San Antonio City Council on Nov. 18 voted unanimously to approve a long-range strategic development plan to expand and upgrade the San Antonio International Airport.

Among other things, the 20-year master plan calls for adding a terminal, adding more gates and concessions, developing unified passenger screening areas, and building a walkway to link all three terminals.

Local leaders said collectively, expanding and enhancing the airport will be the city’s biggest capital project ever, adding that it is needed to accommodate an expected increase in passengers and to lure more air carriers and routes to San Antonio.

“This plan is warranted and will prepare us for future demand and transform the passenger experience at the airport,” said Jesus Saenz Jr., the city’s director of airports, in a news release. “Our team has been enthusiastic in our efforts to create a plan that is financially feasible and is equipped to handle at least 16 million passengers annually and meets the needs of travelers. It will be a world-class facility that everyone will be proud of and reflects our city’s rich culture, diversity and charm.”

According to city officials, Phase 1 work—including construction of what would be called Terminal C—is estimated to cost $880 million to $950 million.

City officials said they have no firm estimate on costs for an envisioned second phase of airport improvements.

The strategic plan is being forwarded to the Federal Aviation Administration, which will issue solicitations to start planning services for the new terminal.

The upcoming edition of Community Impact Newspaper's North San Antonio edition will have more information about the long-range airport plan.