Owais Crawford
San Diego International Airport, also known as Lindbergh Field, is the primary international airport serving San Diego and its surrounding metropolitan area. The airport is located three miles northwest of downtown San Diego and is the third busiest airport in California in terms of passenger traffic. But when was it built?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | San Diego International Airport |
| IATA | SAN |
| ICAO | KSAN |
| FAA LID | SAN |
| Year Built | 1920s |
| Owner | San Diego County Regional Airport Authority |
| Operator | San Diego Unified Port District |
| Location | 3 miles (4.8 km) northwest of downtown San Diego |
| Area | 663 acres (268 ha) |
| Terminals | 2 |
| Gates | 51 |
| Runway | 1 |
| Runway Designation | 09/27 |
| Runway Length | 9,401 by 200 feet (2,865 m x 61 m) |
| Runway Material | Asphalt and Concrete |
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What You'll Learn
San Diego International Airport's history
San Diego International Airport has a long and fascinating history. The airport, located just three miles (4.8 km) northwest of downtown San Diego, is the primary international airport serving the city and its surrounding areas. With two terminals and 51 gates, 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's history can be traced back to the 1920s when the first plane landed near downtown San Diego. The site, originally known as Dutch Flats, was a tidal marsh on San Diego Bay, characterised by its unpleasant smell and insect-infested waters. Over time, the airport gained prominence and, in 1930, it became the site of a national and world record for women's altitude, set by Ruth Alexander. That same year, Lindbergh Field, as the airport was also known, witnessed the first transcontinental glider tow by Captain Frank Hawks, who flew from San Diego to New York City.
In 1934, the airport attained international status, and in 1937, the United States Coast Guard Air Base was established next to the airfield. During World War II, the Army Air Corps took control of Lindbergh Field, and the runway was extended to accommodate the large and heavy seaplanes and air transports built by the Consolidated Aircraft company. This new runway was long enough to handle commercial jet travel and is still in use today.
In the 1950s, concerns arose about Lindbergh Field reaching its capacity, sparking decades of discussions and studies on potential alternative sites. However, in 1962, the airport gained a new operator, the San Diego Unified Port District, and in 1967, the new East Terminal (now Terminal 1) was inaugurated by Governor Ronald Reagan.
Today, San Diego International Airport continues to undergo expansions and improvements, including the addition of new gates, enhanced security and baggage screening areas, and sustainable design features, earning it prestigious certifications and recognition.
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The airport's terminals
San Diego International Airport has two terminals and 51 gates in total. Terminal 1, the historic terminal, currently has 14 gates in use. The first phase of the new T1 will open 19 of the planned 30 new gates in late summer 2025. The remaining 11 gates are planned to be built by 2028, at which point the existing Terminal 1 will be demolished. Terminal 1 currently has two concourses (East and West), but it is unclear whether this will change following the completion of the new T1 project.
Terminal 2 has two concourses (East and West), 32 gates, and four lounges: the Aspire Lounge, Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club, Delta Sky Club, and United Club. Terminal 2's expansion was led by HNTB, which served as the lead architect and engineer. The expansion added 10 gates, a food court/retail marketplace, a larger security screening area, an in-line baggage screening matrix, a "Smart Curb", and full common-use passenger processing systems. The terminal expansion received the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Platinum certification from the U.S., making it the world's first airport terminal to earn the highest LEED® certification.
San Diego International Airport, also known as Lindbergh Field, began life as Dutch Flats, a tidal marsh on San Diego Bay. The airport has been in operation since at least the 1920s, and by 1934, it was getting crowded, with the Coast Guard's new air station joining several airlines, flying schools, Ryan Aircraft, and the Marines. In 1967, Governor Ronald Reagan dedicated the new East Terminal, which is now Terminal 1.
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Runway characteristics
San Diego International Airport has one runway, designated 09/27 for its magnetic headings of 095 degrees (106 True) and 275 degrees (286 True). The runway is built of asphalt and concrete and measures 9,401 ft by 200 ft (2,865 m by 61 m). Each end of the runway has a displaced threshold: on Runway 27, the first 1,810 ft (550 m) are displaced, while the first 1,000 ft (300 m) are displaced on Runway 9. The west end of the runway has an Engineered Materials Arrestor System (EMAS), which was installed in 2006 and expanded in 2021.
The approach to Runway 27 is unusually steep due to utility poles and buildings over 200 ft (61 m) tall located within 2 miles (3.2 km) of the east end of the runway. The parking garage located 800 ft (240 m) from the east of the end of the runway was built in the 1980s, long after previous obstructions on the east side of I-5 were constructed. The runway's approach has gained a reputation among passengers for the unusual experience of flying relatively low and close to San Diego's densely populated downtown, drawing comparisons to other airports with challenging approaches, such as Kansas City's Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport and Hong Kong's former Kai Tak Airport.
