Blog

Konnichiwa! We are excited that Japan Airlines has announced they will resume nonstop service to Tokyo, Japan via Narita International Airport (NRT) from San Diego International Airport (SAN) three times a week. The first arrival into San Diego will be on March 2 and the first departure from San Diego on March 3.

What is normally a busy travel time, this December is looking quite different due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On November 13, 2020, the California Department of Public Health issued a travel advisory for non-essential travel (side note: what’s essential vs. non-essential travel you ask? Click here to learn more) which requests that persons arriving in California from other states or countries should practice self-quarantining for 14 days after arrival. In addition, Californians are encouraged to stay home or in their region and avoid non-essential travel to other states or countries.

Oh, how we miss the excitement of holiday travel! December is typically a very busy month for our airport, when the terminals are filled with passengers eager to visit friends and family all over the world. This year many of us are staying home and finding creative ways to stay connected to the people and places that matter most.

Every year we work on compiling a Sustainability Report which re-affirms our commitment to continuous improvement and transparency in social, economic, and environmental performance. We have released our 2019-2020 Sustainability Report which can be viewed at sustain.san.org.

During the pandemic, there has been a great deal of emphasis on air circulation and its relation to COVID-19. All HVAC systems at San Diego International Airport (SAN) were designed to meet American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers standards for ventilation for indoor air quality. Our systems meet or exceed industry filtration standards, meaning we filter the air at a recommended level between “Superior Commercial Buildings” and “Hospital Inpatient Care.” Additionally, 60 percent of air handlers installed in the airport contain ultraviolet light which provides extra protection to kill bacteria and viruses.

In 2015, the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority (Airport Authority) launched The Good Traveler program at San Diego International Airport (SAN) to provide an easy, affordable, and meaningful way for interested passengers to make their travel more sustainable. Through the program, individuals can purchase carbon offsets online, at select terminal concessions, and through the airport parking reservation and payment system with proceeds going toward conservation projects that help counteract the effect of greenhouse gas emissions on the environment. Since launching five years ago, the program now includes 17 participating airports in North America that have collectively offset nearly 670 million miles of travel.

Here at San Diego International Airport (SAN), there are certain destinations that we would love to include on our nonstop destination list. Those routes are ones that we don’t currently offer and would allow for our community to access locations without having to connect or fly from regional hubs. Cancún, Mexico is one of those routes. Our air service team has been trying to get service to Cancún for quite some time (a couple of years at least, but hey, who’s counting) and Alaska Airlines finally came through for the win when they announced they would begin seasonal service on November 20.

For those who will be traveling during the Thanksgiving holiday, here are some tips to ensure you have a safe and seamless journey...

It’s that time of the year when much of the country wishes they could escape from winter. We Southern Californians, though, seek out the cold and snow on purpose. If you need a break from the endless summer, we’ve got flights to several of the country’s top winter destinations, including Jackson Hole, Salt Lake City, and Denver. All three locations boast stunning mountain ranges where you can sled, ski, or snowball to your heart’s content. 

It’s been a little over a year since Southwest Airlines announced they would offer nonstop service to Hawaii from San Diego International Airport (SAN). The service, which was originally slated to begin in April 2020, was postponed because of…you guessed it…COVID-19. 

The San Diego County Regional Airport Authority (Airport Authority) is making great strides in achieving our stormwater management goals through the development of an innovative stormwater capture and reuse system. The system will allow San Diego International Airport (SAN) to meet important regulatory requirements and reduce potable water consumption, making the airport more resilient to future climate and regulatory changes. There are four existing elements of the stormwater capture and reuse system, and four proposed elements. The four proposed elements are a part of the Airport Development Plan (ADP) which includes the Airside Improvements Project, the first project of the ADP that focuses on airside infrastructure such as the aircraft taxiways and apron.

Since the coronavirus pandemic took hold air travel looks and feels a lot different for those that must pass through airports and board airlines during this time. Each day brings new insight and knowledge about COVID-19 and how best to ensure the health and safety of everyone around the world. It is with this knowledge that airports and airlines have been implementing best practices when it comes to cleaning, social distancing, and facial coverings.

When it comes to traveling during a pandemic, we all have different comfort levels. Some of us are traveling regularly, with an abundance of caution. Others are planning and booking their next adventure, while some of us are still dreaming up our next getaway. We get it. And we want you to know no matter where you are in your travel planning, we’re ready for you.

The San Diego County Regional Airport Authority, which owns and operates the San Diego International Airport (SAN), is excited to participate in a celebration of two very important environmental days on October 7^th, California Clean Air Day and Energy Efficiency Day.

