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)

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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