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San Antonio International Airport, located in Uptown Central San Antonio, has been undergoing expansion since 2017, when Mayor Ron Nirenberg announced a new initiative to expand the current airport or build another airfield. The airport currently has three runways and covers 2,305 acres, accommodating 260 daily departures and arrivals at its 27 gates. The expansion plans include a new terminal, renovation of Terminal A, airfield and roadway upgrades, and the addition of new gates. The project is expected to cost $2.5 billion and contribute significantly to the local economy, with a completion target of 2028.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year of Expansion Plan Approval | 2021 |
| Completion Target | 2028 |
| Cost of Expansion | $2.5 billion |
| New Terminal | Terminal C |
| Renovation of Existing Terminal | Terminal A |
| Airfield and Roadway Upgrades | Two-level road expansion in front of Terminal 1 |
| Number of Gates | 35 |
| Number of New Jobs | 16,000 |
| Economic Impact | $2.8 billion |
| Jet Bridges | 28-35 |
| Parking Spaces | 3,000 |
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What You'll Learn
San Antonio International Airport's expansion plan
San Antonio International Airport (SAT) in Texas has been undergoing expansion since its inception in 1941. The airport, which is located about 8 miles (13 km) north of Downtown San Antonio, has been continually developed to accommodate growing passenger traffic, which currently averages 260 daily departures and arrivals at its 27 gates.
In 1944, the airport's name was changed from San Antonio Municipal Airport to San Antonio International Airport. Post-World War II, the Alamo Field portion was released from military use and turned over to the City of San Antonio for civil aviation. Terminal 2, along with an FAA control tower and a baggage claim area, was constructed between 1951 and 1953. The airport continued to expand, with Terminal 1 (now Terminal A) opening in 1975, followed by Terminal B in 2010.
In 2022, further expansion plans were announced, including the construction of Terminal C, which was scheduled for completion in 2015. This new terminal will add five gates initially, eventually expanding to 11 gates, bringing the total number of jet bridges at the airport to 35. The two-level road in front of Terminal 1 will also be expanded to handle the increased traffic from the new terminals.
The most recent expansion plans, as of February 2025, involve a $1 billion terminal and concourse design by Corgan and Lake Flato. This project is set to open in 2028 and is expected to deliver a modern experience for travellers, with improved facilities and increased capacity.
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New terminal C
San Antonio International Airport is currently undergoing a five-year expansion plan, which includes a new terminal, the renovation of Terminal A, airfield and roadway upgrades, and the addition of new gates. The airport is preparing to address the projected growth in passenger numbers with a targeted completion date of 2028.
The new Terminal C, due for completion in 2015, will be constructed to the west of Terminal Two. It will initially have five gates, later expanding to 11 gates. The total number of jet bridges at the airport will be 28 after the first phase of Terminal C, eventually increasing to 35 gates. The two-level road in front of Terminal One will also be expanded to accommodate the extra capacity of the new Terminal B and Terminal C.
The Terminal Development Program (TDP) is expected to contribute significantly to the city's economy, with an estimated cost of $2.5 billion, making it the largest capital expansion plan the City of San Antonio has undertaken. The project is anticipated to generate more than 16,000 new jobs during its design, construction, and maintenance phases.
The TDP is part of a multi-year plan for the region's rapid growth and future-looking sustainability. It was unanimously supported by the San Antonio City Council in November 2021 and is scheduled to be completed and functional by 2028. The expansion will help the airport meet the demand for the region's expansion, fostering the development of important connections and business opportunities.
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Airfield and roadway upgrades
San Antonio International Airport is currently undergoing a five-year expansion plan, which includes airfield and roadway upgrades, a new terminal, and renovation of the existing Terminal A. The airport, which is located about 8 miles (13 km) north of Downtown San Antonio, has three runways and covers 2,305 acres (933 ha).
