San Diego International is rolling out the next look at its Terminal 1 makeover, and the glow-up is starting to feel real. Fresh renderings released this week spotlight Phase 1B of the years‑long rebuild, promising more gates, bigger concession areas, faster security, outdoor dining and even a children’s play zone. The visuals tease a brighter, airier concourse tied into new bike and pedestrian paths along North Harbor Drive, all while construction continues toward a projected 2028 finish.
Local station FOX5 San Diego published the new images and a rundown on Tuesday after the airport shared the concept package with the public, calling out the expanded dining and retail set to arrive with Phase 1B.
Design moves and passenger amenities
The updated concept art leans hard into natural light, bay views and a wave‑inspired glass entry that the lead architect says mirrors the waterfront just outside. Gensler, which headed up the design team, describes the overall look as light, sustainable and tuned to a calmer passenger experience while still packing in more concession space and seating. The renderings also show outdoor dining terraces plus additional room for concessions and lounges inside the terminal.
Timeline, gates and how travel will change
The San Diego County Regional Airport Authority says Phase 1B will add 11 gates, bringing the New T1 to 30 in total, with final work slated for early 2028 and a smaller batch of new gates expected to open as soon as spring 2026. The original Terminal 1 closed in September 2025 and is being demolished to clear the way for the full buildout. While that happens, vehicles moving between terminals are following detour routes, and the free Terminal Loop Shuttle is on duty for pedestrians, running daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Contractors, budget and construction sequencing
Industry reporting pegs the Turner‑FlatironDragados joint venture as the lead builder on the New T1 program and notes that the airport is using a progressive design‑build approach so the facility can keep operating while construction continues. According to Construction Dive, work formally kicked off in late 2021 and the overall New T1 effort carries a roughly $3.8 billion price tag. Engineers and program managers have stressed phased sequencing and extensive modeling to keep flights and passengers moving as Phase 1B comes together.
For maps, detour details and the full slate of glossy renderings, the airport and the New T1 project hub keep an updated package of images, timelines and travel tips for drivers and flyers. Visit newT1.com or check the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority media page for the latest updates and construction notices.
_Terminal_2_(upper_deck)_-_August_2018.jpg){kind=link}