Jazmin Li
San Antonio International Airport is an international airport in San Antonio, Texas, United States. It is currently undergoing a $1.4 billion terminal development program, which includes the construction of a new 17-gate terminal, a ground transportation center, and the expansion of elevated roadways. The airport was founded in 1941 when the City of San Antonio purchased 1,200 acres of undeveloped land for a project called San Antonio Municipal Airport. The airport changed its name to San Antonio International Airport in 1944. It is one of two airports that are part of the San Antonio Airport System (SAAS), the other being Stinson Municipal Airport.
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What You'll Learn
San Antonio Airport System (SAAS)
The San Antonio Airport System (SAAS) is comprised of two airports: San Antonio International Airport and Stinson Municipal Airport. The former, founded in 1941, is located in Uptown Central San Antonio, about 8 miles (13 km) north of Downtown. It has three runways, covers 2,305 acres (933 ha), and is the 44th busiest airport in the United States by passenger traffic, averaging 260 daily departures and arrivals at its 27 gates. The airport currently serves 14 airlines flying non-stop to 45 destinations in the US and Mexico.
San Antonio International Airport was established when the City of San Antonio purchased 1,200 acres (490 ha) of undeveloped land for a project initially called "'San Antonio Municipal Airport." The airport's name was changed to its current one in 1944, and it has since undergone several expansions and renovations, including the addition of Terminal 2 in the 1950s, and a new satellite concourse built for HemisFair '68. The original Terminal 2 was eventually closed and demolished between 2010 and 2012, with the opening of Terminal B.
Stinson Municipal Airport, on the other hand, is the second oldest continuously operating general aviation airport, having been built in 1915 by the Stinson Family.
The SAAS has recently embarked on a significant development program, with a $1.4 billion price tag. This includes the construction of a new 17-gate terminal, a ground transportation center, and the expansion of elevated roadways. The project is being managed by Colorado-based company Hensel Phelps, one of the largest aviation construction contractors in the country. The new terminal is expected to enhance the efficiency and capacity of the airport system, accommodating the growing aviation demands in the region.
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Airport history and development
San Antonio International Airport (SAT) is an international airport in San Antonio, Texas, United States. The airport was founded in 1941 when the City of San Antonio purchased 1,200 acres of undeveloped land north of the city limits for a project called "San Antonio Municipal Airport." Due to World War II, the airport was not fully finished until after the war. In 1944, the airport's name was changed to San Antonio International Airport.
The first airline to serve the airport was Braniff Airlines in 1943, followed by American Airlines in 1944. In 1951, construction began on Terminal 2, which was completed in 1953. The terminal included a new FAA control tower and a baggage claim area. In 1959, the terminal was expanded with new east and west wings, and in 1968, an eight-gate satellite concourse was added to handle visitors to HemisFair '68.
In June 1971, Southwest Airlines chose San Antonio International Airport as one of its first three destinations, along with Dallas and Houston. In 1975, the city adopted its first Airport Master Plan, which included plans for a new parking garage and a new terminal (now called Terminal A).
In 2002, ST Engineering, known as SAA (San Antonio Aerospace), purchased facilities previously owned by Dee Howard Aircraft Maintenance during their bankruptcy. SAA provides maintenance, services, and aircraft leasing operations for passenger and cargo airlines.
In 2010, Terminal 2 was closed and demolished, and Terminal B was opened. In 2013, SAT Customs and Border Protection became a Global Entry enrollment center. In 2023, construction began on a Ground Load Facility connected to Terminal A, expected to be completed by 2025. The facility will include ground load gate positions, retail, and food options, catering to ultra-low-cost airlines.
San Antonio International Airport is currently undergoing a $1.4 billion Terminal Development Program, which includes the construction of a new 17-gate terminal, a ground transportation center, and the expansion of elevated roadways. The project is managed by Colorado-based company Hensel Phelps, one of the largest aviation construction contractors in the country.
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Airlines and services
San Antonio International Airport (IATA: SAT, ICAO: KSAT, FAA LID: SAT) is located in Uptown Central San Antonio, Texas, about 8 miles (13 km) north of Downtown. The airport has two terminals with 27 jet bridge gates and three runways. It covers 2,305 acres (933 ha) and sits at an elevation of 809 feet (247 m) above sea level. On average, the airport handles 260 daily departures and arrivals, serving 14 airlines that fly non-stop to 45 destinations in the US and Mexico.
