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The $3 Billion Transformation: What Southwest Airlines Passengers Need To Know About San Diego's New Terminal 1

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San Diego International Airport (SAN) has officially entered a new era of air travel, fundamentally changing the experience for its largest carrier, Southwest Airlines. As of late 2025, the highly anticipated New Terminal 1 (New T1) project has reached a critical milestone, directly impacting every Southwest passenger flying in and out of Southern California's premier coastal gateway. This article, updated on December 26, 2025, provides the most current details on where Southwest is operating, the revolutionary new facilities, and the multi-year timeline for the complete, $3 billion airport overhaul.

The days of navigating the cramped, outdated facilities of the old Terminal 1 are now over for many travelers. The opening of New T1's first phase, known as Phase 1A, has delivered a massive upgrade in passenger flow, security, and amenities. For Southwest Airlines, which accounts for over half of all runway movements at SAN, this is not just an upgrade—it is a complete reimagining of their operational hub in San Diego.

Southwest Airlines' New Home: A Deep Dive into the New Terminal 1 (Phase 1A)

Southwest Airlines is one of the anchor tenants in the newly opened Phase 1A of the New Terminal 1. This new facility is not merely a renovation; it is a ground-up replacement of the 53-year-old original structure. The move is a significant logistical change, and understanding the new layout is crucial for a stress-free travel day.

  • Current Location: Southwest Airlines now operates out of the brand-new facilities within the New Terminal 1 complex.
  • Opening Date: The official opening of Phase 1A was celebrated on September 23, 2025, marking the first time passengers used the state-of-the-art concourse.
  • Gate Capacity: Phase 1A introduced 19 new gates, providing a substantial increase in capacity and reducing the chronic gate congestion that plagued the old facility.
  • Airlines Relocated: Southwest is joined in the New T1 by other key carriers, including JetBlue, Spirit Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Breeze Airways, and Sun Country Airlines.

The Passenger Experience: New Features for Southwest Travelers

The design of the New T1 focuses heavily on enhancing the passenger journey from curb to gate. For the millions of Southwest customers who utilize San Diego as a key part of their network, the improvements are immediately noticeable.

Streamlined Check-In and Baggage Claim

The check-in area and baggage claim for Southwest Airlines are now housed in a much larger, more efficient space. The new structure features a dual-level roadway, separating arriving and departing passengers, which significantly alleviates curbside traffic—a major pain point at the old terminal.

  • Dual-Level Roadway: A dedicated upper level for departures and a lower level for arrivals ensures smoother drop-offs and pick-ups.
  • Expanded Check-in Counters: More space and modern technology are integrated to speed up the check-in process, especially during peak travel periods for high-volume carriers like Southwest.
  • Modular Baggage Systems: The facility utilizes flexible, common-use baggage systems, which are vital for handling Southwest's high-frequency, point-to-point traffic, which represents a massive portion of the airport's volume.

Faster Security Screening

The security checkpoint in the New T1 is dramatically improved with the integration of modern technology and a more spacious layout. This is designed to reduce wait times, a welcome change for travelers needing to make their signature Southwest "A-list" boarding position.

Enhanced Retail and Dining Options

A core element of the modernization is the focus on a "Sense of Place." The new concourse features enhanced dining and retail options, many of which highlight local San Diego eateries and businesses, offering a taste of the region before passengers board their Southwest flights. This shift from generic airport food to local flavor is a major draw for both residents and tourists.

The Full Scope of the New T1 Project: What Comes Next

The opening of Phase 1A is only the beginning of the massive airport development known as the New Terminal 1 program. This multi-phase, $3 billion investment by the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority is one of the largest public works projects in the region's history.

Project Timeline and Future Milestones

The full completion of the New T1 will be a multi-year effort, requiring the demolition of the old Terminal 1 structure to make way for the second, final phase.

  • Phase 1A Completion: September 2025 (Opened with 19 gates).
  • Demolition of Old T1: Following the relocation of airlines, the old terminal structure will be demolished to clear the site for the final phase of construction.
  • Phase 2 Completion: The final phase is currently projected to open in early 2028.
  • Total Gates: Upon final completion, the New Terminal 1 will feature a total of 30 gates, an increase of 11 gates over the original structure, significantly boosting SAN's overall capacity.
  • Roadway Infrastructure: The project includes more than four miles of new roadways, including a new three-lane entrance route to improve traffic flow to the entire airport campus.

This phased approach minimizes disruption while allowing the airport to immediately benefit from the new infrastructure. Travelers flying Southwest should pay close attention to airport signage during this transition period, as construction activity will continue until the full 2028 completion.

Southwest's Strategic Expansion and the Future of SAN

The new terminal is a strategic asset for Southwest Airlines, enabling them to solidify their dominant position in the Southern California market and pursue new growth opportunities. Southwest’s commitment to SAN is evident in their continued expansion of flight offerings, coinciding perfectly with the new terminal's debut.

New Routes and Increased Capacity

In a clear signal of their confidence in the new infrastructure, Southwest has already announced new and expanded routes from San Diego International Airport. For example, the airline announced new twice-daily nonstop flights between SAN and Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT), starting in October 2025. This expansion is a direct result of the increased capacity and operational efficiency provided by the New T1.

The airline is the "king of intra-California" travel, and the 30-gate New T1 will be essential for managing the high-frequency, short-haul flights that define their network. By providing a more modern, efficient, and comfortable environment, the New T1 helps Southwest maintain its competitive edge and improve customer satisfaction on key routes like San Diego to Sacramento, San Jose, and Oakland.

Key Entities and Project Details

The New Terminal 1 project is a massive undertaking involving numerous entities and a significant financial commitment, ensuring its long-term impact on the region:

  • Owner/Operator: San Diego County Regional Airport Authority (Airport Authority)
  • Total Project Cost: Approximately $3 Billion
  • Construction Partners: Turner Construction Company (a key partner in the project)
  • Key Components: New T1 Building, Airfield Improvements, New Roadways, Parking Plaza (future phase).
  • Operational Focus: Flexibility and common-use facilities, which are essential for managing the high-volume operations of Southwest Airlines.

The New T1 is not just a building; it represents a comprehensive overhaul of the entire airport infrastructure, from the terminal itself to the surrounding transportation networks. For Southwest Airlines passengers, this means an end to the frustrating bottlenecks of the past and a new beginning for air travel in America's Finest City. As the project continues toward its full completion in 2028, travelers can expect a continually improving, world-class experience at their new Southwest hub.

The $3 Billion Transformation: What Southwest Airlines Passengers Need to Know About San Diego's New Terminal 1
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