San Diego International Airport
The busiest single-runway airport in the United States, serving as a major gateway for Southern California.
Overview of the Airport
San Diego International Airport (SAN) is located three miles northwest of downtown San Diego, near the Mexican border. It is the third-busiest airport in California and a vital hub for domestic and international travel, connecting the region to over 80 destinations.
32.7338, -117.1933
Growth Trend
Passenger traffic increased by 3% year-over-year, reaching a new record in 2024.
Employment
9,000
Workers across airlines, ground services, concessions, security, and airport operations.
Global Ranking
Market Share of Major Airlines
Capacity Expansion
The New T1 terminal project will expand gate capacity and enhance passenger and cargo handling efficiency.
Technological Advancements
Deployment of real-time passenger analytics and AI-driven queue management improves operational efficiency and traveler experience.
Sustainability Initiatives
Implementation of sustainable aviation fuels, solar energy, and green building standards aligns SAN with global environmental goals.
General Stats
The San Diego International Airport website provides comprehensive air traffic data, including monthly summaries, year-in-review analyses, and historical data for passenger movements, flight operations, and trends.
View General Stats→Port Facts
The SANDAG Freight Viewer highlights several freight transportation gateways near San Diego International Airport, including the Otay Mesa Port of Entry and the maritime terminals operated by the Port of San Diego.
View Port Facts→General Studies
The San Diego International Airport (SAN) Airport Authority publishes an annual sustainability report that details the airport's environmental, social, and governance performance, including goals related to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
View General Studies→Latest News & Updates
Recent developments and updates for San Diego International Airport.
San Diego International Airport recorded busiest year ever in 2025
(FOX 5/KUSI) — Last year was a record-breaking year for San Diego International Airport (SAN) with over 25 million passengers having traveled through Terminals 1 and 2. The airport saw a 0.3% increase in passengers from 2024, the San Diego County ...
Here's why San Diego's airport saw a record number of passengers last year
A record number of passengers flew in and out of San Diego's international airport in 2025, coinciding with the debut late in the year of the first phase of a new Terminal 1. Even with the partial shutdown of several gates during construction that ...
San Diego airport urges travelers to be mindful of federal shutdown impacts
The San Diego International Airport (SAN) asked travelers on Monday to consider the potential impacts of the federal government shutdown on their departing or arriving flights.
Operations Logistics & Timelines
Step-by-step process transit times for passengers and cargo.
For Clients
Passenger process times from arrival to gate.
- Arrival & Baggage Claim5-15 mins
- Check-in/Bag Drop10-30 mins
- TSA Security Screening20-60 mins
- Gate Check-in/Boarding5-15 mins
- Boarding5-10 mins
For Employees
Cargo handling deadlines and operational procedures.
- General Cargo Cut-off60 mins pre-departure
- Cargo Arrival Cut-offVaries - Contact IAG Cargo or Southwest Airlines
- Document VerificationUpon Arrival
- Security ScreeningImmediately After Arrival
- Weight and Measurement VerificationDuring Security Screening
- Loading onto AircraftScheduled by Airline
- Baggage HandlingFollowing Loading
- Final Check-inPrior to Departure
Passengers' Tips & Tricks
- 1
Arrive Early for Security
Allow extra time, especially during peak travel periods, to navigate airport security. San Diego International Airport security checkpoints can experience delays.
- 2
Know Your Terminal
SAN consists of two terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, which both handle domestic and international flights. Confirm your flight's terminal before heading to your gate.
- 3
Check Flight Status Regularly
Utilize the airport's website or app to monitor your flight's status for any potential delays or gate changes. Staying informed is key.
- 4
Explore Parking Options in Advance
Book your parking reservation in advance, particularly during busy times. Various parking options are available, including long-term, short-term, and curbside.
- 5
Utilize Airport Resources
Take advantage of the airport's information kiosks, maps, and staff assistance to help you find your way and answer any questions.
Cargo Tips & Tricks
- 1
Book in Advance
Air freight capacity at San Diego International Airport (SAN) can fluctuate. Booking cargo shipments well in advance allows for better visibility into available space and potentially secures preferred rates.
- 2
Utilize Strategic Partnerships
Leverage partnerships with experienced cargo handlers like MAT Express and SANAviation to optimize cargo handling processes and ensure compliance with airport regulations.
- 3
Understand Airport Regulations
Familiarize yourself with the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority’s guidelines and operations to avoid delays and ensure smooth cargo operations, particularly concerning non-scheduled operations.
- 4
Contact Dedicated Cargo Providers
Direct communication with cargo carriers like IAG Cargo and United Cargo through their designated stations at SAN provides real-time updates on shipment status and operational efficiencies.
- 5
Consider Airport Proximity
San Diego International Airport’s location near San Diego (3 kilometers) facilitates efficient ground transportation and expedited delivery services, which can be advantageous for time-sensitive shipments.
Tools & Resources
Essential tools, portals, and resources for clients and partners.
Data & Reports
Official statistics, research reports, and data tracking for San Diego International Airport.
San Diego International Airport Facts & Figures
Provides key statistics and facts about San Diego International Airport, including passenger numbers, aircraft operations, and revenue for the fiscal year 2025. Highlights a record-breaking 25.32 million passengers in 2025.
Air Traffic Reports
Contains historical air traffic data, passenger summary reports, and domestic and international cargo analytics.
Passenger Boarding (Enplanement) and All-Cargo Data for U.S. Airports
Provides data on passenger boarding and all-cargo data collected for U.S. airports, including the 2026 projections and methodology.
San Diego County Regional Airport Authority - Financial Reports
Offers access to the Airport Authority's comprehensive financial reports, including ACFRs, quarterly updates, and budget documents for transparency and accountability.
ACI World Data Center
A resource for vital airport and air travel industry data, including passenger and cargo traffic statistics, aircraft movements, and more.
Location & Maps
Find San Diego International Airport on popular mapping services.
Interactive Map
Map Legend
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Recommendations
Policy Alignment
Collaborate with federal and state agencies to secure funding and advance regional transportation integration.
Infrastructure Investment
Accelerate modernization of terminals and airfield to address capacity constraints and support future growth.
Sustainability Focus
Expand sustainable practices, including energy efficiency and waste reduction, to meet regulatory and community expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common inquiries about operations and logistics at San Diego International Airport.
How long does it take to go through security?
Security lines at SAN typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the time of day and the number of travelers. TSA officers prioritize efficient processing, but peak periods can result in longer wait times.
What is the process for cargo handling?
SAN handles a variety of cargo shipments through its dedicated freight terminal. Cargo handlers manage the receipt, sorting, and loading/unloading of freight containers and individual shipments, ensuring secure transport.
What transportation options are available to the airport?
Various transportation options connect to SAN, including the PeopleMover light rail, airport shuttles, taxi stands, and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft. The airport also offers a shuttle service to nearby hotels.
For More Info
Third-party resources, government portals, ratings, and more.