From the left side of the aircraft, the approach offers close-up views of skyscrapers, Petco Park (home of the San Diego Padres), San Diego Bay, and the San Diego-Coronado Bridge. Balboa Park, the site of the 1915-1916 Panama-California Exposition, can be seen from the right side. The landing approach is also characterised by a relatively short usable landing area, a steep descent angle over the crest of Bankers Hill, and shifting wind currents just before landing.
The runway at Lindbergh Field was originally built during World War II when the Army Air Corps took over the field. The runway was constructed to handle the large and heavy seaplanes and air transports built by the Consolidated Aircraft company, which had its headquarters on the border of Lindbergh Field. This runway was long enough to handle commercial jet travel and is the same runway that continues to serve Lindbergh Field today.
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Airport expansion plans
San Diego International Airport, located in California, is currently undergoing a series of expansion plans to enhance its infrastructure and improve the overall travel experience for its passengers. Here is an overview of the airport expansion plans:
Terminal 1 Expansion
The airport is in the process of constructing a new Terminal 1, which is expected to be completed in phases. The first phase, scheduled for completion in late summer 2025, will see the opening of 19 new gates out of the planned 30. By 2028, the new T1 will be fully operational, offering a total of 30 new gates, providing a significant increase in the airport's gate capacity. The new terminal will also feature an on-airport entrance road, providing travellers with a quicker route to the airport by bypassing local traffic on N. Harbor Drive. Additionally, new bicycle lanes and a pedestrian path will be constructed to improve connectivity between the airport and the surrounding communities.
Terminal 2 Expansion
San Diego International Airport's Terminal 2 has already undergone a significant expansion. As part of a 526,000-square-foot expansion project, Terminal 2 added 10 new gates, enhancing the airport's capacity to accommodate more aircraft. This expansion also included the addition of a food court/retail marketplace, providing travellers with a variety of dining and shopping options. Moreover, the terminal's security screening area was enlarged, and a "Smart Curb" feature was introduced, offering enhanced passenger processing capabilities.
Runway Characteristics and Challenges
The airport's single runway, designated as 09/27, presents some unique challenges due to its steep approach and surrounding obstacles. The runway is 9,401 feet long and 200 feet wide and is constructed from asphalt and concrete. The approach to Runway 27 is particularly steep due to nearby utility poles and tall buildings within a 2-mile radius of the east end of the runway. This has gained notoriety among passengers for offering an unusual flying experience, with low-altitude views of San Diego's densely populated downtown area.
In summary, San Diego International Airport is actively pursuing expansion plans centred primarily on the development of new terminals and the addition of new gates. These expansions aim to increase the airport's capacity, improve passenger experience, and enhance connectivity to the surrounding communities. The plans take into account the unique challenges posed by the airport's location, including the steep approach and nearby obstacles, to ensure safe and efficient operations.
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The airport's operator
San Diego International Airport is currently owned and operated by the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority. However, the airport has had a long and complex history of operators and proposed relocation sites.
The airport was originally known as Lindbergh Field, named after the famous aviator Charles Lindbergh. It began life as Dutch Flats, a tidal marsh on San Diego Bay, and the first plane landed there in the 1920s. By the 1930s, it was a busy airport, serving as a site for record-breaking flights and the base for several aviation companies. During World War II, the Army Air Corps took over the field, and a new runway was built to accommodate large military aircraft.
In the 1950s, officials began to worry about Lindbergh Field reaching capacity, and from then on, there were numerous studies and proposals for relocating the airport. Multiple sites were considered, including Montgomery Field in Kearney Mesa, the Silver Strand in Coronado, and North Island Naval Air Station, but all were rejected by the Navy. Despite these concerns, the airport continued to expand. The first scheduled flights using jets took off from Lindbergh Field in September 1960, and by 1967, non-stop flights to New York were available.
In 1962, the San Diego Unified Port District took over operations of Lindbergh Field, and in the same year, the new East Terminal (now Terminal 1) opened. Despite this expansion, the debate over the airport's location has continued. The current site is boxed in by the ocean, commercial buildings, and military property, and many have concerns about the noise and potential dangers of its downtown location.
The airport has continued to undergo improvements and expansions to enhance its functionality and environmental sustainability. The award-winning Terminal 2 expansion, led by HNTB, earned the highest LEED® certification for its design and construction. The project added new gates, improved passenger processing systems, and expanded aircraft apron and taxiway areas.
Despite the ongoing discussions about relocation, San Diego International Airport remains a vital transportation hub, serving as the primary international airport for the region and ranking as the third busiest airport in California in terms of passenger traffic.
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Frequently asked questions
San Diego International Airport was built in the 1920s. The airport gained international status in 1934.
San Diego International Airport was originally called Lindbergh Field. It was located on Dutch Flats, a tidal marsh on San Diego Bay. The airport was the site of a national and world record for women's altitude in 1930, set by Ruth Alexander.
The runway at San Diego International Airport is unusually steep due to utility poles and buildings over 200 ft (61 m) tall located within 2 miles (3.2 km) of the east end of the runway. The runway is made of asphalt and concrete and measures 9,401 by 200 feet (2,865 m x 61 m).
