Lois Larson
San Diego International Airport, formerly known as Lindbergh Field, is located just minutes from downtown San Diego. The airport was originally called San Diego Municipal Airport – Lindbergh Field, named after Charles Lindbergh, who made his historic transatlantic flight in 1927. The airport has a rich history, serving as a testing facility for early US sailplane designs and contributing to World War II heavy bomber production. It was the first federally certified airfield to serve all aircraft types, including seaplanes, and gained international airport status in 1934. Today, San Diego International Airport is a major gateway for travellers, offering convenient access to the city and various transportation options, including the new San Diego Flyer, an electric shuttle-bus service.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | San Diego International Airport |
| Former Name | Lindbergh Field |
| Location | San Diego, California |
| Terminals | 2 |
| Year of Construction | 1928 |
| History | The airport 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. |
| Notable Events | Site of a national and world record for women's altitude established in 1930 by Ruth Alexander. |
| Airlines | American Airlines, United Airlines, Pacific Southwest Airlines (PSA), Western, Bonanza |
| Nearby Attractions | Old Town Transit Center, Mission Bay |
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What You'll Learn
- San Diego International Airport was once called Lindbergh Field
- The airport was named after Charles Lindbergh, who made a historic transatlantic flight in 1927
- The airport gained international status in 1934
- Convair used the airport for test and delivery flights from 1935 to 1995
- The airport is conveniently located just minutes from downtown San Diego
San Diego International Airport was once called Lindbergh Field
San Diego International Airport, the main gateway for travellers to San Diego, was once called Lindbergh Field. 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 transatlantic flight in 1927. 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. Lindbergh not only encouraged the building of the airport but also agreed to lend his name to it. The airport, dedicated on 16 August 1928, was named 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, notably those by William Hawley Bowlus, who was the superintendent of construction on the Spirit of St. Louis. Bowlus also operated the Bowlus Glider School at Lindbergh Field from 1929 to 1930. The airport gained international status in 1934.
Consolidated Aircraft, later known as Convair, had their headquarters on the border of Lindbergh Field and built many of their military aircraft there. Convair used the airport for test and delivery flights from 1935 to 1995. During World War II, the US Army Air Corps took over the field, improving it to handle the heavy bombers being manufactured in the region. This transformation, which included an 8,750-foot (2,670-metre) runway, made the airport "jet-ready" long before jet airliners came into service.
The airport was built and operated by the City of San Diego through the sale of municipal bonds, which were to be repaid by airport users. In 1962, it was transferred to the San Diego Unified Port District by a state law. In 2001, the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority (SDCRAA) was created, and it assumed jurisdiction over the airport in December 2002. The following year, the authority changed the airport's name from Lindbergh Field to San Diego International Airport, reportedly considering the new name "a better fit for a major commercial airport".
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The airport was named after Charles Lindbergh, who made a historic transatlantic flight in 1927
San Diego International Airport, formerly known as Lindbergh Field, was named after Charles Lindbergh, who made a historic transatlantic flight in 1927. The airport is located near the site of the Ryan Airlines factory, where Lindbergh flight-tested the Spirit of St. Louis before his famous journey. Inspired by his achievement, the city of San Diego passed a bond issue in 1928 for the construction of a two-runway municipal airport, with Lindbergh's encouragement and agreement to lend his name to it.
The airport has a rich history beyond its association with Lindbergh. It was the first federally certified airfield to serve all aircraft types, including seaplanes. It also served as a testing facility for early US sailplane designs, including those by William Hawley Bowlus, who was the superintendent of construction on the Spirit of St. Louis. Bowlus operated the Bowlus Glider School at Lindbergh Field from 1929 to 1930. The airport witnessed a national and world record for women's altitude established by Ruth Alexander in 1930. Additionally, it was the starting point of the first transcontinental glider tow, successfully completed by Captain Frank Hawks in 1930.
The airport's proximity to the Ryan Airlines factory and its role in Lindbergh's historic flight gave it its initial claim to fame. However, it continued to play a significant role in aviation milestones. In 1934, the airport gained international airport status, further elevating its importance. During World War II, the US Army Air Corps took over the field, improving it to accommodate the heavy bombers being manufactured in the region. This transformation included the addition of an 8,750-foot runway, making the airport "jet-ready" well before the introduction of jet airliners.
The airport has undergone several name changes and transfers of jurisdiction. In 2001, the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority (SDCRAA) was established, assuming jurisdiction over the airport in December 2002. The following year, in 2003, the SDCRAA changed the airport's name from Lindbergh Field to San Diego International Airport. This name change was reportedly done to better reflect its status as a major commercial airport. Despite the official name change, the airport is still commonly referred to as Lindbergh Field by many locals and aviation enthusiasts.
Today, San Diego International Airport serves as a major gateway for travelers to the region, conveniently located just minutes from downtown San Diego. It continues to undergo construction and improvements to enhance the travel experience, with projects such as the brand-new Terminal 1 and the San Diego Flyer, an electric shuttle-bus service, offering improved airport access and connectivity to regional transit options.
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The airport gained international status in 1934
San Diego International Airport, formerly known as Lindbergh Field, gained international status in 1934. The airport was the first federally certified airfield to serve all types of aircraft, including seaplanes.
