This article is based on an official press release from the City of San Antonio.

San Antonio International Airport Advances $2.5 Billion Expansion with Key Infrastructure Briefings

On January 28, 2026, officials from San Antonio International Airport (SAT) presented a series of critical infrastructure and design briefings to the San Antonio City Council. These updates mark a significant step forward in the airport’s $2.5 billion “Elevate/SAT” capital improvement program, which aims to transform the facility by 2028.

According to the official press release from the City of San Antonio, the briefings focused on three specific initiatives: airfield safety enhancements, the rehabilitation of existing Terminals A and B, and a new centralized receiving center. These projects are designed to support the construction of the new Terminal C, which broke ground in December 2024, ensuring that the airport’s existing infrastructure can handle projected passenger growth.

The session provided the City Council with “post-solicitation” updates on design contracts for the airfield and terminal renovations, as well as a “pre-solicitation” overview of the proposed logistics center. These developments underscore the city’s commitment to modernizing its aviation gateway as passenger numbers are expected to reach 15 million annually over the next two decades.

Airfield Safety and Terminal Modernization

The briefings detailed two major programs where design partners have already been selected. These projects are essential for maintaining operational efficiency and ensuring a cohesive passenger experience across the airport.

Airfield Safety Enhancement and Improvements Program (ASEIP)

The first briefing covered the Airfield Safety Enhancement and Improvements Program (ASEIP). City officials confirmed that a design firm has been selected to lead this initiative, which focuses on bringing the airport’s runway and taxiway systems into compliance with the latest Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards.

A primary component of this program is the reconstruction of Runway 13L-31R and its associated taxiways. According to the briefing details, the selected firm will advance the project design from 30% to 100% completion between 2026 and 2030. The City of San Antonio emphasized that this work is being coordinated with an ongoing environmental review process.

“This design effort is being advanced in coordination with the ongoing FAA-led National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)… ensuring that no final construction decisions are made until the NEPA EIS process is completed.”

, City of San Antonio Press Release (January 28, 2026)

Advertisement

Terminal A and B Reconfiguration

The second major update focused on the Terminal A and B Reconfiguration and Rehabilitation Program (TABRR). With the new Terminal C set to open in Summer 2028, airport officials are prioritizing renovations for the existing terminals to prevent a disparity in facility quality.

An architectural firm has been selected to oversee these renovations, which will include upgrades to hold rooms, restrooms, and finishes. The goal is to align the aesthetic and operational standards of Terminals A and B with the river-inspired design of the upcoming Terminal C. The timeline for these renovations is synchronized with the Terminal C opening, ensuring a unified airport experience by 2028.

Logistics and Future Operations

In addition to the design contracts, the City Council received a pre-solicitation briefing regarding a new logistics facility intended to streamline airport operations.

Centralized Receiving and Distribution Center (CRDC)

The proposed Centralized Receiving and Distribution Center (CRDC) aims to enhance security and reduce congestion by creating a single point of entry for commercial goods. Currently, delivery vehicles for airport concessions navigate various entry points; the new facility will centralize screening and logistics before goods are transported to the secure “airside” environment.

According to the presentation, the airport plans to solicit a third-party operator to manage this facility, which will include temperature-controlled storage and security screening capabilities. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to improve operational safety as the airport expands its footprint.

AirPro News Analysis

The decision to run the Terminal A and B rehabilitation concurrently with the construction of Terminal C is a strategic necessity for San Antonio. In many airport expansions, older terminals are often neglected, creating a “tale of two airports” experience where passengers on one airline enjoy modern amenities while others face aging infrastructure. By aligning the completion of the TABRR program with the opening of Terminal C in Summer 2028, SAT is mitigating this risk.

Furthermore, the timeline for the airfield improvements, stretching into 2030, suggests that while the passenger-facing transformation will be largely complete by 2028, the operational backbone of the airport will continue to evolve. This phased approach allows the airport to maintain capacity during the critical construction years while preparing for the long-term projection of 15 million annual passengers.

