San Diego's New $3.8B Terminal 1 Named One of World's Most Beautiful Airports

San Diego International Airport has completed a dramatic architectural turnaround, earning global recognition for the first phase of its new $3.8 billion Terminal 1. The terminal was named to the 2026 World's Most Beautiful Airports list by the Prix Versailles, a prestigious international architectural and design award program held annually at UNESCO. SAN is one of only two U.S. gateways to receive the honor this year, alongside Pittsburgh International Airport.

Designed by architectural firm Gensler and built by the Turner-Flatiron joint venture, the new facility represents a massive upgrade over the original 1967 terminal it replaced. That legacy terminal, designed for three million annual passengers, struggled to handle more than 17 million by 2005, according to historical airport data reported by SFGATE. Airport officials and locals openly lamented the cramped spaces, which featured only four security checkpoints.

The first phase of the modernization program, which debuted in September 2025, represents a complete reinvention. It expanded the terminal footprint to approximately one million square feet and added 19 new gates, a central 13-lane security checkpoint, and seven baggage carousels. A second phase, scheduled to finish in 2028, will construct 11 additional gates on the site of the now-demolished old terminal.

Atif Saeed, president and CEO of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority, welcomed the global recognition. "The vision, creativity, and dedication of the New Terminal 1 team resulted in a terminal that reflects the spirit and character of San Diego," Saeed said. He added that the global recognition validates their goal of delivering an authentic regional experience with exceptional service.

A standout design detail of the new terminal is its 244-meter curved glass façade, developed in collaboration with artist and architect James Carpenter. Known as the Luminous Wave, the façade floods the ticketing hall with natural daylight while mitigating solar heat gain and glare. The building also incorporates structural designs that eliminated the need for support columns in the ticketing hall, contributing to a 30% reduction in the terminal's overall carbon footprint.

Beyond the glass façade, passengers can access an outdoor terrace offering expansive views across San Diego Bay and the downtown skyline. Inside, the terminal showcases locally inspired artwork, such as Nova Jiang's "Torrey Pines" sculpture hanging above the TSA checkpoint, and local concessions including Tony Hawk's Novecientos Grados restaurant and Sip Wine & Beer.

The next milestone for the project is the continuation of Phase 1B construction. Crews are currently preparing the site of the former terminal for demolition, paving the way for the remaining 11 gates and additional passenger lounges. The entire $3.8 billion redevelopment is scheduled for full completion in early 2028.