San Antonio International Airport’s new Terminal B open for Business

The City of San Antonio has announced the first flights will depart from the San Antonio International Airport’s new Terminal B facility November 9, 2010. This milestone marks the completion of the major Airport Expansion Program that was initiated as part of the 1998 Master Plan. As of November 9, 2010, Terminal B will be open for business and Terminal 1 will be renamed Terminal A.

The City’s Aviation Department has been working closely with contractors, airlines and concessionaires to ensure a smooth transition from the old Terminal 2 to the new Terminal B. With a well orchestrated overnight changeover, Terminal B will come online and begin operations.

Terminal B will be home to Continental Airlines and American Airlines, and both airlines have scheduled departures on November 9, 2010 at about 6:00 AM in the morning. The first official flight from the new Terminal B will be Continental Airlines, flight # 278 to Houston, followed closely by American Airlines; flight # 1157 to Dallas at 6:00 AM.

As part of the overall Airport Expansion Program, a new wayfinding system will be implemented. All building interior and exterior directional signage and roadway signage directing passengers to the airport terminals will undergo a major facelift and reflect the new Terminal B and the name change of Terminal 1 to Terminal A.

In addition to Terminal B, there were several other major projects that were included in the Airport Expansion Program. They are: a new long term parking garage structure; the bi-level roadway system; Consolidated Baggage Handling System (BHS); and a new Central Utility Plant (CUP).