The San Diego County Regional Airport Authority has long been a partner of I Love A Clean San Diego and has participated in many of their annual events. On Saturday, September 26, a dozen Airport Authority employees individually participated in the 36^th annual virtual I Love a Clean San Diego Coastal Cleanup Day. The event is a major part of International Coastal Cleanup, which is facilitated by The Ocean Conservancy and includes many U.S. states and territories, and over 70 countries. In California, Coastal Cleanup Day is a partnership between the California Coastal Commission, nonprofit groups, cities and counties throughout the state.

The San Diego International Airport (SAN) Arts Program includes performing arts, public art, and temporary exhibition components which are aimed at engaging travelers and creating an ambiance unique to the culture of San Diego. The Arts Program is pleased to announce the 2020 Fall Performing Arts Resident Artist, Margaret Noble and her featured work [Sky][Muse], as well as the debut of a new piece of work in the Admiral Boland Way mural series, Plein Air Port by Aaron Glasson.

Running September 9 through 13, 2020, San Diego Design Week (SDDW) celebrates interdisciplinary design in San Diego through talks, studio tours, workshops, and self-guided tours. The SAN Arts Program will be participating in SDDW by showcasing its diverse programming in performing arts, exhibitions and public art.

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently completed a case study on the San Diego International Airport’s efforts to pursue “Zero Waste,” which is defined as 90 percent or more of waste being diverted from landfills through recycling, reuse, composting, and other means. 

Since 1970, San Diego International Airport (SAN) has provided a protected habitat for the California Least Tern, a migrating seabird who, as a full-grown adult, only weighs 1.6 ounces. To the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority and the airport’s many contractors and tenants, as well as the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Port of San Diego, and the U.S. Navy, these small birds are a big deal due to the fact that they are a federally listed endangered seabird species.

San Diego County Regional Airport Authority (Airport Authority) is committed to building an enduring and resilient enterprise by effectively managing its financial, social and environmental risks, obligations and opportunities. The Airport Authority recognizes the complex link between energy performance and the security of the airport enterprise and are keenly aware that this interdependence warrants a bold vision and strategy to ensure sustainability into the future.

For the last 16 years, the Quieter Home Program (QHP) has sound attenuated more than 4,300 homes in the most impacted areas around our airport; hundreds of staff, consultants, and contractors have interacted with thousands of homeowners in these neighborhoods…primarily in person. So how does a program that normally thrives on daily one-on-one personal interaction survive a pandemic and continue moving forward? Virtually, of course.

Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA) awarded San Diego County Regional Airport Authority (Airport Authority) with an Environmental Achievement Award in the area of outreach, education, and communication for the organization’s Airport Development Plan (ADP) outreach efforts.

The world looks a lot different than it did just a few months ago. Our communities, businesses, and shops have changed. The way we visit restaurants, purchase groceries, and go from place to place would be unrecognizable to our 6-months-ago selves. Even our vocabularies have changed. Never did we imagine finding so much comfort in the words “Plexiglas sneeze guards” or “social distancing markers.” 

At San Diego International Airport, we pride ourselves on offering a diverse selection of local and nationally recognized concessions shops. The shops allow for travelers to grab a quick bite to eat, purchase that travel necessity that they accidentally left at home, purchase a souvenir for a loved one back home, or relax in between flights.

Anytime we are able to add new service from SAN to destinations worldwide we are excited. New routes mean new ways for passengers to reach their desired destination…often easier, faster, and cheaper than they were able to before the routes were offered.

San Diego International Airport’s 2019 greenhouse gas emissions inventory is complete! The San Diego County Regional Airport Authority conducts annual greenhouse gas emissions inventories to track, reduce, and mitigate the SAN’s environmental footprint. A greenhouse gas emissions inventory (GHG inventory) is a tool that allows us to measure our emissions, develop strategies and policies to reduce those emissions, and encourage our business partners to do the same. An inventory also allows us to invest in projects that balance out those emissions and become carbon neutral.

Each year, San Diego International Airport (SAN) partners with I Love a Clean San Diego (ILACSD) to support their education and cleanup efforts in the region. With the current COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s Creek to Bay cleanup event had to change formats. We went from hosting a cleanup site near the airport in a large group, to conducting individual household cleanups all across the County.

During these unprecedented times, San Diego International Airport (SAN) has continued to adjust to the impacts of COVID-19. The airport has remained open as a critical piece of the nation’s transportation infrastructure, helping to move much-needed supplies and cargo, and assisting those with essential travel needs.

Envisioning the future at SAN Sustainability is a hallmark of operations at San Diego International Airport (SAN). In everything that we do, we are committed to sustainable practices and hold ourselves up to the highest industry standards. So it’s no surprise that with design continuing on a critical infrastructure project, the Airside Improvements Project, that we chose to work with the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure (ISI) and apply their Envision rating system to the project.

