Terminal 2 East Expansion and Remodel
Airport // The future step in Lindbergh Field’s continuing modernization
Robert P., Contributing Writer
Since original completion in 1979, San Diego International Airport's Terminal 2 East (ironically known originally as the West Terminal) has undergone a patchwork of smaller renovations and expansions to keep the terminal in line with modern travel expectations. With the demolition of SAN's original Terminal 1 now complete, however, Terminal 2 East now represents the oldest surviving part of the airport, and it shows. Luckily, plans are in motion for it's newest round of improvements.
The planned modernization of Terminal 2 East will be made up of three projects. The main terminal project involves two stages: stage 1 will consist of rebuilding the existing terminal headhouse—which will contain ticketing, baggage handling, and security checkpoints—and rebuilding of the northernmost end of the terminal, which currently consists of gates 27 through 32. The work on the northern end will finally enable the full activation of Taxiway A, which will be a massive boon for future airport operations. The Full Build phase will replace the connection between the headhouse and the newly renovated end of the terminal, which currently contains gates 22 through 26.
The second project is the Connector, which will at long last connect Terminals 1 and 2 post-security, while also featuring a full replacement and expansion of gates 20 and 21. An RFP for art in this corridor was released by the airport in 2025.
Lastly, current plans include an expansion of the existing Aspire Lounge, construction of which will require a 3 month shut down of gate 23. While the Powerpoint below calls it the "Alaska Lounge," whether Alaska will end up taking this space is currently undecided.
The main result of these upgrades is that there will be substantially more space for passengers compared to the existing Terminal 2 East. With current plans, the connector, designed and built by Sundt/HOK, will be built first, followed by the remaining projects. Procurement is expected to begin this summer, and construction for the connector is expected to begin in December.
Sources:
https://construction-network.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/0128-SDIA.pdf
https://www.sundt.com/2026/sundt-awarded-new-project-at-san-diego-international-airport/