San Francisco celebrates topping out on its Terminal 1 build

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) has celebrated the “topping out” of Terminal 1, commemorating the placement of the highest steel beam in the structure.

The US$2.4 billion project, scheduled to be completed in phases from 2019 to 2022, creates an entirely new concourse and Boarding Area B, along with a new centralised security checkpoint, a new state-of-the-art consolidated baggage handling system, dining and retail concessions, and post-security connecting walkways.

“We are proud to reach this milestone in the largest construction project at SFO,” said Airport Director Ivar C. Satero. “Terminal 1 sets new standards for us and the industry in guest experience, technology, and sustainability. My thanks go out to the entire project team for their collaboration, dedication, and passion.”

Upon completion, Boarding Area B will feature a total of 25 gates, including seven “swing” gates which can accommodate international arrivals by providing direct access to the U.S. Customs & Border Protections Federal Inspection Area.  Connecting walkways located post-security will provide easy access to International Boarding Area A and Boarding Area C.

Terminal 1 Timeline

• July 2019: nine gates open in Boarding Area B; new Consolidated Security Checkpoint opens; Terminal 1 Center partially opens
• March 2020: nine more gates open in Boarding Area B (18 gates total), entire south check-in lobby
• Q2 2021: International Connector open, seven additional gates (25 gates total), swing gates open
• Q4 2022: All gates open; Boarding Area B and Terminal 1 fully operational

The construction of the new Terminal 1 is divided into two projects: Boarding Area B (BAB) and Terminal 1 Center (T1C).