San Diego International Airport’s New Terminal 1 Earns National Design-Build Award

Project receives DBIA's 2026 National Award of Merit in Aviation, adding to a growing list of industry honors.

SAN DIEGO, Calif. (November 5, 2026) - San Diego International Airport's New Terminal 1 has received the Design-Build Institute of America's (DBIA) 2026 National Award of Merit in Aviation, recognizing the project's successful delivery through a collaborative design-build approach. The project was honored during DBIA's Design-Build Conference & Expo, held November 4-6 in Cleveland, Ohio.

Kleinfelder provided multidisciplinary engineering and design services for the New Terminal 1, serving as the landside development bridge designer and civil engineering lead, geotechnical engineer, and sustainability lead. The firm's contributions included designing more than five miles of roadways, bridges, and retaining walls; conducting geotechnical investigations; developing foundation recommendations; and preparing construction staging plans to maintain access throughout construction. Kleinfelder also supported the project's sustainability planning and certification efforts.

The $3.4 billion terminal redevelopment is one of the largest infrastructure projects in San Diego's history. Using a progressive design-build approach, the project team coordinated design, permitting, and construction activities while maintaining airport operations and minimizing disruptions to travelers. The first phase opened in September 2025, introducing 19 gates, improved roadways, an elevated departures roadway, and a new parking plaza. An additional 11 gates are planned for the second phase.

"Working on a project of this size while keeping one of the nation's busiest airports operating was no small task," said Jim Frost, Kleinfelder Western Division Transportation Market Lead. "Our team worked closely with the airport authority and other project partners to address challenges as they came up. This recognition reflects the coordination and hard work that went into bringing the new terminal to life."

DBIA's national awards recognize projects that demonstrate excellence in design-build delivery, including collaboration among owners, designers, engineers, and contractors to address complex construction challenges. New Terminal 1 was among 32 projects selected for national Merit Awards across 10 categories.

The DBIA recognition adds to a growing list of industry honors for New Terminal 1. Other 2026 accolades include recognition as one of the World's Most Beautiful Airports by Prix Versailles, the American Society of Civil Engineers' San Diego Section Outstanding Airport Project Award, and an American Institute of Steel Construction IDEAS Award.

The project is owned by the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority, with Turner-Flatiron serving as the design-builder and Gensler as the architect. The redevelopment will ultimately provide 30 gates and expanded facilities to accommodate the region's growing air travel needs.