Gensler and San Diego International Airport Set a Global Benchmark with the New Terminal 1: Sustainable, Experience-Driven Design

From expanded gates and intuitive wayfinding to carbon-free operations, the new terminal creates a gateway that reflects Southern California's spirit and sets new industry standards

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Gensler, in partnership with Turner-Flatiron, has led the transformation of Terminal 1 at San Diego International Airport (SAN), redefining the traveler experience at the nation's busiest single-runway commercial airport.

Opening with 19 gates, 17 new concessions, 23 modern restrooms, 13 security lanes, and seven baggage carousels, the facility vastly expands SAN's ability to better serve travelers. A second phase, scheduled for completion in early 2028, will add 11 additional gates, further enhancing the airport's role as a gateway to the region.

"Airports are more than infrastructure; they are cultural front doors that reflect the identity of a city," said Terence Young, principal and design director at Gensler. "Our design for Terminal 1 celebrates Southern California's natural beauty with abundant daylight, local materials, and expansive views. Every element of the terminal prioritizes a seamless, human-centered experience for every traveler. From natural wayfinding to diverse amenities, it is designed to reduce stress and maximize comfort." 

The terminal's design embraces sunlight and fluid wayfinding. The glass panel façade, itself a piece of public art titled "Luminous Wave" designed in collaboration with artist James Carpenter, illuminates the ticketing hall while reducing heat and glare; triangular bracing columns minimize interior obstructions; and wave-inspired acoustic treatments create a calming security experience.

Transportation improvements include new access roadways, a ground transportation plaza, and enhanced pedestrian walkways. The new Terminal 1 is pursuing LEED v4 Silver certification, operating on 100-percent carbon-free electricity and projected to reduce total energy use by 20 percent.

About Gensler Aviation
Gensler Aviation, ranked #1 in the U.S. for airport terminal and facility design by Building Design + Construction, is shaping the future of global air travel. Today, the firm is simultaneously delivering on more than a dozen major airport projects, from regional hubs to mega-terminals, marking the most ambitious aviation portfolio in the influential firm's 60-year history. The firm is leading iconic U.S. projects in San Diego, San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York (JFK), Pittsburgh, Dallas Fort Worth, Phoenix, Tampa, and more. 

Media Inquiries:
Monica Schaffer
Monica_Schaffer@gensler.com

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SOURCE M. Arthur Gensler Jr. & Associates, Inc.