UNPACKING THE AIRPORT

San Antonio Airport redesign takes flight with stunning new renderings

Local travelers are used to the San Antonio International Airport being, well, serviceable. Getting through security may be relatively hassle-free, and the cramped surroundings are kept clean, but it's nothing to write home about.

City leaders have made it clear that "good enough" is not good enough. That will soon change as the San Antonio Airport System kickstarts the Terminal Development Program. The project will transform the main terminal into a space worthy of one of the largest cities in the United States. At the February 15 City Council meeting, the public was given a peek at what's to come via renderings and a 3D model.

The ambitious project is spearheaded by international architectural firm Corgan, with assistance from renowned San Antonio firm Lake|Flato Architects and planning consultants Kimley-Horn. Though the design is only 15 percent completed, the preliminary plan includes 850,000 square feet of new terminal space. The facility could also have up to 17 gates, six of which will be able to serve double duty for domestic and wide-body international flights.

Though practicality is at the forefront, many improvements will also be aesthetic. The development also includes a landscaped walkway between the curb and terminal that pays homage to the River Walk and outdoor courtyards.

In addition, there will also be more than 29,000 square feet of available club lounge space and more spacious seating areas at each gate with state-of-the-art technology. A modern Federal Inspections Service area will also be installed, allowing SAT to expand its international air service.

Mayor Ron Nirenberg believes the expansion will strengthen the airport's position in the aviation industry.

"This expanded facility will accommodate current and future air service expansion to meet our community's constantly growing demand through 2040 and beyond," Nirenberg said via a release. "The airport is the doorstep to our beautiful city … We're putting San Antonio on the map with every step of this much-needed project. "

Though budgetary concerns, negotiations with airlines, and upcoming designs will all impact the final form of the airport, a streamlined process has been established with the City Council to help get the improvements quickly off the ground.

Jesus Saenz, Director of Airports for the San Antonio Airport System, says the team expects the design process to wrap up at the end of 2023.

"If all goes to plan, we'll put shovels in the ground around this time next year," said Saenz in the release. "When people step off a plane at SAT, there will be no question where they've arrived."

Rendering courtesy of City of San Antonio Aviation

The San Antonio International Airport's check-in hall has been reimagined as a warm, sunny space.

Airline News

San Antonio gets nonstop flights to this Washington, DC airport

Photo courtesy of American Airlines

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American Airlines will soon offering a service no one carrier is: nonstop trips between San Antonio (SAT) and Washington, D.C. (DCA). One flight will be scheduled daily, starting in March.

Tickets for the new service will be available on sale starting December 23 through aa.com or American’s mobile app.

The route was tentatively announced in October, but the U.S. Department of Transportation has now formally approved the application by American Airlines.

“This new service will offer convenient nonstop access to our nation’s capital for San Antonians, while helping further connect customers to our comprehensive global network," said Brian Znotins, American’s Senior Vice President of Network and Schedule Planning, in a press release. "American thanks the many elected officials and citizens who supported our application, and we look forward to welcoming customers onboard this new service soon.”

Flight 1718, reflecting the year San Antonio was founded, will depart SAT at 6:35 am and arrive in DCA at 10:41 am. Flight 1947, reflecting the year the U.S. Air Force was established, will depart DCA at 7:45 pm and arrive in SAT at 10:43 pm.

“This long-awaited connection to our nation’s capital is a game changer for our community, opening doors to countless opportunities for travel and economic development,” said San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg. “I’m grateful to those who have championed this effort and for the bipartisan support of our representatives in the Senate and House, whose advocacy was instrumental in making these flights a reality. We look forward to the positive impact this nonstop service will have for years to come."

San Antonio City Manager Erik Walsh echoed the sentiments about economic development and pointed out some growth already happening in San Antonio. The release also notes that San Antonio is the largest city in Texas lacking nonstop service to DCA and the largest city in the U.S. with a majority Hispanic population without nonstop service to DCA.

“Serving the fastest-growing city in the country, SAT has achieved record-breaking passenger numbers throughout 2024. This nonstop service to and from DCA addresses a need for our military, business, educational and research communities, among others. It also promotes competition and offers more travel options for passengers flying to and from San Antonio, enhancing connectivity as we continue making progress on the airport Terminal Development Program.”

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