Officials in San Antonio are upgrading the passenger experience at San Antonio International Airport (SAT) in the next few years. The surge in flights to Mexico and international destinations spark the upcoming plans at SAT.
New gates are already in process and there will be improvements to terminals, runway renovations, better baggage, parking and ground transportation facilities, and a brand new terminal. The new terminal will be open in the next six years.
Here’s what the changes will look like:
- 10,000 ft. runway
- Modern video displays
- Smart bathrooms
- Expansion of Terminal B security checkpoint
- More food options
Airport Director Jesus Saenz tells city leaders that in 2021, SAT saw an increase of 60% in international traffic in comparison to 2019.
“A lot of that right now is Mexico and we have more future expansion plans we’re working on,” says Saenz.
There has been a surge in travel to Mexico in airports across the U.S. since the pandemic.
The city is expecting passenger traffic to double over the next two decades.
Saenz says, “This is an investment in our city’s future and our economic growth. Our ultimate goal is to elevate the passenger experience. We initiated the implementation of the Strategic Development Program which encompasses the Terminal Development Program the day City Council approved the plan.”
He goes on to say, “We are going to be the airport of the future. We are on track to give travellers everything they need – and then some. This is going to be the airport the entire San Antonio community will be proud of.”
SAT currently services 40 destinations in the U.S and Mexico.
San Antonio is planning for a mid-2028 opening of the facilities.