Broader Context: The Elevate/SAT Master Plan

These specific briefings sit within the context of the massive “Elevate/SAT” program. The centerpiece of this plan is the new 17-gate Terminal C, designed by Corgan and Lake|Flato, which will add up to 850,000 square feet of space. Additionally, a new Ground Transportation Center is scheduled for completion in late 2027.

Data presented during the briefings indicates that the expansion is expected to create over 16,000 jobs and generate billions in economic impact for the region. With passenger traffic having already surpassed pre-pandemic levels (over 10 million in 2019), these infrastructure investments are critical for San Antonio’s connectivity and economic growth.

Sources

Sources: City of San Antonio

Heathrow Scraps 100ml Liquid Limit Following £1 Billion Security Overhaul

Heathrow Airport has officially announced the completion of a massive security upgrade across all four of its terminals, marking the end of the restrictive 100ml liquid limit for departing passengers. According to an official press release issued on January 23, 2026, the airport has finalized a £1 billion investment to install next-generation Computed Tomography (CT) scanners, positioning itself as the largest airport in the world to fully deploy this technology across its entire operation.

The upgrade fundamentally changes the pre-flight experience for millions of travelers. Under the new regulations, passengers departing from Heathrow can now carry liquids in containers of up to 2 liters in their hand luggage. Additionally, large electronic devices such as laptops and tablets no longer need to be removed from bags during screening. The airport states that this move will not only streamline the security process but also significantly reduce single-use plastic waste.

Next-Generation Security Technology

The core of this upgrade involves the installation of advanced CT scanners, similar to technology used in medical environments. These machines generate detailed 3D images of cabin baggage, allowing security officers to rotate and analyze the contents on-screen without requiring passengers to physically separate items.

In its announcement, Heathrow confirmed that the requirement to place liquids in clear plastic bags has been eliminated. This operational shift is expected to have a substantial environmental impact. The airport estimates that removing the plastic bag mandate will save approximately 16 million single-use plastic bags annually.

Operational Efficiency Gains

Data released by the airport suggests the new technology is already delivering performance improvements. Heathrow reported that in 2025, it was named “Europe’s most punctual hub airport.” During that period, more than 97% of passengers waited less than five minutes for security screening. Furthermore, the airport noted that its baggage load rate improved to over 98% in 2025, indicating a reduction in missed bags.

Thomas Woldbye, CEO of Heathrow, highlighted the significance of the milestone in a statement included in the press release:

“Every Heathrow passenger can now leave their liquids and laptops in their bags at security as we become the largest airport in the world to roll out the latest security scanning technology. That means less time preparing for security and more time enjoying their journey, and millions fewer single-use plastic bags. This billion pound investment means our customers can be confident they will continue to have a great experience at Heathrow.”

AirPro News Analysis: Context and Traveler Advisory

While the completion of this project is a major achievement for UK aviation infrastructure, it comes after significant industry-wide delays. The UK government originally set a deadline of June 2024 for major airports to install this technology. Like Gatwick, Manchester, and Stansted, Heathrow faced logistical hurdles, including supply chain issues and the need to reinforce floors to support the heavy scanners, that pushed the completion date to January 2026.

The “One-Way” Rule Caveat

Travelers must remain vigilant regarding the limitations of this new rule. The ability to carry liquids up to 2 liters applies only to passengers departing from Heathrow. Many international destinations, as well as other airports within the UK and EU, may not have completed their upgrades.

Passengers transferring through other hubs or returning to Heathrow from airports without CT scanners will still be subject to the traditional 100ml liquid limit. Consequently, purchasing large liquids duty-free or packing full-sized toiletries in carry-on luggage could result in confiscation at the return airport or a connecting security checkpoint. We recommend checking the specific security regulations of all airports on your itinerary before packing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I still need to put liquids in a plastic bag at Heathrow?
No. The requirement to use clear plastic bags for liquids has been eliminated for departures from Heathrow.

What is the new liquid limit?
Passengers can now carry liquids in containers of up to 2 liters in their hand luggage.

Do I need to take my laptop out of my bag?
No. Laptops, tablets, and other large electronics can remain inside your cabin baggage during the screening process.

