The new Ground Load Facility includes three new gates for domestic and international flights. (Parks Kugle/Community Impact)
The San Antonio International Airport celebrated the grand opening of the Terminal A expansion March 27, marking the first gate expansion in SA Airport's $2.5 billion capital improvement plan, which is designed to modernize and expand the city’s airport.
The details
Known as the Ground Load Facility, the approximately 37,000-square-foot Terminal A expansion supports both domestic and international flights and includes new ground-load gates, passenger areas and a federal inspection station for international arrivals, according to a news release.
The new ground load facility features multiple built-in conveniences for passengers, such as built-in charging stations in the seats. (Parks Kugle/Community Impact)
Ground load facility amenities include:
Three new ground gates located south of Terminal A
Integrated federal inspection station for international arrivals
Two levels of seating areas for passengers
Dedicated charging stations for electronic devices
Workstation areas
High tabletop stations
A lactation room
Additional food and retail options
Quiet rooms
The new expansion includes a new shopping area known as the Confluence Market. (Parks Kugle/Community Impact)
What they’re saying
"The grand opening of this facility is proof that [SA Airport’s] best days are ahead of us," Director of Airports Jesus Saenz said. "Elevate SAT is not just a slogan. It [is] an active promise to elevate our airport and elevate the customer experience and elevate our region economically.”
"Our program focuses on four big pillars: accessibility, sustainability, sense of place and customer experience. That's what we build everything on now and going forward," said Deputy Director of Aviation Tim O’Krongley.
The expansion includes an integrated federal inspection station for international arrivals. (Parks Kugle/Community Impact)
“This project is a powerful example of partnership," Dan Edwards, Federal Aviation Administration associate administrator for airports, said. "Through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the FAA has invested more than $55 million here, and the city of San Antonio has put in $33 million of local funding. That tells me you believe in your airport and in your infrastructure.”
City, county and federal officials celebrated the opening of the Terminal A expansion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. (Parks Kugle/Community Impact)
The background
Known as Elevate/SAT, the capital improvement plan is designed to create an elevated airport experience and includes improvements to facilities and runways and the construction of a new Terminal C, which will be 850,000 square feet and will include up to 18 domestic and international gates, according to previous reporting from Community Impact.
The new terminal will be designed to evoke a sense of place, using natural light, local materials and local color palettes, officials said. Features will include an indoor-outdoor transition, regional plants, limestone, bridges, water features and walkways reminiscent of the River Walk.