The airport's history is closely tied to Charles Lindbergh's historic 1927 transatlantic flight. Inspired by his feat, the city of San Diego passed a bond issue in 1928 for the construction of a two-runway municipal airport, which Lindbergh not only encouraged but also agreed to lend his name to. The airport was dedicated on August 16, 1928, as San Diego Municipal Airport – Lindbergh Field, with a grand flyover involving 140 Navy and 82 Army planes.
The airport played a significant role in aviation beyond its association with Lindbergh. It served as a testing facility for early US sailplane designs, including those by William Hawley Bowlus, who was the superintendent of construction on the Spirit of St. Louis. Bowlus also operated a glider school at Lindbergh Field from 1929 to 1930. The airport witnessed several aviation milestones, such as Ruth Alexander setting a national and world record for women's altitude in 1930, and Captain Frank Hawks' first transcontinental glider tow in the same year.
The airport's transformation continued, and by 1952, it boasted an 8,700-foot runway, making it "jet-ready" well before the introduction of jet airliners. The airport's name was officially changed from Lindbergh Field to San Diego International Airport in 2003 to reflect its status as a major commercial airport. Today, it remains a key gateway for travellers, conveniently located just minutes from downtown San Diego.
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Convair used the airport for test and delivery flights from 1935 to 1995
San Diego International Airport (IATA: SAN, ICAO: KSAN, FAA LID: SAN) is the primary airport serving San Diego and its surrounding metropolitan area in California. The airport is located three miles (4.8 km) northwest of downtown San Diego and covers 663 acres of land.
The airport was originally known as Lindbergh Field, named after Charles Lindbergh, who flight-tested the Spirit of St. Louis at the nearby Dutch Flats Airport 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, which was dedicated on August 16, 1928, as San Diego Municipal Airport – Lindbergh Field.
Consolidated Aircraft, later known as Convair, had their headquarters on the border of Lindbergh Field. Convair was a major defence contractor and contributor to World War II heavy bomber production, building many of their military aircraft at Lindbergh Field. From 1935 to 1995, Convair used the airport for test and delivery flights. During this period, the airport witnessed several notable incidents involving Convair aircraft.
Convair played a significant role in aviation history, producing important aircraft such as the PBY Catalina, B-24 Liberator, Convair 880 airliner, and F-102 Delta Dagger. In the 1950s, it was common to see Convair aircraft on test flights over San Diego Bay, including the revolutionary XFY-1 POGO, a vertical takeoff and landing escort fighter for the U.S. Navy. Convair also designed and produced the Atlas missile, the first successful intercontinental ballistic missile capable of carrying a nuclear payload.
In 1942, the US Army Air Corps took over Lindbergh Field to handle the heavy bombers being manufactured in the region. This transformation included the construction of an 8,750-foot runway, making the airport "jet-ready" well before the introduction of jet airliners.
In 1952, a Convair B-36D-25-CF Peacemaker suffered an uncontrollable engine fire while attempting to land at Lindbergh Field after a pre-delivery test flight. On July 15, 1953, a prototype Convair XP5Y-1 Tradewind seaplane fractured an elevator torque tube during a test flight off Point Loma, forcing all nine crew members to bail out safely.
Convair's presence at Lindbergh Field contributed to the airport's rich aviation history and its role in the development and testing of aircraft that shaped the aerospace industry.
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The airport is conveniently located just minutes from downtown San Diego
San Diego International Airport, formerly known as Lindbergh Field, is conveniently located just minutes from downtown San Diego. The airport is the main gateway for travellers to the city and offers easy access to the downtown area.
The airport's proximity to the city centre makes it a convenient option for travellers looking to explore the best of what San Diego has to offer. Whether you're visiting the city for business or leisure, the airport's central location provides easy access to the heart of San Diego.
The airport is well-connected to the city's transportation network, with several options available to get downtown quickly and conveniently. Travellers can take advantage of the San Diego Flyer, an electric shuttle-bus service that operates seven days a week between the airport and the Old Town Transit Center. From there, passengers can easily connect to other forms of public transportation, including the San Diego Trolley, MTS bus lines, Coaster trains, and Amtrak trains.
Additionally, the airport is served by all major car rental agencies, providing travellers with the option of renting a car upon their arrival. Shuttle trips are also timed to coincide with the first and last trolleys, trains, and buses of the day, ensuring that travellers can easily get to and from the airport at any time. The airport's original terminal was located on the north side, with the current Terminal 1 opening on the south side in 1967.
The convenient location of San Diego International Airport makes it a breeze for travellers to reach the downtown area and begin exploring this vibrant city. With its rich history, dating back to its dedication in 1928, the airport has played a significant role in aviation and continues to serve as a vital gateway to San Diego.
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Frequently asked questions
San Diego Lindbergh Airport, now known as San Diego International Airport, is the main gateway for travellers to San Diego.
The name change in 2003 was done to reflect the airport's status as a major commercial airport.
The airport was originally built as a two-runway municipal airport in 1928, inspired by Charles Lindbergh's transatlantic flight in 1927. It was the first federally certified airfield to serve all aircraft types, including seaplanes. It gained international airport status in 1934.
The airport is conveniently located just minutes from downtown San Diego. There are various transport options to get to the airport, including taxi, shuttle, bus, or rental car. The San Diego Flyer, for example, is a free electric shuttle-bus service that operates seven days a week between the airport and the Old Town Transit Center.
