San Antonio International Airport Shares New Terminal Update with City Council

The San Antonio Airport System (SAAS) has reached an important milestone in the implementation of the Strategic Development Program (SDP) for San Antonio International Airport and the construction of a third terminal to support air service growth for the fast-growing south, central Texas region.

Jesus Saenz, Director of Airports, San Antonio Airport System (SAAS), briefed City Council on the Construction Manager at Risk (CMR) for the new terminal facility at today’s City Council meeting. This solicitation is one of the largest in the City’s history and the largest for SAAS. The selected contractor will work with the Master Architect and City to complete the design and construct the new terminal facility with the key enabling projects. The City Council was briefed on the 15% design renderings for the new terminal in February 2023.

“We are on track as we promised at February’s meeting when we shared the preliminary designs for our new terminal facility,” Saenz said. “While the CMR is out for solicitation and evaluation, we have already initiated the services of the Master Architect firm, which was awarded in March. Our new terminal is still scheduled for completion at the end of March 2028.”

The SDP identified a need for a new terminal facility to support the projected passenger growth in the greater San Antonio region. The scope of work in this solicitation will support this effort and include:

• Construction of a new concourse with up to 17 gates, with a new Federal Inspection Service/Customs area to support international air service
• Construction of the associated apron work, including an additional area for aircraft parking (known as the Remain Overnight area)
• Expansion of the roadway lanes in front of the terminals and as well as additional weave lanes to help motorists facilitate the airport campus
• Construction of a new Ground Transportation Center to include additional public parking

The release of the solicitation, scheduled for June 5, 2023, follows a successful Industry Day event held in April which brought local and national firms together to learn more about the program and provide a networking opportunity.

Debbie Drew, Chief Integration Officer for SAAS, said the event was well-attended.

“The turnout was so encouraging. We had attendees from across the world who are interested in helping us make this project a collaborative success,” Drew said. “About 400 contractors participated to learn how to do business with the City and to network with aviation leaders.”

The estimated contract value for the CMR for the new terminal facility is between $700 million and $1 billion. It will be funded by a variety of funding sources including:

• Federal grants
• Interim airport financing
• Aviation capital funds
• Passenger facility charges