SPI Insights

San Antonio International Airport officials presented a $2.5 billion plan on Feb. 15 that proposes a third terminal. Construction could begin as early as 2024 on the new terminal at the airport. A pre-solicitation briefing for a construction manager at risk for the new terminal facility will take place in the spring or summer of 2023. The terminal, which is expected to open in five years, would be larger than the two existing terminals. The planned facility, to be built adjacent to Terminal B, would take up 850,000 square feet.

A rendering proposal of what the front entrance of the terminal would look like. Courtesy of the San Antonio International Airport

The design phase of the project is 15% complete and is anticipated to take the remainder of 2023. The terminal’s preliminary plan includes:

• Up to a 17-gate expansion, six of which will be able to accommodate both domestic and wide-body international flights.
• A landscaped, riparian paseo between the curb and the terminal references the River Walk experience and tells the story of San Antonio’s creeks and spring-fed waterways.
• Outdoor courtyards within the new terminal.
• Approximately 41,000 square feet of new concessions space (in addition to the existing 24,000 square feet) will allow the airport to feature shops and restaurants.
• More than 29,000 square feet of available club lounge space.
• Larger holdrooms (seating areas) at each gate, equipped with the latest technology.
• A modern Federal Inspections Service area will allow the airport to expand international air service.
• Roadway improvements to increase traffic flow and remove congestion along a curb front that will nearly double in length.
• A proposed connector between Terminals A and B, allowing passengers to pass back and forth after clearing security.

The city plans to demolish Terminal A, at least partially, but the city isn’t planning any major work at the terminal until the new one opens in 2028, according to airport officials.