San Francisco International (SFO) hosted a groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday celebrating the $2.4 billion renovation of Terminal 1, its oldest passenger facility.
The project will be conducted in phases between now and 2024.
The existing facility will be demolished and reconstructed with a new Terminal 1 Center and Boarding Area B, which upon completion will house 24 gates, including six that can accommodate international arrivals by providing direct access to the U.S. Customs & Boarding Protections Federal Inspection Area.
The results also will include a new centralized checkpoint, a new consolidated baggage handling system, new dining and retail concessions and post-security connecting walkways that provide easy access to International Boarding Area A and Boarding Area C.
In the short-term, an interim Boarding Area B, with nine gates, will be constructed to accommodate continued passenger activity while the new structure takes shape.
“The renovation of Terminal 1 is another milestone in our city’s effort to keep SFO a world-class airport,” says San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee.
As part of the ceremony surrounding Terminal 1, Lee and others celebrated the career of John Martin, the airport’s retiring director.
“For more than 20 years, John’s leadership has transformed SFO into a world-class airport, reflecting all that is great about the San Francisco Bay Area,” Lee says. “The renovation of Terminal 1 is a perfect retirement gift, and the completed facility will serve as a tribute to his visionary leadership.”
Martin indicated that it’s been his career goal to continually try taking the passenger experience at SFO to new heights.
“With the renovation of Terminal 1, my role at SFO comes full circle,” he says. “The Terminal 1 renovation will once again surprise and delight travelers at SFO, delivering on the goal to create an exceptional airport experience.”
Terminal 1 opened in 1963 as the South Terminal.
