San Diego Airport Terminal 1 Phase 1B Renderings Released - What Pacific Beach Builders Need to Know

Phase 1B Renderings Reveal Expanded Capacity Through 2028

The updated visuals reveal 11 additional gates that will bring the New T1 to 30 gates total, with completion targeted for early 2028. The concept art emphasizes natural light, bay views, and a wave-inspired glass entry that mirrors the waterfront location. According to Construction Review Online, Phase 1B includes new lounges, restaurants, outdoor dining terraces, and enhanced bike and pedestrian pathways along North Harbor Drive.

The Turner-Flatiron joint venture recently earned a 2026 Build America Merit Award from the Associated General Contractors of America, recognizing the project's complexity and phased delivery within an active airport environment. Construction on Phase 1B begins in early 2026, with three gates opening in Spring 2026 and the remaining eight gates completing in early 2028.

Phase 1A, which opened in September 2025, delivered 19 gates at a cost of $2.6 billion. The complete project adds approximately five miles of new roadways, including elevated departures and arrivals lanes, plus a 5,200-space parking plaza.

What the $3.8B Project Means for Pacific Beach Contractors

The Terminal 1 program's massive scale creates both challenges and opportunities for Pacific Beach builders. With San Diego's construction workforce of 87,000 already strained by a $160 billion regional transportation plan and housing mandates requiring 108,000 new units by 2029, the airport project intensifies labor competition.

Vacancy rates hover between 12-15%, far above the healthy 7-8% benchmark. Electricians, plumbers, and experienced site managers top San Diego's most wanted lists, with companies offering signing bonuses up to $5,000 for specialized roles. Construction bids in 2026 reflect labor cost increases of 6-8% annually.

From Pacific Beach's Crystal Pier to La Jolla Cove, and across Mission Beach's Belmont Park to Bird Rock neighborhoods, contractors report similar labor constraints. Projects near Tourmaline Surfing Park and along Garnet Avenue's commercial corridor are experiencing 4-6 week delays due to electrician shortages as specialized tradespeople accept higher-paying airport work. Mission Beach ADU projects and La Jolla commercial remodels should budget an additional 15-20% contingency for labor competition through 2028.

However, the mega-project also presents subcontracting opportunities. The San Diego County Regional Airport Authority uses the PlanetBids online portal for transparent, competitive procurement. Pacific Beach contractors with specialized capabilities in MEP systems, finishes, or coastal construction methodologies can explore Turner Construction's subcontractor prequalification process.

The project's phased approach offers valuable lessons for local builders managing occupied renovations or complex commercial work. Turner's case study demonstrates how maintaining operations during major construction requires meticulous coordination—techniques applicable to Pacific Beach ADU additions or multi-phase commercial remodels.