The airfield and roadway upgrades are part of the Terminal Development Program (TDP), a multi-year plan for the region's rapid growth and future-looking sustainability. The TDP is expected to have a significant economic impact, contributing an estimated $2.5 billion to the local and state economy and creating over 16,000 new jobs. The program includes the construction of a new terminal C, which will add five gates, expanding the total number of jet bridges at the airport to 28. The terminal will later be expanded to 11 gates, bringing the total number of gates at the airport to 35.
In addition to the terminal construction, the two-level road in front of Terminal 1 will be expanded to accommodate the extra capacity of the new Terminal B and Terminal C. A new parking garage was completed in January 2008, adding 3,000 parking spaces. Other airfield and roadway upgrades include runway and pavement improvements, as well as the construction of a transportation center.
The expansion plan also includes improvements to access and the concession program. VIA Metropolitan Transit provides weekday express bus service from the airport to Downtown and a park-and-ride facility in Stone Oak on Route 7. Route 5 offers local bus service and transfers to other routes at the North Star Transit Center. Rented cars, taxis, bus shuttles, hotel shuttles, city buses, charter buses, and limousines are also available at Terminal A and B baggage claim areas.
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Funding for expansion
San Antonio International Airport, located about 8 miles (13 km) north of Downtown San Antonio, is undergoing a significant expansion to accommodate growing passenger numbers and meet the region's rising demand. The expansion plan, estimated to cost $2.5 billion, includes funding from various sources to support the construction of a new terminal, renovation of Terminal A, and necessary airfield and roadway upgrades.
The primary source of funding for the expansion comes from a combination of federal grants and airport revenue. Specifically, federal airport infrastructure grants provide $59 million annually for five years, with an additional $150 million potentially available each year through a competitive federal grants program. This substantial federal support demonstrates the importance of the project and the recognition of its potential impact on the local and state economy.
Passenger facility charges and other airport revenue streams also contribute to the funding. Additionally, airport revenue bonds have been mentioned as a source of financing for the expansion project. However, it is important to note that, according to Director of Airports Jesus Saenz, the funding does not include tax dollars.
The expansion plan is expected to generate over $2.8 billion for the local and state economy over its lifespan and create more than 16,000 new jobs during its design, construction, and maintenance phases. This economic impact underscores the project's significance in fostering economic growth and development in the region.
In addition to the funding sources mentioned above, the City of San Antonio has also received $2.5 million in funding for airport improvements from the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA). This funding was announced in 2022 and is separate from the federal grants mentioned earlier. The FAA has also played a role in approving a runway extension and the lease of a 54-acre site at the airport for commercial development.
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Increase in passenger numbers
San Antonio International Airport (SAT) is the 44th busiest airport in the United States by passenger traffic. The airport averages 10.4 million enplanements, or passengers boarding aircraft, a year, and 260 daily flights serving 45 destinations in the United States, Mexico, and Europe.
In July, the airport saw its busiest month on record with over 1.03 million passengers, beating the previous monthly record of 1 million passengers in July 2023. The airport's director, Jesus Saenz, commented that they are "continuing to see record-breaking passenger levels at SAT. We are growing every day with new destinations and flights being added yearly."
The airport's reliance on tourism travel, in part, hinders its ability to attract more direct routes. San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg noted that at least 60% of passenger traffic to the airport stems from seasonal travel, while about 40% comes from business travel. In other major cities, those numbers are flipped.
To address the growth in passenger numbers, the airport is currently undergoing a five-year, $2.5 billion expansion plan, which includes a new terminal, renovation of the existing Terminal A, airfield and roadway upgrades, and new gates. The plan is expected to contribute significantly to the city's economy, creating more than 16,000 new jobs.
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Frequently asked questions
San Antonio International Airport was founded in 1941 when the City of San Antonio purchased 1,200 acres of undeveloped land.
The last expansion of San Antonio Airport was approved in December 2007, which included a runway extension and the lease of a 54-acre site for commercial development.
The current expansion plan for San Antonio Airport is a five-year, $2.5 billion project that includes a new terminal, renovation of Terminal A, airfield and roadway upgrades, and the addition of new gates.
The current expansion plan is scheduled to be completed in 2028.
