Air Canada and WestJet Settle into SAN's New Terminal 1: What It Means for Travelers.
Key Points
- 1Air Canada and WestJet completed their move to the New Terminal 1 at San Diego International Airport (SAN) on January 14, 2026.
- 2The Canadian airlines now operate from the Terminal 1 East Lobby, with gates 116, 117, and 118 assigned.
- 3The relocation is part of the $3.8 billion SAN New Terminal 1 project, which saw Phase 1A open in September 2025 with 19 new gates.
The commercial aviation landscape at San Diego International Airport (SAN) is changing. Two major Canadian airlines San Diego serve have completed a key relocation. Air Canada and WestJet have officially moved. They now operate from the airport's New Terminal 1 facility. The move from Terminal 2 was completed on January 14, 2026. This transfer is a major step in the ongoing San Diego airport expansion efforts. Passengers should note the new locations immediately.
Key Operational Details
All ticketing and check-in for both carriers are now consolidated. The new location is the East Lobby of the Terminal 1 Ticket Hall. This change streamlines the process for travelers. Passengers must adjust their arrival plans to the new facility.
- Air Canada flights will operate from Gates 116 and 117.
- WestJet flights will use Gate 118.
Airport officials strongly advise all travelers to arrive early. This is especially true for those flying these airlines for the first time. The new terminal layout requires extra time for navigation. International passengers arriving from pre-cleared Canadian cities already have U.S. entry clearance.
The New Terminal 1 Project
The airline relocation is part of a massive airport redevelopment. The New Terminal 1 project is a multi-year, $3.8 billion undertaking. This investment is designed to modernize the airport. It will also help meet the region's growing travel demands. The first phase, Phase 1A, officially opened in September 2025. This initial phase added 19 new gates to the airport's capacity.
Impact on Airport Capacity
The full project is expected to be finished by early 2028. Upon completion, the new facility will feature 30 gates in total. The expansion is a critical development for San Diego International Airport. It replaces the 58-year-old original Terminal 1 structure. The project is funded by airline leases and federal grants. The FAA has supported the massive infrastructure work. This ensures the airport can handle future passenger growth. The new facilities offer modern amenities and improved efficiency. This includes a larger security checkpoint with 13 lanes.
This development is important commercial aviation news. It signifies progress in U.S. airport infrastructure. The successful move of WestJet and Air Canada marks a smooth transition. It paves the way for future airline relocations. The entire aviation community watches these large-scale projects. They set standards for modernizing aging airport infrastructure. Read more aviation news at flying.flights.
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Written by
Ujjwal SukhwaniAviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience.
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