On Monday evening, passengers flying from Honolulu to San Diego experienced a terminal that felt more like an art gallery than an airport. The transformation came as America’s busiest single-runway airport unveiled its brand-new terminal, ushering in a new era for travelers.

Just three miles northwest of downtown, SAN serves San Diego City and its surrounding metropolitan area. In 2025, the airport broke its own record by serving 25.24 million passengers, surpassing the previous record of 25.18 million in 2019. This growth underscored the need for a new terminal.

The rapid rise in passenger numbers had its consequences: long TSA lines, cramped waiting areas, and just three baggage claim carousels strained the old 1967 terminal beyond capacity. Authorities studied the feasibility of building an entirely new airport, but geographical constraints left expansion as the only viable solution.

With a $3.8 billion budget, the new Terminal 1 is nothing short of a wonder. Let’s take a sneak peek at what’s inside.

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What to Expect?

Travelers will find relief from airport hustle with 13 checkpoints, 66 counters, 69 kiosks, and 19 gates. If your flight is delayed, you can unwind with fellow travelers in any of the 30 restaurants and retail stores. Keep your phone charged at your seat, finish work at dedicated productivity bars, or watch live ramp operations through expansive glass walls, a sure treat for aviation enthusiasts.

Every detail of Terminal 1 has been designed to make time at the airport more comfortable and engaging.

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Is it a Museum?

Before even stepping into the terminal, be ready to be amazed by an 800-foot-tall glass and metal facade by James Carpenter. As you step in, appreciate the grace of Nova Jiang’s Torrey Pines, a shimmering suspended piece hanging over the TSA checkpoint. The dining hall glows under Erwin Redi’s Vessel of Light; it uses LEDs to create shifting patterns.

Architecture firm “Gensler” emphasized a stress-free environment for travelers in each design detail. Acoustic ceilings reduce noise, while diffused natural light keeps the terminal calm and bright. Catch the majestic sunset views of San Diego Bay with a piping hot steak from a terrace with seating for 350.

Remember the giant flamingo at Tampa International Airport? Matthew Mazzotta was the artist behind that masterpiece. Matthew showcased the culture of San Diego by creating a huge pink jellyfish, featured on the curbside of arrivals.

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Traveling to San Diego?

Alaska is the largest operator at SAN, providing more than 35 nonstop destinations across the United States, Mexico, and Hawaii. Southwest Airlines, Delta Airlines, United Airlines, and Frontier Airlines also operate extensive domestic connections.

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In recent years, SAN has attracted attention from international carriers as well. As of 2025, Lufthansa, Air Canada, Westjet, British Airways, Copa Airlines, Japan Airlines, and KLM provide intercontinental routes to 7 countries.

​So, museum or airport? For San Diego’s new Terminal 1, the answer is both.