Construction is set to start Dec. 10 on San Antonio International Airport’s new $1.4 billion Terminal C, according to local CBS affiliate KENS5. The 832,000-square-foot, 17-gate facility will nearly double the size of the existing terminals A and B.
The Terminal C project is the central part of the airport’s 20-year, $2.5 billion strategic development program, which the San Antonio City Council approved in November 2021 with the goal of keeping up with expected passenger growth.
The airport picked Greeley, Colorado-based Hensel Phelps to oversee planning and construction of the new terminal, as well as related upgrades including a multi-story ground transportation center with additional parking, the expansion of elevated roadways, a new customs inspection area and airplane parking.
Dallas-headquartered Corgan and San Antonio-based Lake Flato designed the terminal.
Under the construction-manager-at-risk method the city is using, Hensel Phelps is capped at the $1 billion mark and will have to work with the architect to control building costs. Hensel Phelps will be required to bid out approximately 85% of the work, which will create opportunities for local and disadvantaged business enterprises, City Manager Erik Walsh said last year.
Work also includes central utility plant enhancements and other utility improvements, as well as demolition and site prep.
Terminal C is expected to open in the second quarter of 2028. The project will be paid for via funding from FAA grants, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, airport revenue and fees as well as airport bonds.
There are already two projects underway to provide five more gates until the new terminal is opened. The airport also plans to modernize the outbound baggage handling system in terminals A and B by November 2025.
