Gensler, in partnership with Turner-Flatiron, has unveiled the transformed Terminal 1 at San Diego International Airport (SAN), redefining travel at the nation’s busiest single-runway commercial airport. The project replaces the original 1960s terminal with a modern, experience-focused, and sustainability-driven facility nearly three times larger, expanding from 336,000 square feet to approximately one million square feet.
The new Terminal 1 enhances capacity and connectivity, opening with 19 gates, 17 new concessions, 13 security lanes, seven baggage carousels, and 23 restrooms—a significant upgrade from the previous terminal. A second phase, set for completion in 2028, will add 11 more gates, further strengthening San Diego’s role as a major regional gateway.
A Design Inspired by Southern California
“Airports are cultural front doors,” said Terence Young, Principal and Design Director at Gensler. “Terminal 1 celebrates Southern California’s natural beauty with daylight-filled spaces, local materials, and intuitive walking paths designed for comfort and clarity.”
The terminal’s architecture incorporates:
- Curved fritted glass panels forming the “Luminous Wave” façade
- Triangular bracing columns for unobstructed interiors
- Wave-inspired wooden ceilings for a calming security experience
- An outdoor terrace seating 300+, overlooking the skyline and Harbor Island
These design elements bring the San Diego landscape into the travel journey, creating a seamless and memorable passenger experience.
Sustainability at the Core
Terminal 1 is designed to operate on 100% carbon-free electricity and is pursuing several major certifications:
- LEED v4 Silver (terminal)
- Parksmart Gold (parking plaza)
- Envision v3 Silver (infrastructure)
Key sustainability features include:
- A 900,000-gallon underground cistern
- Stormwater reuse systems
- A roof prepared for a 4 MW solar array
- Projected 20% reduction in total energy use
- 30% reduction in embodied carbon
- A structural lifespan of 100+ years
The terminal is central to the airport’s long-term transformation and aligns with the City of San Diego’s Climate Action Plan.
Setting a New Standard for Airports Worldwide
“Terminal 1 signals a turning point for aviation,” said Ty Osbaugh, Global Aviation Leader at Gensler. “Airports must move people—not only planes—with experiences that restore calm, reduce emissions, and strengthen regional economies. This terminal sets a new global standard.”
Gensler Aviation continues to lead major airport projects across the U.S., including in San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York (JFK), Pittsburgh, Dallas Fort Worth, Phoenix, and Tampa.
