18). Terminal 2 also has two concourses, East and West, with 32 gates and four lounges (Aspire Lounge, Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club, Delta Sky Club, and United Club). Construction on a new Terminal 1 began in 2021 and is expected to be completed in two phases, with the first phase scheduled to open in 2025 and the second phase in 2028.

Facilities

In addition to the terminals, San Diego International Airport offers a range of facilities to cater to the needs of travellers. The airport provides a variety of dining options, featuring gourmet food and drink from local restaurants. There are also rental car facilities, with all major car rental agencies available at the airport. Additionally, the airport has a Cell Phone Lot, providing free parking for up to 60 minutes for those picking up arriving passengers. The airport also has an Airline Support Building, which houses cargo operations, storage areas for aircraft provisions, and a drop-off and pick-up point for live animals and large cargo.

Services

San Diego International Airport offers a range of services to ensure a smooth travel experience. These include ground transportation options such as taxis, ride-sharing services, and public transportation. The San Diego Flyer shuttle provides a free, electric shuttle bus service between the airport and the Old Town Transit Center, connecting travellers to the San Diego Trolley, MTS bus lines, Coaster, and Amtrak trains. Bus Route 992, operated by the Metropolitan Transit System, also offers transportation between the airport and downtown San Diego. The airport provides easy access to Tijuana Airport via the Cross Border Xpress, a secure border-crossing pedestrian bridge. Additionally, the airport offers car rental services, with a consolidated rental car facility located on the north side of the airport.

The airport's busiest routes

San Diego International Airport (IATA: SAN, ICAO: KSAN, FAA LID: SAN) is the primary international airport serving San Diego and its surrounding metropolitan area. It is located three miles (4.8 km) northwest of downtown San Diego, California, and is the third busiest airport in California in terms of passenger traffic. It is the busiest single-runway airport in the United States, serving over 20 million passengers in 2015.

The busiest domestic routes from San Diego International Airport (from September 2023 to August 2024) are:

• San Francisco, California: served by Alaska, Southwest, and United.
• Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas: served by American, Frontier, and Southwest.
• San Jose, California: served by Alaska, Southwest, and Spirit.
• Sacramento, California: served by Alaska, Southwest, and Spirit.
• Chicago-O'Hare, Illinois: served by Alaska, Delta, and Southwest.

The busiest international routes from San Diego International Airport (from July 2023 to June 2024) are:

• London–Heathrow, United Kingdom: served by American, British Airways, and Virgin Atlantic.
• San José del Cabo, Mexico: served by Alaska, Southwest, and Sun Country.
• Toronto–Pearson, Canada: served by Air Canada and WestJet.
• Tokyo–Narita, Japan: served by Japan Airlines.
• Montréal–Trudeau, Canada: served by Air Canada.

Frequently asked questions