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History of SAN

A Century of Flight: The Story of San Diego International Airport

San Diego International Airport has a rich history that mirrors the evolution of aviation itself. From its origins in 1928 as Lindbergh Field—named in honor of Charles Lindbergh’s groundbreaking transatlantic flight—to its current status as the busiest single-runway airport in the United States, SAN has continually adapted to meet the needs of travelers and the aviation industry. Explore the milestones that have shaped the airport’s journey from a modest airfield to a modern international hub.

SAN Facts

Airport Facts

  • It is the busiest single-runway airport in the nation.
  • The runway is 9,401-feet long and 200-feet wide.
  • The airport sits on 661 acres, 3 miles northwest of downtown San Diego.
  • There are 51 gates in Terminals 1 and 2, with a new Terminal 1 slated for 2025.
  • The largest carrier is Southwest Airlines, followed by American Airlines (12.6%), United Airlines (11.9%), Delta Air Lines (10.3%) and Alaska Airlines (8.7%).

SAN By The Numbers

  • Contributes $13 billion in regional economic impact.
  • Supports 116,571 direct and indirect jobs
  • Serves 24+ million passengers.
  • Handles more than 209,000 aircraft operations.
  • Processes nearly 190,000 tons of freight and mail.
  • Provides service to 80+ destinations on 5 continents.

The Future at SAN

New Terminal 1, opening September 2025, features:

  • More than 1 million square feet of terminal space.
  • An additional 11 gates for a total of 13 in Terminal 1.
  • Outdoor seating areas overlooking San Diego Bay.
  • Expansive Security Checkpoints
  • New Restaurants and Shops
  • New Lounges / Clubs
  • Improved access via on-airport entrance road.

San Diego International Airport (SAN) provides seamless travel experiences with nonstop flights to destinations worldwide, offering convenient services and amenities for all travelers.

SDCRAA
P.O. Box 82776
San Diego, California 92138-2776

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