SAN ANTONIO – City officials on Tuesday broke ground on a $1.2 billion terminal at the San Antonio International Airport.
City officials said the new terminal is needed to meet the needs of one of the fastest-growing medium-sized airports in the United States.
“This project represents not just the future of our airport but also our commitment to meeting the needs of growing international and domestic passengers,” said Jesus Saenz, director of airports for the City of San Antonio Aviation.
The new terminal development is part of a broader vision to modernize and expand SAT, ensuring a first-class travel experience for passengers.
“You’re going to see a terminal you’ve never seen before. It’s going to be first-class,” Saenz added.
Mayor Ron Nirenberg praised the collaboration behind the project, calling it a team effort that will boost the city’s growth.
“This will also elevate the aspirations of our entire city. To elevate the expectation of what we should have and enjoy in our city,” Nirenberg said.
The terminal is expected to have up to 17 domestic and international gates by mid-2028. The facility will span 850,000 square feet, including 41,000 square feet of concession space and 29,000 square feet dedicated to lounge areas.
Renderings presented by airport officials revealed features like a Riparian Paseo entry, an indoor courtyard to reflect the city’s character and modern roadway improvements to streamline traffic flow.
According to the airport, the construction project of the terminal will support 16,000 jobs.
Amenities of the airport include increased gate space to enhance passenger comfort. The terminal will also include a federal inspection station to facilitate expanded international air service.
Additional amenities at the new ground-load facility will feature three new ground gates, 37,000 square feet of space, dual-level seating areas, expanded food and retail options, and charging stations for electronics.
City Council officials noted that the development program will guide the airport’s growth over the next 20 years, addressing the airfield, terminal facilities, and supporting infrastructure.
BACKGROUND
Southwest Airlines failed to stop a new airline use and lease agreement that would keep it out of the new terminal being built at the airport.
However, San Antonio’s largest airline appears ready to continue its federal lawsuit against the City of San Antonio, even as the new lease costs it millions more dollars per year.
The city and airline faced off in U.S. District Court in September to argue over Southwest’s 11th-hour attempt to stop a new airline use and lease agreement (AULA) from taking effect on Tuesday.
>> Southwest sues San Antonio after ‘bait and switch’ for space in new terminal
San Antonio’s largest airline said the city used a “bait and switch” tactic in the more than two years of negotiations, leaving it out of the still-under-development Terminal C at the airport. Southwest Airlines said Airport Director Jesus Saenz verbally committed to Southwest that it would get most, if not all, of its 10 gates at Terminal C, but instead, the airline got relegated to the smaller, older Terminal A.
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