Lois Larson
San Diego International Airport, formerly known as Lindbergh Field, is conveniently located just minutes from downtown San Diego. The airport was originally named after Charles Lindbergh, who made his historic transatlantic flight in 1927. The site of Lindbergh's flight testing, Dutch Flats Airport, is located near the San Diego River and San Diego Bay. 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. Today, it offers easy access to the Port of San Diego and provides travellers with various transportation options, including the San Diego Flyer, an electric shuttle-bus service, and Bus Route 992, which offers connections to the San Diego Trolley and other transit options.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | San Diego International Airport |
| Former Name | Lindbergh Field |
| Location | Minutes from downtown San Diego |
| Transport Links | Interstate 5, State Route 94, B Street Pier, Port Pavilion on Broadway Pier |
| Terminals | 2 |
| Shuttle Services | San Diego Flyer, Airport Flyer |
| Bus Services | Route 992, Bus Route 992 |
| Train Services | San Diego Trolley |
| History | First federally certified airfield to serve all aircraft types, including seaplanes |
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What You'll Learn
San Diego International Airport's history and previous name
San Diego International Airport is located three miles (4.8 km; 2.6 nmi) northwest of downtown San Diego, California. The airport is the primary international airport serving San Diego and its surrounding metropolitan area. It is the busiest single-runway airport in the United States.
Before the airport was built, the area was a delta river outlet for the San Diego River into San Diego Bay. The airport is near the site of the Ryan Airlines factory and the Dutch Flats Airport, where Charles Lindbergh flight-tested the Spirit of St. Louis before his historic 1927 transatlantic flight. Inspired by Lindbergh's flight, 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 new airport, dedicated on August 16, 1928, was San Diego Municipal Airport – Lindbergh Field, with 140 Navy and 82 Army planes involved in a flyover.
The airport was the first federally certified airfield to serve all aircraft types, including seaplanes. The original terminal was on the northeast side of the field, on Pacific Highway. The airport was also a testing facility for several early US sailplane designs, notably those by William Hawley Bowlus, who also operated the Bowlus Glider School at Lindbergh Field from 1929 to 1930. The airport gained international airport status in 1934.
A major defence contractor and contributor to World War II heavy bomber production, 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. The US Army Air Corps took over the field in 1942, improving it to handle heavy bombers. Two camps were established at the airport during World War II: Camp Consair and Camp Sahara. This transformation, including an 8,750-foot (2,670-meter) runway, made the airport "jet-ready" long before jet airliners came into service. Pacific Southwest Airlines (PSA) established its headquarters in San Diego and started service at Lindbergh Field in 1949.
In 2001, the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority (SDCRAA) was created by California State Assembly Bill 93. The SDCRAA assumed jurisdiction over the airport in December 2002 and changed its name from Lindbergh Field to San Diego International Airport in 2003, considering the new name "a better fit for a major commercial airport."
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Transport links to the airport
San Diego International Airport, also known as Lindbergh Field, is located just minutes from downtown San Diego. The airport is serviced by 17 major and commuter airlines, including nonstop flights from Mexico, Canada, Japan, and the UK, and receives more than 20 million passengers a year.
The airport terminals are easily navigable and offer gourmet food and drink options from local restaurants. Shuttle trips are available to and from the airport, timed to meet the first and last trolleys, trains, and buses of the day. The initial pickup is at 4:45 a.m., and the final pickup/dropoff is at 12:30 a.m. The Old Town center is serviced by buses that stop at both main airport terminals, arriving every 20 to 30 minutes. These buses are identifiable by their light orange sides adorned with airplane icons and the word "Flyer," and they are powered by 100% sustainable energy. Taxis and shuttles are also available at the Transportation Plazas outside each terminal and offer a quick and easy way to get to your destination.
For those who prefer public transportation, the free San Diego Airport Flyer shuttle connects to the Old Town Transit Center, providing easy access to multiple lines of the San Diego Trolley. Additionally, Bus Route 992, operated by the Metropolitan Transit System, offers curbside drop-off and pickup outside baggage claim in both terminals, operating seven days a week from early morning to late night. This bus runs every 15 minutes on weekdays for most of the day and is equipped with luggage racks.
For those renting a car, free dedicated rental car shuttle buses run continuously between the airport terminals and the Rental Car Center.
