San Diegans Explore Terminal 1's Major Upgrade

A New Era for San Diego International Airport

The new Terminal 1 at San Diego International Airport has made a strong first impression. On Sunday, thousands of people flocked to the terminal to get their first glimpse of the newly completed space before its official opening on September 23. The excitement was palpable as visitors explored the vast, modern facility and experienced the changes that have transformed the airport into a more welcoming and efficient environment.

Years of planning, design, and construction have turned the vision of a modern airport into a reality. The new Terminal 1 spans approximately one million square feet, offering travelers a much-needed upgrade from its predecessor. Visitors were seen swiveling in the sleek chairs, exploring the sunny second-floor terrace, and taking pictures of the open, airy space. Many commented on how much brighter and more inviting the new terminal is compared to the old one.

Robert Voces, 53, of Clairemont, described the space as “beachy,” noting the warm terrazzo flooring that reminded him of sand. He also praised the high ceilings and the art installation near the security checkpoint, created by Nova Jiang. From a distance, the piece looked like floating metal, but when viewed from a distance, it revealed itself as a cluster of Torrey pine trees.

His husband, Keith Kilby, appreciated the pet relief area, which includes a fire hydrant, fake grass, and a sink. As a dog dad, he evaluated the space with an expert eye and found it to be spacious and easy to clean. He also liked the single security checkpoint, which he believes will make the process smoother for travelers.

Denise Krane, 48, of Del Mar, arrived early in the morning and was among the first to line up. She and her mother, Ursula, were eager to see the new terminal, which they felt was long overdue. They noted that the original Terminal 1 had become outdated and tired over the years. Others were more direct in their criticism, calling the old terminal “tight” and highlighting the poor condition of the bathrooms.

The new terminal features spacious stalls and vibrant colors, which many visitors found impressive. Other notable details included the high number of baggage carousels, the abundance of charging ports, and the fresh guacamole at Tony Hawk’s restaurant Novecientos Grados. The natural color scheme and inviting terrace also stood out to many.

Christopher Adrian, 36, a father of a young child, said he felt the new space was more relaxed than the old terminal. He used to avoid Terminal 1 because it was too crowded, but now he plans to book flights with Southwest, which operates out of the new terminal.

Porter Allington, 18, of Encinitas, was one of the few who expressed nostalgia for the old terminal. As an aviation enthusiast, he missed the retro feel of the previous space. However, he still found the new terminal to be a significant improvement, praising its openness and modern design.

Around 5,000 people attended the event, with several hundred lining up before the doors opened. The turnout reflected the public's interest in the new terminal, which has been a major project for the airport authority. The $3.8 billion investment in the new facility has sparked some questions, especially regarding the airport’s single runway. SAN is the busiest single-runway airport in the U.S., handling over 25 million passengers last year.

Despite these concerns, many visitors were impressed with the design and functionality of the new terminal. Some came to compare it with other airports, while others were excited about the local San Diego brands featured in the restaurants. There were even those who simply wanted to see what a state-of-the-art airport looks like.

One woman asked why so much money was invested in the new terminal when the airport still only has one runway. Others were drawn to the floor-to-ceiling windows, where they could watch planes taxi and take off. Gagne, a mother of a toddler, said her son would have stood there for hours if allowed.

As the terminal filled with visitors, it began to feel more real, according to Jonathan Heller, communications director for the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority. He noted that the experience of seeing people in the space—eating, looking out the windows, and interacting with the environment—was a sign that the project is becoming a reality after more than a decade of work.

While the experience on Sunday was different from what travelers will encounter once the terminal opens, it gave a glimpse of what to expect. With no luggage to manage and free food available, the atmosphere was relaxed and enjoyable. An hour after entering, Denise Krane, the first visitor to step inside, was on the terrace enjoying the views.

“I can imagine it’s going to be a more peaceful experience than in the past,” she said. Her mother, Ursula, who first flew into the airport in 1973, also saw significant improvements. She noted that the old terminal was just “the terminal,” fitting for San Diego’s smaller population at the time.

How the new terminal will maintain its peaceful atmosphere remains to be seen, but for now, the excitement and positive feedback are clear indicators of a successful transformation.