Community Members Test New Terminal 1
SAN DIEGO, CA — September 22, 2025 – The San Diego International Airport (SAN) welcomed thousands of community members on Sunday, September 14, 2025, for two milestone events ahead of the opening of the New Terminal 1 (New T1).
The Community Open House was hosted from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and drew more than 5,000 guests. Attendees explored the new terminal during a self-guided tour, sampled offerings from future restaurants and retail shops, and connected with Airport Authority staff to learn more about the features and amenities offering in the new terminal.
The Passenger Simulation “Dress Rehearsal” was from 2 to 5 p.m. A total of 915 pre-registered participants tested the passenger journey from curbside to gate. Participants experienced check-in, security screening, gate boarding, baggage claim, and concessions while providing real-time feedback to airport staff.
During the Passenger Simulation participants were screened across 10 security checkpoint lanes and 270 test bags, including oversized luggage, were screened and conveyed through the terminal’s new Baggage Handling System. At the end of the event, community participants completed surveys to help the airport identify opportunities to improve signage, passenger queues, paging volumes, and other terminal operational items.
“These events were invaluable in preparing for the official opening of the New Terminal 1,” said Brendan Reed, Senior Director of Operational Planning & Readiness, San Diego County Regional Airport Authority. “Community participation gave us the chance to celebrate this milestone together and the participants provided critical insights to help us fine-tune our operations before we welcome the first passengers.”
The New Terminal 1 will officially open to travelers arriving on the evening of September 22, 2025. For more information about the project, visit newt1.com.
ABOUT SAN DIEGO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (SAN)
Owned and operated by San Diego County Regional Airport Authority (Airport Authority), San Diego International Airport (SAN) is one of the busiest single-runway commercial service airports in the world and the third-busiest airport in California. SAN contributes nearly $12 billion in economic activity for the region by connecting the world to San Diego and San Diego to the world. In November 2021, the Airport Authority began construction on the New T1 which includes the replacement of the current Terminal 1, improvements to the airfield, improved transportation connectivity to the airport, and a new administration building. The New T1’s project budget is $3.8 billion and is estimated to create between 15,000 to 20,000 construction-related jobs. For more information about the New T1 please visit newt1.com. For more information about SAN please visit san.org.
