San Diego Airport Sets Passenger Record in 2025

New nonstop flights, including two international routes, drove increased air traffic despite construction impacts.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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San Diego International Airport saw a record 25.32 million passengers in 2025, a slight 0.3% increase over the previous record set in 2024. The growth was fueled by new nonstop flights, including six new routes from Alaska Airlines and two new international flights to Panama City and Amsterdam. The airport's new Terminal 1 project, which opened partially in late 2025, also contributed to the increased traffic, though some gates had to be temporarily closed during construction.

Why it matters

San Diego's airport growth reflects the region's increasing prominence as a travel destination, with expanded nonstop service making it more accessible. The new international flights also strengthen San Diego's connections to global markets. However, the airport's expansion plans have faced some challenges, including the temporary closure of gates during Terminal 1 construction.

The details

The record passenger volume in 2025 was driven by the addition of more than a dozen new or resumed nonstop flights, led by Alaska Airlines' six new routes. Other airlines like Frontier and Southwest also added nonstop service. The two new international flights to Panama City and Amsterdam were particularly impactful, contributing to a 24% year-over-year increase in overseas passengers. Expanded service to Munich and Tokyo by Lufthansa and Japan Airlines also boosted trans-oceanic travel.

  • In 2025, San Diego International Airport saw a record 25.32 million passengers.
  • The first phase of the new Terminal 1 project opened in late 2025.
  • Between October and December 2025, passenger traffic at the new Terminal 1 increased by more than 11% compared to the same period in 2024.

The players

San Diego International Airport

The primary commercial airport serving the San Diego metropolitan area, located just north of downtown San Diego.

Kimberly Becker

The president and CEO of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority, which operates the San Diego International Airport.

Alaska Airlines

A major U.S. airline that has been aggressively expanding its presence at San Diego International Airport, adding six new nonstop routes in 2025.

Copa Airlines

A Panamanian airline that debuted a new nonstop flight from San Diego to Panama City in 2025.

KLM

The flag carrier airline of the Netherlands, which launched a new nonstop flight from San Diego to Amsterdam in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“San Diego's airport 'has once again surpassed its highest recorded passenger volume'”

— Kimberly Becker, President and CEO, San Diego County Regional Airport Authority

“Between upcoming schedule announcements in October and March, 'we'll be back to our pre-pandemic highs, and after that, we will then have a chance to expand even more.'”

— Andrew Watterson, Chief Operating Officer, Southwest Airlines (San Diego Union-Tribune)

What’s next

The new Terminal 1 project at San Diego International Airport is scheduled to be completed by 2028, at which point there will be a total of 30 gates.

The takeaway

San Diego's airport growth reflects the region's increasing prominence as a travel destination, with expanded nonstop service making it more accessible. However, the airport's expansion plans have faced some challenges, including the temporary closure of gates during Terminal 1 construction.