San Diego Terminal 1 Opens September 22

Published on Aug 21, 2025, 11:07 am CDT

6 min read

San Diego International Airport's New Terminal 1 will welcome its first flights on September 22, with a community open house on September 14. Phase 1A debuts 19 gates, a streamlined 13-lane security checkpoint, and a 5,200-space parking plaza steps from check-in. A new on-airport entrance road opens the way to both terminals, routing drivers off North Harbor Drive for faster access. Several airlines will move first, with more following in 2026 and after Phase 1B completes in 2028. Here is how travelers should plan.

Key Points

Why it matters: New gates, parking, and road access will change airport routines at San Diego International Airport (SAN).
Travel impact: Southwest and six other carriers start at New T1 when 19 gates open September 22.
What's next: Air Canada and WestJet join in early 2026, Delta follows with Phase 1B in 2028.
New on-airport entrance road opens August 1 for quicker drop-off and pickup.
Terminal 1 Parking Plaza now offers more than 5,200 spaces next to check-in.

Snapshot

The New Terminal 1 opens in phases, starting September 22 with 19 gates and a 13-lane security checkpoint. The Terminal 1 Parking Plaza, already open, provides more than 5,200 spaces and pre-booking options. A signal-free entrance road on airport property opens August 1, shifting some 45,000 vehicles a day off North Harbor Drive and leading directly to Terminals 1 and 2. The community can see the facility early during a "Community Reveal: Open House" on Sunday, September 14, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Airlines moving first into Phase 1A include Southwest, Frontier, Sun Country, Spirit, JetBlue, Allegiant, and Breeze. The full 30-gate buildout completes with Phase 1B in early 2028.

Background

Terminal 1 first opened in 1967 to serve about 2.5 million travelers a year. By 2019, the same building handled roughly 11 million passengers, contributing to congestion at the nation's busiest single-runway airport. The Airport Authority launched the New T1 program in 2021, a multi-year, $3.8 billion project that replaces the old terminal, modernizes road access, and expands gates, security, and concessions. The program also adds sustainability features, including 185 electric-vehicle chargers, with a goal of LEED Gold certification. Phase 1A delivers 19 new gates, new curbside and roadway layouts, and a large parking plaza next to Terminal 1. Phase 1B, expected in early 2028, adds the remaining 11 gates for a 30-gate total.

Latest Developments

Parking and the new entrance road at San Diego Terminal 1

Stage 2 of the Terminal 1 Parking Plaza opened June 13, bringing the facility to more than 5,200 spaces adjacent to check-in. Travelers can reserve parking and walk indoors to ticketing, which is a major upgrade over the former surface lot. Beginning August 1, a new three-lane, signal-free entrance road on airport property will route drivers from West Laurel Street and westbound North Harbor Drive directly to the terminals. The road is designed to divert approximately 45,000 vehicles per day from Harbor Drive, improving flows for both airport and local traffic. Miss the entrance and you can still reach Terminal 1 via Harbor Island Drive, or Terminal 2 via Spanish Landing, with unchanged eastbound access.

Which airlines move first, and who follows next

When Phase 1A opens, Southwest will operate in the new building along with Frontier, Sun Country, Spirit, JetBlue, Allegiant, and Breeze. That lineup reflects the first wave of moves into the 19-gate facility. Air Canada and WestJet are slated to begin operations in early 2026 as the terminal program continues to mature. Delta Air Lines will join later with Phase 1B in 2028, when the full 30-gate plan is complete. Travelers should watch airline emails and day-of-travel screens, since terminal assignments can shift during the transition period and as remaining construction activities continue.

What opens inside, and what to expect on day one

Expect a modern 13-lane security checkpoint designed to speed screening, plus bright, open concourses and room for roughly 30 restaurants and shops as leases come online. The facility adds more gate-area seating, outdoor views, and future space for up to two lounges or clubs. Sustainability features include 185 EV charging stations across airport parking. Although not every concession will be open on day one, the core operation, including the gates, security, and parking, is designed to deliver a smoother experience than the legacy Terminal 1. The open house on September 14 offers a preview without the travel rush.

Analysis

For travelers, the biggest adjustments will happen curbside and at the checkpoint. The new entrance road changes how many drivers approach the campus, so plan an extra buffer on your first trips after August 1 while you learn the new turnoffs from West Laurel Street and North Harbor Drive. Pre-book parking if you need to be close to Terminal 1, since the plaza is steps from ticketing and will be popular during peak periods. If you rely on rideshare or taxis, allow time for wayfinding as operators adapt to the new approach and curb space. Inside, a 13-lane checkpoint should shorten lines, but the first week of a terminal opening can bring unfamiliar routines. Verify your airline's terminal in the app, watch gate displays, and look for staff guiding passengers through the new flows. If your carrier is not in the initial Phase 1A group, continue using your current terminal until your airline announces a move date.

Final Thoughts

San Diego is putting a traveler-friendly front door on its single-runway airport, with new gates, a large parking plaza, and faster roadway access. The September 14 open house is a useful dry run for locals, and the September 22 opening will begin the transition for airlines moving first. Build in a little extra time on your first visit, follow signage to the new entrance road, and confirm your terminal in your airline app before you head out. With smart planning, you will be ready for the debut of San Diego Terminal 1.

Sources

Topics

San Diego International Airport - SAN