SAIA scores $20 million in funding for new airport facility

In an announcement made on Tuesday, February 28, 2023 by Rep. Henry Cuellar, Rep. Joaquin Castro and Rep. Llyod Doggett, the San Antonio International Airport (SAIA) secured $20 million in federal funding. This money will be used on expanding the airport by adding a Ground Load Facility south of Terminal A.

A Ground Load Facility is commonly used in smaller airports where passengers can embark onto an aircraft by using ground stairs instead of a gate. Larger airports are adapting to this method for more cost effective measures for both the airport and airlines. For example, Denver International Airport will open their new ground load facility for Frontier Airlines in 2024.

The 37,000 square-foot facility will be constructed of pre-engineered metal that will allow an expansion of five new gates, more seating for the additional terminal, an inspection station for both international and domestic flights.

The waiting area will be state-of-the-art that will have charging stations, food and shopping for passengers.

While the design is 25% completed, site work will be beginning and the construction will begin in early 2024. The expected date for the facility will be completed March 2025.

“San Antonio is steadily growing year after year, and we must ensure that our airport’s infrastructure continues to meet passenger needs and bring new jobs and business to our city,” said Congressman Castro. “These funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which I helped pass, will strengthen the economy while making traveling easier for passengers from near and far. I thank Representatives Cuellar and Doggett for working with me to champion San Antonio International Airport.”

“Improved infrastructure is critical to our community’s growth. I am pleased to hear the San Antonio International Airport is receiving $20,000,000 in federal funds to expand and facilitate more passenger traffic,” said Congressman Cuellar. “I helped pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to revamp our roads, bridges, and airports in South Texas. We’re seeing that here today. I thank my colleagues, Congressman Castro and Congressman Doggett, for working with me to bring our hard-earned tax dollars back home for reinvestment.”

“Though no longer formally representing Bexar County, I am pleased to join Congressman Cuellar and Congressman Castro in supporting this project—important both for economic development and for passenger convenience,” said Congressman Doggett. “This funding is made possible by a bill that every Texas Republican voted against.”

“This Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) funding is fantastic news for our community,” said Jesus Saenz, Director of Airports, San Antonio Airport System. “A Ground Load Facility gives us the capacity to expand and accommodate more domestic and international flights – which can lead to more options for competitive fares for our passengers and helps us grow as we continue to expand and attract new airlines. This is one of the opportunities to solidify our plans to create the airport of the future.”