The transformation of San Diego International Airport’s Terminal 1 is well underway, with the first phase set to open in 2025. Recent milestones include the opening of the Terminal 1 Parking Plaza with 2,800 new spaces, installation of 4 miles of baggage handling conveyor belts, and completion of more than half of the passenger boarding bridges.
A major highlight of the New Terminal 1 (New T1) program is the Airside Improvements Project, which recently received the Envision Gold Award from the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure. Jacobs, serving as the project’s airside designer, collaborated with the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority (SDCRAA) to integrate sustainability and resiliency into every stage of design and construction.
Key sustainable features include:
✅ New taxiway and aircraft parking area to reduce taxiing time and emissions
✅ Advanced lighting and signage systems for improved efficiency
✅ One of the largest airport water capture, treatment, and reuse systems in the U.S., reducing stormwater runoff by 80% and conserving potable water for cooling towers
✅ Climate resilience measures to address environmental challenges
✅ Waste reduction strategies to minimize construction impact
Jacobs Project Manager John Thompson emphasized the company’s commitment to delivering sustainable, resilient, and community-focused infrastructure solutions, highlighting the project’s long-term societal benefits.
With a $3.8 billion budget, the New T1 program aims to replace the existing terminal, improve airfield operations, enhance transportation connectivity, and create up to 20,000 construction jobs—solidifying its role in shaping San Diego’s transportation future.
