The state of Texas is essential for US aviation. Many of its cities are home to hubs or companies that play a vital role in the United States aviation industry. For example, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport is the second-busiest airport in the country, and the city is also home to two of the largest airlines in the world— American Airlines and 
Southwest Airlines.
Though not the busiest airport in the Lone Star State, San Antonio International Airport (SAT) has grown tremendously in the past few years. The airline is slated to open a massive, brand-new terminal to accommodate the record-breaking number of passengers it has encountered this year.
San Antonio’s new terminal
Construction on San Antonio’s new terminal is slated to begin on December 10, 2024, and is estimated to cost the city 1.4 billion dollars. The brand-new Terminal C will essentially double the size of San Antonio Airport, unlocking further growth potential and allowing better connections to other parts of the country and the world.
Photo: San Antonio International Airport
The new facility is part of a larger 2 billion dollar effort to prepare the airport for the future. San Antonio has already consistently broken passenger volume records for the first ten months of 2024. According to local news source KENS 5, passenger numbers peaked in July 2024, when 1,032,610 passengers passed through the airport.
The decision to open the new facility dates back to 2018 when the city considered two options to improve the airport’s capabilities: build a new terminal or move the entire airport to a new location. The city ultimately settled for a new terminal, the cheaper choice.
Photo: San Antonio International Airport
When completed, Terminal C will double the space existing facilities offer. Estimates suggest it will create over 6,000 jobs, and some renderings feature an outdoor courtyard passengers can enjoy after security. Current plans aim for a 2028 terminal opening, which will also include a new parking garage and transportation center.
Related
San Antonio Airport First In US To Use AI-Powered Parking System
The system does away with the traditional ticket-based system.
Conflict with Southwest Airlines
Since its launch, the new terminal has faced conflict with Southwest Airlines, the largest operator at the airport. The low-cost carrier has been serving San Antonio International Airport since 1971 but is unhappy with the plans for the new terminal.
Photo: Brandon Farris | Shutterstock
Southwest claims that airport officials repeatedly promised that most or all of its ten gates would be transferred to the new facility. However, current plans have Southwest Airlines remaining at its current home at Terminal A. A hearing over the original injunction was scheduled for this month but has been delayed.
San Antonio at a glance
San Antonio is one of the busiest airports in Texas despite not serving as a hub for any legacy carrier. Though not as busy as Dallas-Fort Worth or Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport, growing passenger numbers have shown its critical role in connecting Texans to the world.
Photo: Austin Deppe | Shutterstock
As mentioned, Southwest Airlines is the largest operator at the airport and offers a robust schedule from the city. Southwest commands a 36% market share, while American, which has 20%, is in a distant second place. Delta Air Lines trails the two, followed by United Airlines and Spirit Airlines.
