SAN ANTONIO — “Transformational” is the word that’s oft been used by city officials to describe a massive terminal project at San Antonio International Airport.
It was deployed again Tuesday, courtesy of Mayor Ron Nirenberg. But for the first time since planning started years ago, the first signs of that promise being realized could be seen at a groundbreaking ceremony for a 17-gate, $1.2 billion Terminal C.
“Our community has long recognized the need for enhanced airport facilities. For decades there’s been a lot of talk and not a lot of action. That streak ends today,” Nirenberg said at a windy, chilly outdoor ceremony. “This transformational project is becoming a reality.”
Not long after, Nirenberg – along with City Manager Erik Walsh, Aviation Director Jesus Saenz and other leaders – grabbed a shovel for the requisite photo, officially kicking off construction for Terminal C, which is expected to open sometime in 2028. That work alone, Nirenberg said, will create about 6,000 jobs.
At more than 850,000 square feet in size, Terminal C will be bigger than the combined sizes of both existing terminals. It will feature 17 gates to help the facility meet its continued record-breaking traveler demand and ongoing local growth.
The new terminal will bring the airport’s total number of gates to 41. New renderings tease a modern expansion with lots of natural light and an atmosphere that meshes with the natural environment.
Terminal C is the central component of a $2.5 billion plan to build out the airport in order to meet expected demand between now and 2040. Also coming to SAT is a new parking garage and ground load facility.
Nirenberg noted the project’s timeliness, pointing to the fact more people moved to San Antonio in 2023 than any other U.S. city.
“If we want to maximize and realize our own potential, it’s important we have an airport to support it,” he added. “Most important, this groundbreaking symbolizes opportunity for everyone here and all around this region.”
While the project carries a hefty price tag, airport staff says the expansion is badly needed because San Antonio International (SAT) is one of the fastest growing medium-sized airports in the U.S.
They recently opened a new airport parking system where you can make an online reservation. SAT also opened new lines in November to reach Boston and Monterrey, Mexico.
“That’s bringing the prices down, which creates customers to want to fly out of San Antonio even more because of that price range for those tickets and the competition that’s being created between these carriers,” said Saenz.