San Francisco International Airport (SFO), a key west-coast gateway to North America, has launched its Terminal 3 West Modernization project. It will renovate the existing 650,000-square-foot western half of Terminal 3, including a seismic retrofit, an expanded security checkpoint, and new passenger amenities.

The $2.6 billion construction project—whose design/build team is Turner Construction, Gensler, and TEF—will create 200,000 square feet of additional space, allowing for expanded food, beverage, and retail concessions. This expanded area is expected to open in fall 2027.

SFO Airport Director, Ivar C. Satero, commented: “We expect this project will once again raise the bar for what travelers can look forward to at SFO.”Lori Augustine, Vice President of Airport Operations for United’s SFO Hub, added: “We are always looking for ways to grow our operation in the San Francisco Bay Area. These state-of-the-art improvements will entice even more people to visit us here.”

The partnership between the airport and the airline spans many decades, and United believes that its tie-in with the T3 West project “is a symbol of our commitment to San Francisco and the faith we have in this city.”

San Francisco as a city has come in for heavy criticism due to various crises, including crime and social policy, and it has seen an exodus of retailers in recent years. Tourism is down and hotel occupancy rates, while climbing again, remain well below rival cities on the west coast (see chart below).

The city’s air gateway has, however, seen an encouraging passenger recovery. In the first half of 2024, traffic was up by 9% to 51.3 million of which international pax numbers reached 15.2 million, up by over 21%. Asian and Middle Eastern traffic in particular rebounded well, up by over 40% while European travelers were subdued at 4%.

Better Passenger Facilities

SFO has therefore continued with its expansion. The T3 West Modernization project will create a new exterior façade, more space for check-in, including self-bag drops, and new security checkpoints, including one on the mezzanine level for AirTrain passengers.

For arriving international passengers, direct access to the Customs Hall located in the International Terminal will be provided via a new Federal Inspection Service (FIS) sterile connector. The project also includes a new six-story building that will house airline lounges and office space.

The renovated and expanded western half is expected to open in fall 2027, with the lounges opening in early 2028, and a renovated check-in lobby on the eastern end of T3 expected to open in early 2029. During the construction, a temporary walkway, ready for the holiday 2024 season, will allow passengers to move from various terminals and boarding areas around the project site.

At its peak, the project is anticipated to employ 500-600 workers and is aiming to award over $173 million in contracts to local businesses. SFO is targeting LEED Platinum certification for this project. Sustainability features will include daylight harvesting, displacement ventilation, on-site photovoltaic cells, waste heat recovery, low-carbon steel and concrete, energy-smart baggage handling, and other green initiatives.