That’s right! Bike Month showcases the many benefits of bicycling and encourages people to give it a try. Biking is a fun and healthy transportation choice and there are lots of cool places to explore around our Airport by bike.

San Diego International Airport (SAN) will join more than 20 airports from across North America for the JetStream Music Festival, an online celebration of local music. Hosted by Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Austin, Texas, the free, multi-hour livestream will take place at 3 p.m. PST on May 6 on San Diego International Airport’s Facebook Live.

During these uncertain times, we are certain that our commitment to be a sustainable organization is as important as ever. While many Earth Day programs have been cancelled due to COVID-19, the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority still plans to celebrate the 50^th Anniversary of Earth Day on April 22^nd and you can too!

Have you ever wondered about all of the equipment required to service planes at SAN? Ground support equipment, or GSE, is essential to our operations. While GSE helps passengers get to and from their destination, it also contributes to our overall environmental impact.

We now have definitive proof that good feelings generate more good feelings! A couple of months ago, SAN received a letter from a local third grader, Evan, who told us how much he loves airplanes and our airport. In this savvy traveler’s words, “I love to go in planes because the planes are so cool inside and it looks so beautiful. I love the Airport.”

On Friday, January 17 the Jackie Robinson YMCA hosted the 35^th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Human Dignity Award Breakfast. The breakfast serves as a celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s words and selfless actions by awarding an individual that continues to embody Dr. King’s spirit and humanitarian ideals. This year, the 2020 Human Dignity Award was presented to Dee Sanford, an accomplished business woman who served on the Jackie Robinson Family YMCA board for more than 30 years.

San Diego International Airport (SAN) has teamed up with Ballast Point Brewery and Water Works Inc. to brew a beer we’re calling “SAN Test Pilot.”

San Diego International Airport (SAN) has been nominated for USA Today’s 2020 “10 Best Readers’ Choice” Travel Award. GO us! SAN was selected by an expert panel as a contender for “Best Large Airport.” Our excellent amenities, natural light, relaxed vibe, central location, and impeccable record for on-time flights landed us in the top 10.

In an ongoing effort to identify current and future noise impacts in neighborhoods near San Diego International Airport, the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority is seeking FAA review of maps that illustrate noise exposure levels, known as “noise contours.”

New Sustainability Report reinforces SAN's commitment to a resilient future.

In July 2019, SAN became the first airport to have one of its concessions become "Ocean Friendly certified". Congratulations to our partner, Einstein Bros., located in Terminal 2 West, for this wonderful accomplishment!

San Diego International Airport (SAN) is now a carbon neutral airport! On September 18^th SAN became the second airport in North America, and the first airport in California, to receive carbon neutral accreditation from the global agency that establishes carbon standards for airports worldwide.

Ah, warm weather in San Diego! The sun is shining, the temperatures are up, and our AC is ON! Have you ever noticed when you run your AC that the machine produces water? That is condensate! Condensate is the result of water vapor in the air turning into liquid when it encounters the cold coils on your air conditioner.

At SAN, smoking is permitted only inside of our designated areas. Section 7.03 of the Airport Authority Code and Section 2.2 of the Rules and Regulations require that passengers and employees smoke only in designated areas as they are located at least 25 feet from any facility entrance and have urns to help prevent cigarette butt pollution.

The Airport Arts Program's 2019 temporary exhibition, Forces of Nature, is now on full display, featuring artwork and collections that highlight San Diego's unique natural landscape.

In May, the Airport Authority opened 20 new electric vehicle parking spaces in our employee lot. The new chargers were installed through SDG&E's Power Your Drive program to bring electric vehicle charging to our 9,400 employees and to help encourage the switch to electric vehicles in the San Diego region. The Airport Authority is proud to host these ChargePoint Level 2 charging stations and looking forward to our continued partnership with SDG&E that will operate and maintain the charging stations over the next ten years.

San Diego's Polystyrene Foam and Single Use Plastics Ordinance took effect on February 23^rd, 2019 in an effort to help San Diego reach its Zero Waste goals and to prevent pollution. The Airport Authority responded by working with our concessions to ensure they understood the new regulation and to assist in any necessary actions. We are proud to say that our concessions now:

Here at San Diego International we believe in the 5 Rs of Zero Waste: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Rot, and Rethink. We look for creative ways to manage the waste that comes with running a large facility. One of the ways we reduce the amount of material we send to the landfill is through composting (the "Rot" of the 5 Rs)!

San Diego is known as America's finest city. There's a lot that we think, makes our region great. We're one of the nation's top tourist destinations, we make world class products, we lead the nation in small farms, and we're a hub for coffee and beer!

At SAN, we believe in the triple bottom line of sustainability—measuring our impact with social, environmental, and economic yardsticks. We are committed to building an enduring and resilient enterprise by effectively managing our social, environmental, and financial risks, obligations, and opportunities.