SAN Diego International Airport Upgrades Terminal 1 with $23.5 Million from FAA
Upgrading Terminal 1: A Look into the Modernization of San Diego International Airport
Investing in Airports for Improved Efficiency
Shannetta R. Griffin, P.E., the FAA’s associate administrator for airports, explained the need for the pricy updates. “These grants not only invest in the physical infrastructure of our airports but also in strengthening safety and improving efficiency for travelers, and help the economy thrive,” she said in a statement.
Modernizing San Diego International Airport
A total of $187 million in grants is going to US airports to modernize them. San Diego International Airport’s Terminal 1 has already cost $3.4 billion prior to the $23.5 million grant.
Anticipated Features of the Upgraded Terminal 1
The 1,210,000-square-foot terminal building will have 30 gates for travelers. It will also have 19 restaurants and seven retail shops to choose from. With a 13-lane security checkpoint and over 5,000 parking spaces, travelers in a hurry can breathe easy. The majority of the airport terminal will be complete in 2025, with the last 11 gates finishing up by 2028.
The Emphasis on Local Culture and Amenities
Terminal 1 will add more airport seating to accommodate crowds waiting for their flights. Artwork commissioned by six different artists will also adorn the walls. A new play area will cater to families traveling with children. The food at Terminal 1 will serve plenty of locally-sourced dining options.
Terminal 1: A Historical Perspective
Terminal 1 has been around since 1967, making the renovation a welcomed change. By 2011, San Diego International Airport saw about 11 million flyers. Historically, the airport was a “gathering place” according to Terminal 1’s website.