Does this apply to my return flight?
Not necessarily. These rules apply to departures from Heathrow. You must check the rules of the airport you are flying back from, as many still enforce the 100ml limit.

Sources

• Heathrow Airport Press Release

This article is based on an official press release from San Francisco International Airport (SFO).

SFO Unveils High-Tech “Nerve Center” to Centralize Airport Operations

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) has officially opened its new Airport Integrated Operations Center (AIOC), a centralized hub designed to unify critical airport functions under one roof. According to an official announcement from the airport, the facility began full operations with a celebration on January 22, 2026. The 22,000-square-foot center represents a significant shift in how the airport manages its daily logistics, moving from decentralized departments to a collaborative, technology-driven model.

Located within the newly constructed Courtyard 3 Connector (C3C), a secure building linking Terminal 2 and Terminal 3, the AIOC serves as the operational “brain” of the airport. SFO officials state that the facility brings together security, dispatch, facilities, and airline coordinators into a single workspace, enabling faster response times and better coordination during both routine operations and emergencies.

A $250 Million Infrastructure Investment

The AIOC is a primary component of the Courtyard 3 Connector project, which SFO reports has an estimated value of $250 million. The project was delivered by a design-build team led by general contractor Hensel Phelps, with architectural design by HOK and MEI Architects. The facility features 67 workstations designed to foster cross-functional collaboration, breaking down the traditional silos that often exist between different airport departments.

Beyond housing the operations center, the C3C building provides a secure post-security walkway for passengers moving between terminals. This dual-purpose design improves passenger flow while simultaneously upgrading the airport’s operational infrastructure. In line with SFO’s sustainability goals, the building is “Net Zero Energy ready” and is targeting LEED Gold certification.

Digital Twin Technology and Real-Time Monitoring

A key feature of the new center is its integration of “digital twin” technology. Developed in partnership with Esri, this system creates a real-time 3D digital replica of the entire airport complex. According to the project details, this system allows staff to monitor a wide array of operational metrics, including:

• Aircraft taxi times and movement
• Baggage handling system status
• Security checkpoint wait times
• Terminal congestion and restroom cleanliness
• Traffic flow on airport roadways

The system utilizes color-coded alerts to notify staff of potential issues before they escalate. For example, the system can flag delays or early arrivals, allowing the integrated teams to reallocate resources proactively. In the event of a crisis, such as a security breach or natural disaster, the AIOC converts into a command post to coordinate a unified response among all agencies.

Mike Nakornkhet, the Airport Director at SFO, emphasized the strategic importance of the new facility in the official release:

“The AIOC is all about running the very best airport operation to deliver a consistent and seamless airport experience for our guests. Utilising a wealth of emerging technologies and historical data, the AIOC’s primary purpose is to ensure teams have the capacity to proactively monitor conditions, activate contingency plans and deploy resources.”

AirPro News Analysis

The opening of SFO’s AIOC highlights a broader trend in the aviation industry toward “predictive operations.” Historically, airports have operated in a reactive mode, addressing bottlenecks at security or baggage claim only after they occur. By co-locating key decision-makers and equipping them with a digital twin, SFO is attempting to transition to a model where operational disruptions are identified and mitigated before they impact the passenger.

This consolidation of command and control is particularly critical for airports with constrained footprints like SFO. With limited physical space to expand, efficiency gains must come from better management of existing assets. The “digital twin” concept, while common in manufacturing and urban planning, is rapidly becoming the standard for major international hubs seeking to optimize gate utilization and turnaround times without pouring new concrete.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Airport Integrated Operations Center (AIOC)?
The AIOC is a centralized facility at SFO where security, dispatch, maintenance, and airline operations teams work together in a shared space to manage airport logistics 24/7.

Where is the new facility located?
It is located in the Courtyard 3 Connector (C3C), a new building that connects Terminal 2 and Terminal 3.

What is a “Digital Twin”?
A Digital Twin is a virtual 3D replica of the airport that uses real-time data to simulate and monitor operations, helping staff predict and prevent delays.

When did the AIOC open?
While the unit began initial operations earlier, the official opening celebration took place on January 22, 2026.

Sources

• San Francisco International Airport (SFO)