Summary
- San Francisco International Airport is launching a $2.6 billion modernization project for T3 West.
- United Airlines is excited about the improvements and wants to grow at the state-of-the-art SFO.
- T3 upgrades include a new façade, baggage drop-off facility, security checks and improvements for international passengers.
Commercial aviation’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic is almost complete, aside from recouping the enormous losses. Airports have played a central role in that recovery and deserve praise for continuing to invest in new facilities and technologies, such as the modernization efforts currently underway at San Francisco International Airport.
Beginning of a long journey
Last week, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) announced that it has launched the $2.6 billion Terminal 3 West modernization project. The entire project will culminate in early 2029, when a renovated check-in lobby opens at the east end of Terminal 3, with phases opening in stages starting in fall 2027.
Photo: San Francisco International Airport
The Terminal 3 (T3) construction project will renovate the existing 61,000 square meter western half of the terminal, including an “earthquake-resistant retrofit,” expanded security screening and new passenger amenities. The work will also create 18,500 square meters of additional space, allowing for expanded food and beverage and retail concessions. This section is scheduled to open in fall 2027.
Photo: J Hopwood | Shutterstock
United Airlines is the largest airline at SFO, followed by Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and Southwest Airlines. Lori Augustine, vice president of airport operations for United at SFO, said the airline is always looking for growth at SFO and is excited that the state-of-the-art improvements will attract even more passengers to the airport.
“We have had an incredible partnership with the airport for decades and our collaboration with them on the T3 West project is a symbol of our commitment to San Francisco and our confidence in this city as one of the most desirable places to live, work and visit.”
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Lots to do at T3
Key elements of the T3 West project include an inviting new exterior facade that greets travelers at the curb and provides additional space for check-in. The larger check-in area will include new self-service bag drop stations and new security checkpoints, including one on the mezzanine level for AirTrain passengers.
Photo: EQRoy | Shutterstock
International passengers will also benefit from the modernization. They will have direct access to the customs hall in the international terminal via a new sterile Federal Inspection Service corridor. The SFO T3 project also includes a new six-story building that will house office space and the important airline lounges.
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The renovated and expanded west half is scheduled to open in fall 2027, the new six-story building is scheduled to open in early 2028, and a renovated check-in lobby at the east end of Terminal 3 is scheduled to open in early 2029. To facilitate passenger movement between the terminals and boarding areas, a temporary walkway will be built around the project site.
Photo: San Francisco International Airport
In today’s climate, sustainability must be embedded in the DNA of a project of this magnitude, so the airport is aiming for LEED Platinum certification. The project includes daylighting, displacement ventilation, on-site photovoltaic cells, waste heat recovery, low-carbon steel and concrete, energy-efficient baggage handling, recycled water and health-friendly materials.
At its busiest, the project is expected to employ 500 to 600 workers and is expected to award more than $173 million in contracts to local companies.
