San Antonio airport gets $30 million to build new terminal, make electrical upgrades

San Antonio International Airport (SAT) will use $30 million from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for a terminal construction project and electrical upgrades on an existing terminal. The San Antonio metro area’s population is projected to surpass 4 million by 2050. The terminal will help accommodate anticipated growth, which could jump from 10 million passengers annually to 15 million within the next 20 years.

The funding comes from the FY 2024 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) Airport Terminals Program (ATP) and the Airport Infrastructure Grants (AIG) program. ATP gives airports grants to develop terminals, while AIG helps support airport infrastructure, improve runway safety and create jobs.

“As we grow and expand our operations, these grants allow us to continue to modernize our airport and improve traveler experience,” Director of Airports Jesus Saenz said in a release.

SAT will use $18 million from ATP to fund the environmental review and partial design of a connector for the 850,000 square-foot Terminal C project. The connector will create access between the two existing terminals, enabling passengers to move between them without having to exit and re-enter the secure area.

Once completed, Terminal C will feature 17 domestic and international gates, larger seating areas, 41,000-square-feet of concessions, 29,000-square-feet for club lounge space and a modern Federal Inspections Service area that will expand international travel.

The San Antonio airport will also allocate $12 million from AIG to improve and rehabilitate Terminal A’s electrical systems.

The awards mark the latest set of federal boosts to SAT. In February 2023, the FAA awarded the airport $20 million to build the Ground Load Facility (GLF). The GLF will add three ground gates and provide additional routes that both existing and new airlines can use. It will open in 2025.

The FAA will award $2.89 billion for airports nationwide for the FY 2024 AIG program. The FAA has already awarded $309.9 million for the first two FY 2024 AIG funding rounds. The latest round was announced Jan. 30, allocating $243.7 million across 150 grants to 37 states. The FAA will also award $1 billion for airports nationwide for the FY 2024 ATP program. It will also offer $1 billion for fiscal years 2025 and 2026.

^{Strategic Partnerships, Inc. can provide information on contract opportunities, plus existing and future government funding. For more information, contact research@spartnerships.com.}