SANPlan.com - Optimizing San Diego International Airport

Exploring Future Options

Looking ahead, demand at the airport will continue to grow. Today, more than 18.3 million people fly into and out of the airport every year, with that number projected to increase to more than 27 million by 2030. At this pace, San Diego International Airport will experience severe congestion in less than a decade.

In May 2008, the EIR for short-term improvemetns to Lindbergh Field including 10 new gates, various airfield improvements and parking, was unanimously certified and adopted by the Airport Authority Board. This will complete the development that started with the expansion of Terminal 2 in 1998. These improvements will go a long way in maintaining and enhancing the traveler’s experience at the airport. Read more about the Terminal Development Program.

However, that is only the beginning. The San Diego County Regional Airport Authority Board is studying options and alternatives to meet San Diego’s air transportation needs for the next 30 years and beyond. Following are some of the options that are currently being studied.

Options Being Explored

New terminal for additional/redesign of gates – Additional analysis and plans will need to be developed in partnership with the airlines.
Transit and off-airport roadway improvements – Plans are being developed in partnership with other agencies to improve the airport’s connections to the surrounding transportation network.
Destination Lindbergh - guided by the Ad Hoc Airport Regional Policy Committee, chaired by Mayor Jerry Sanders, Destination Lindbergh addresses the question, "What is the ultimate build-out for Lindbergh Field?"
Regional Aviation Strategic Plan – The Airport Authority will be working with SANDAG and other airport operators in the county to determine the roles each airport can play in improving the region’s air transportation infrastructure.
Beyond our borders – The Airport Authority is reaching out to neighboring counties and Mexico to explore more productive interaction between all airports in the Southern California region.