San Antonio Airport Expansion Set to Transform the City’s Skyline

San Antonio is preparing for a major airport expansion that is poised to redefine the city’s travel experience. Designed by global architecture firm Corgan in collaboration with Texas-based Lake Flato, the project will introduce a state-of-the-art terminal that blends modern functionality with the city’s rich architectural and natural heritage.

an airport expansion for San Antonio

A Landmark Expansion for a Growing City

As Texas' second-largest city, San Antonio continues to experience rapid growth, necessitating a significant expansion of its airport infrastructure. The project will add a 17-gate terminal, new parking facilities, an advanced utility plant, and improved railway connections to streamline transportation.

By integrating two of the existing terminals, the new design will create a more cohesive and efficient travel hub. Corgan and Lake Flato’s vision for the terminal features overlapping, slanted "hovering shed roofs" that enhance both aesthetics and functionality. The exterior will be wrapped in semi-translucent cladding, creating a sleek and modern appearance while maximizing natural light.

A River Walk-Inspired Terminal with Green Spaces

At the heart of the expansion lies a lush open-air garden, taking inspiration from San Antonio’s iconic River Walk. This landscaped space will be nestled between two terminal structures and connected by elevated walkways that provide shade while enhancing pedestrian flow.

The interior design will further reflect the city’s character, incorporating stone-clad columns and exposed timber rafters that extend from indoor spaces to the terminal’s exterior soffits. “San Antonio’s new airport terminal marks a transformational moment for our city,” said Joe Benjamin, a partner at Lake Flato. “Our goal was to create an inspiring first impression for visitors while celebrating the unique culture, context, and community of San Antonio.”

Bringing the Outdoors Inside

Passengers will experience an inviting and open terminal space, featuring tall ceilings supported by massive timber rafters and clerestory windows that flood the interior with natural light. The entrance area will seamlessly flow into the central garden, where live trees and lush greenery will enhance the atmosphere and provide a serene environment.

Renderings of the design highlight planters integrated within the terminal itself, reinforcing the airport’s connection to nature and sustainability. This approach not only enhances aesthetics but also promotes well-being for travelers.

an airport expansion for San Antonio

A Vision for the Future

Scheduled for completion by 2028, the San Antonio International Airport expansion is expected to set a new standard for airport design, combining efficiency with cultural and environmental consciousness. As urban centers continue to evolve, this project serves as a blueprint for integrating local identity into modern infrastructure.

Other notable airport projects in the U.S. include Studio Gang’s controversial expansion of Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport. With its innovative approach, San Antonio’s new terminal is poised to make a lasting impact, offering a travel experience that is both world-class and uniquely Texan.