SITA’s Self-service kiosks, biometric face pods, dynamic signage and wait-time displays deliver smoother journeys
GENEVA – 23 September 2025 – With demand for air travel rising, airports across the U.S. face the challenge of handling more passengers while keeping journeys stress-free. San Diego International Airport’s (SAN) brand-new Terminal 1 is tackling this head-on with a streamlined curb-to-gate experience powered by a full suite of SITA technologies.
The new 1.2 million-square-foot, 30-gate facility includes SITA CUPPS (Common Use Passenger Processing) equipment deployed across check-in counters and boarding gates, 66 self-service TS6 kiosks, US Exit biometric face pods at select gates, and SITA Airport Vision flight information displays system throughout. Dynamic electronic signage powered by Airport Vision directs passengers in real time to airline counters, while integration with 3rd party sensors shows up-to-the-minute security wait times before passengers enter screening.
At the curbside, common-use kiosks and check-in counters enable any airline to serve any passenger, across the entire new terminal facility. This flexibility is especially important for Southwest Airlines traffic, which represents more than half of SAN’s runway volume. Inside, the modular, common-use platform ensures airlines can shift flights or counters seamlessly as demand fluctuates.
Beyond passenger benefits, the project highlights how airports are increasingly “designing to technology.” From the early design stage, SITA worked with construction partners Turner-Flatiron and Rosendin Electric to integrate critical passenger systems. This collaboration helped reduce risk and ensured the terminal opened on time and on budget, despite the scale and complexity of the $3 billion redevelopment.
“Across North America, airports are under pressure to expand capacity while keeping the passenger journey smooth and reliable,” said Shawn Gregor, President Americas at SITA. “Terminal 1 at San Diego shows what’s possible when technology is integrated from the ground up. From common-use flexibility to real-time information and biometrics, our role has been to help the airport move passengers more efficiently while supporting the construction team in delivering this landmark project.”
“Partnering with SITA ensured our new terminal delivers a seamless and innovative experience for our passengers,” said Jessica Bishop, Director of Information and Technology Services at San Diego International Airport. “Their systems give us the flexibility to adapt in real time, and their collaboration throughout construction helped us open this world-class terminal on schedule.”
The opening of Terminal 1 marks a new era for San Diego International Airport, with a modern, flexible, and passenger-friendly experience powered by SITA’s proven technologies and long-standing industry expertise.
About SITA
SITA is the air transport industry’s tech engine, making travel safer, easier, and more sustainable for everyone. From the earliest days of commercial aviation to today’s digital frontiers, SITA has been there, connecting the industry and helping it evolve through every leap forward.
With around 2,500 customers, SITA technology supports over 1,000 airports and more than 19,600 aircraft worldwide. It also helps over 70 governments strike the balance between secure borders and seamless journeys. Behind the scenes, SITA bridges 45–50% of the industry’s data exchange, enabling a highly complex global network to operate smoothly and reliably, every step of the way.
SITA is transforming fast. From advanced self-service and operations control to airport design and digital borders, we’re shaping the next generation of travel through key acquisitions like Materna IPS, ASISTIM, and CCM. We’re also expanding beyond aviation with initiatives such as SmartSea, bringing our trusted technologies to cruise, rail, and urban air mobility.
This transformation is about more than new products. We’re investing in the right skills, tools, and partnerships to help the industry move with greater intelligence and agility, bringing together smart systems, seamless data, and sustainable innovation. Because as global travel surges, flow is everything.
As part of our bold climate strategy, SITA is cutting emissions by 4.2% each year and targeting net zero by 2050. Our science-based targets are validated by the SBTi, and our growing portfolio is helping customers reduce their own carbon footprints too. Owned by the industry and driven by its needs, SITA operates in more than 200 countries and territories. Find out more at www.sita.aero.