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The airport's role in World War II
San Diego International Airport, previously known as Lindbergh Field, is located in San Diego, California, in the US, three miles northwest of downtown San Diego. The airport was the first federally certified airfield to serve all types of aircraft, including seaplanes.
During World War II, the airport played a significant role in the country's defence efforts. In 1942, the US Army Air Corps took control of the field, making significant improvements to accommodate the manufacturing and handling of heavy bombers in the region. This included the construction of an 8,750-foot runway, which made the airport "jet-ready" long before jet airliners became operational.
Two camps were established at the airport during this period, named Camp Consair and Camp Sahara. The airport served as headquarters for Consolidated Aircraft, later known as Convair, a major defence contractor and manufacturer of heavy bombers for World War II. Convair utilised the airport for test and delivery flights from 1935 to 1945.
The airport's transformation during the war years reflected its importance in military operations and contributed to the war effort by providing a base for aircraft testing, delivery, and support for the heavy bombers that were crucial to the country's air power during World War II.
After the war, the airport continued to develop and expand its operations. In 1949, Pacific Southwest Airlines (PSA) established its headquarters in San Diego and began service at Lindbergh Field. The airport gained international recognition in 1957, with 42 departures listed in the Official Airline Guide, including flights to Dallas and El Paso.
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The airport's terminals
San Diego International Airport (SAN), also known as Lindbergh Field, is located three miles northwest of downtown San Diego, California. The airport has two terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, which offer a variety of domestic and international flights.
The original terminal was on the north side of the airport, on Pacific Highway. The current Terminal 1 opened on the south side of the airport on March 5, 1967. The airport was the first federally certified airfield to serve all types of aircraft, including seaplanes. The first transcontinental glider tow departed from Lindbergh Field on March 30, 1930, and ended in New York City on April 6, 1930. The airport gained international status in 1934.
In July 1996, a small standalone Commuter Terminal was opened, where all short-haul flights to Los Angeles boarded. Terminal 2 was expanded westward by 300,000 square feet in January 1998. The expanded Terminal 2 and the Commuter Terminal were designed by Gensler and SGPA Architecture and Planning.
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 state law.
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Nearby attractions
San Diego International Airport (formerly Lindbergh Field) is located just three miles from downtown San Diego, California. The airport is conveniently located near many of the city's top attractions, making it a popular gateway for travellers.
Balboa Park: Balboa Park is a 1,200-acre urban cultural park that is home to a variety of museums, art galleries, performing arts venues, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. It is just a short drive or public transit ride from the airport, making it a popular destination for travellers looking to explore the city's cultural offerings.
Downtown San Diego: The airport is just minutes away from the heart of downtown San Diego, where travellers can find a vibrant nightlife, gourmet restaurants, and shopping. Downtown San Diego is also home to the historic Gaslamp Quarter, known for its Victorian-era architecture and lively entertainment scene.
San Diego Bay: San Diego Bay offers a beautiful waterfront experience with stunning views of the city skyline. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including sailing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. The bay is also home to the USS Midway Museum, where visitors can explore a historic aircraft carrier.
Beaches: San Diego is famous for its beautiful beaches, including Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, and La Jolla Shores. These beaches offer surfing, swimming, and sunbathing opportunities and are just a short drive from the airport.
Military Attractions: Due to its proximity to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego and its historical significance in aviation, the airport is surrounded by several military attractions. These include the site of the former Ryan Airlines factory, where Charles Lindbergh flight-tested the Spirit of St. Louis, and the nearby Camp Consair and Camp Sahara, established during World War II.
With its convenient location and easy access to public transportation, San Diego International Airport makes it easy for travellers to explore the many attractions that the city has to offer.
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Frequently asked questions
San Diego Lindbergh Airport, now known as San Diego International Airport, is conveniently located just minutes from downtown San Diego.
The airport was named after Charles Lindbergh, who flight-tested the Spirit of St. Louis before his historic 1927 transatlantic flight.
The airport gained international airport status in 1934.
The name was changed in 2003 by the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority (SDCRAA), who assumed jurisdiction over the airport in December 2002.
You can take the San Diego Flyer, a free electric shuttle-bus service, which operates between the airport and the Old Town Transit Center. From there, you can connect to the San Diego Trolley, MTS bus lines, Coaster, and Amtrak trains.
