SFO Outlines Changes Coming in Next Phase of Terminal 3 West Project

SFO Outlines Changes Coming in Next Phase of Terminal 3 West Project

AirTrain station closes, United ticket counters in Terminal 2 open November 4th

SAN FRANCISCO - October 30, 2025 - The San Francisco International Airport (SFO) outlined a series of changes coming in the next phase of the Terminal 3 West Modernization project. Effective Tuesday, November 4, 2025, the following changes will go into effect:

AirTrain station changes

• The AirTrain station currently serving Terminal 3 will close until the new facility opens in 2027.
• The current Terminal 2 AirTrain station will be renamed "Terminals 2 & 3 AirTrain Station".
• All United Airlines passengers arriving or departing on AirTrain should utilize this combined station.

Ticket counter changes

• The United Airlines ticket counters at the west end of Terminal 3 will close; United counters at the east end of Terminal 3 will remain open.
• United will open new ticket counters at the west side of Terminal 2.
• Passengers checking in for flights departing from D and E gates should use the Terminal 2 counters.
• Passengers checking in for flights departing from F gates should use the Terminal 3 counters.

Terminal 3 curbside changes

• The Terminal 3 departure level curb will close from Doors 6 through 13 until 2027.
• Customers are recommended to be dropped off in Terminal 2 or the Terminal 3 arrival level.

Project Overview

The $2.6B Terminal 3 West Modernization project will renovate the existing 650,000 square foot western half of Terminal 3, including a seismic retrofit, an expanded security checkpoint and new passenger amenities. The project will also create 200,000 square feet of additional space, allowing for expanded food, beverage, and retail concessions. The expanded section is expected to open in fall 2027.

The Terminal 3 West Modernization project will create a welcoming new exterior façade greeting passengers curbside, more space for check-in, including state-of-the-art self-bag drop, and new security checkpoints, including one on the mezzanine level for AirTrain passengers. For international arriving passengers, direct access to the Customs Hall located in the International Terminal will be provided via a new Federal Inspection Service (FIS) sterile connector. The project also includes a new six-story building which will house both airline lounges and operational office space. The renovated and expanded western half is expected to open in fall 2027, with the six-story building opening in early 2028. A renovated check-in lobby on the eastern end of Terminal 3 is expected to open in early 2029.

SFO is targeting LEED Platinum certification for this project. Sustainability features will include daylight harvesting, displacement ventilation, on-site photovoltaic cells, waste heat recovery, low-carbon steel and concrete, energy-smart baggage handling, dynamic glazing, recycled water, water filling stations, health-friendly materials and green building education.

At its peak, the project is anticipated to employ 500-600 workers and is targeting to award over $173M in contracts to Local Business Enterprises (LBE).

Design-Builder

Turner Construction Company | Gensler | TEF Design

Construction Manager

WCME JV: PGH Wong Engineering, Inc. | Consor Engineers | MCK Americas, Inc. | ECS Consultants

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