The airport is the 44th busiest airport in the United States by passenger traffic. It was founded in 1941 when the City of San Antonio acquired 1,200 acres (490 ha) of undeveloped land for a project called "San Antonio Municipal Airport." However, due to World War II, the airport was not fully completed until after the war. In 1944, the airport's name was changed to its current name, San Antonio International Airport.
The first airline to serve the airport was Braniff Airlines in 1943, followed by American Airlines in 1944. Terminal 2, along with the FAA control tower and a baggage claim area, was constructed between 1951 and 1953. For HemisFair '68, an eight-gate satellite concourse was added to accommodate visitors. Southwest Airlines, a new startup airline in 1971, chose San Antonio as one of its original three destinations, along with Dallas and Houston.
Over the years, San Antonio International Airport has undergone expansions and improvements. Terminal 2 was replaced by the new Terminal B, which opened in 2010. Construction began in October 2023 on a Ground Load Facility, which is expected to be completed by early 2025. This new facility will cater to ultra-low-cost airlines such as Frontier Airlines and Spirit Airlines.
Some of the airlines currently serving San Antonio International Airport include AeroMexico, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, and United Airlines. The airport also has a significant presence of ST Engineering (SAA), providing maintenance and other services for passenger and cargo airlines.
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Accidents and incidents
San Antonio International Airport is owned by the City of San Antonio, Texas, United States. The airport was founded in 1941 when the city purchased 1,200 acres of undeveloped land for a project called "San Antonio Municipal Airport." The airport was not fully finished until after World War II, and its name was changed to San Antonio International Airport in 1944.
January 31, 1967
A Saturn Airways DC-6, operating a cargo flight to Kelly Air Force Base, diverted to San Antonio International Airport. The airplane descended 1,100 feet below the glide slope, flew through trees, and collided with a cliff. All three occupants were killed.
October 29, 2012
Interjet Flight 2953, scheduled for Mexico City International Airport, made an emergency landing at San Antonio International Airport due to engine sputtering issues.
While the following incidents did not occur at San Antonio International Airport, they involved flights that were headed to San Juan, Puerto Rico, and San Francisco International Airport, which are destinations served by San Antonio International Airport:
March 24
21 Air Flight 805 landed safely at Eppley Airfield in Omaha, Nebraska, after the crew reported a possible pressurization issue. The Boeing 767 departed from Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport and was headed to San Francisco International Airport.
January 25
United Airlines Flight 2143 returned safely to Newark Liberty International Airport after the crew reported a fire alarm in the flight deck. The Boeing 767-400 was headed to Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
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Future expansion plans
San Antonio International Airport (SAT) has been undergoing a series of expansion plans to accommodate the growing aviation needs of the region. The airport, located in Uptown Central San Antonio, has been serving an increasing number of passengers and airlines, necessitating these expansion plans.
The future expansion plans for San Antonio International Airport are part of a long-term strategic vision. The airport has received funding for improvements, with a $2.5 billion plan to build a new terminal announced in 2022. This terminal development program is the first set of projects included in the 20-year Strategic Development Plan approved by the City Council in November 2021. The new terminal, designed by Corgan and Lake Flato Architects, will be a massive 800,000 square feet, larger than the two existing terminals combined. It will feature a central processing area for ticketing and security, up to 17 gates, spacious departure and arrival lanes, expansive waiting areas, a courtyard, and club lounges.
Additionally, the expansion includes the construction of a ground load facility, which began in October 2023 and is expected to be completed by early 2025. This facility will be connected to Terminal A and will cater to ultra-low-cost airlines. It will have three ground load gate positions, along with retail and food options. The airport is also constructing three new gates, two in Terminal B and one in Terminal A, to increase capacity and accommodate the rising passenger numbers.
The expansion plan also includes upgrades to runways and a ground transportation center. The airport's strategic plan aims to improve the overall passenger experience and efficiency of operations. The expansion is expected to be completed by 2028 and will be the largest capital project in the city's history, reflecting San Antonio's growing aviation significance.
Councilman Manny Pelaez emphasized the economic development opportunities associated with the airport's expansion, urging local business involvement in the construction projects. The expansion plans are designed to enhance the airport's functionality and capacity, making San Antonio International Airport a key aviation hub in the region.
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Frequently asked questions
The City of San Antonio.
In 1941, the City of San Antonio purchased 1,200 acres of undeveloped land for the airport.
San Antonio Municipal Airport.
The airport opened in 1943 with Braniff Airlines as its first carrier.
San Antonio International Airport is the 44th busiest airport in the United States by passenger traffic.
