San Diego International Airport’s (SAN) brand-new Terminal 1 features a streamlined curb-to-gate experience powered by a full suite of SITA technologies, including self-service kiosks, biometric face pods, dynamic signage and wait-time displays deliver smoother journeys. SITA is a Platinum Sponsor of APEX FTE Asia Expo, taking place in Singapore on 11-12 November 2025.
The new 1.2 million-square-foot, 30-gate facility includes SITA CUPPS (Common Use Passenger Processing) equipment deployed across check-in counters and boarding gates, 66 self-service TS6 kiosks, US Exit biometric face pods at select gates, and SITA Airport Vision flight information displays system throughout. Dynamic electronic signage powered by Airport Vision directs passengers in real time to airline counters, while integration with third party sensors shows up-to-the-minute security wait times before passengers enter screening.
“Partnering with SITA ensured our new terminal delivers a seamless and innovative experience for our passengers,” said Jessica Bishop, Director of Information and Technology Services, San Diego International Airport. “Their systems give us the flexibility to adapt in real time, and their collaboration throughout construction helped us open this world-class terminal on schedule.”
At the curbside, common-use kiosks and check-in counters enable any airline to serve any passenger, across entire new terminal facility. This flexibility is especially important for Southwest Airlines traffic, which represents more than half of SAN’s runway volume. Inside, the modular, common-use platform ensures airlines can shift flights or counters seamlessly as demand fluctuates.
Beyond passenger benefits, the project highlights how airports are increasingly “designing to technology”. From the early design stage, SITA worked with construction partners Turner-Flatiron and Rosendin Electric to integrate critical passenger systems. This collaboration helped reduce risk and ensured the terminal opened on time and on budget, despite the scale and complexity of the $3 billion redevelopment.
“Across North America, airports are under pressure to expand capacity while keeping the passenger journey smooth and reliable,” said Shawn Gregor, President Americas, SITA. “Terminal 1 at San Diego shows what’s possible when technology is integrated from the ground up. From common-use flexibility to real-time information and biometrics, our role has been to help the airport move passengers more efficiently while supporting the construction team in delivering this landmark project.”
The opening of Terminal 1 marks a new era for San Diego International Airport, with a modern, flexible, and passenger-friendly experience powered by SITA’s proven technologies and long-standing industry expertise.
Hear more from SITA in the Premium Conference at APEX FTE Asia Expo, taking place in Singapore on 11-12 November 2025. Sumesh Patel, President, Asia Pacific, SITA, is participating in the Opening Keynote Panel – ‘Leadership strategies to maximise capacity, operational efficiency, customer experiences, revenues and workforce, and be ready for change in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond’.
View the APEX FTE Asia Expo Premium Conference agenda >> View the Expo Floor Schedule >> Register for APEX FTE Asia Expo 2025 >>
