Lindbergh Field Terminal 1. Photo by Chris Stone
Passengers can expect significant delays at the San Diego International Airport Tuesday through Friday because of the planned demolition of a pedestrian bridge at Terminal 1.
Ground transportation services, including taxis, ride share, courtesy vehicles and rental car buses will be temporarily relocated to an area in the former Terminal 1 parking lot, airport spokeswoman Sabrina LoPiccolo said.
All passengers using these services will need to cross the Terminal 1 crosswalk to head toward the parking lot area.
Private vehicles will be routed through the current Terminal 1 transportation islands to drop off or pick up passengers. Passengers will be instructed to use the crosswalk located in front of Terminal 1 to access either the terminal or private vehicles.
“Everyone coming to the airport – whether flying, picking up or dropping off – should prepare for congestion and delays,” LoPiccolo said. “Plan to arrive early and use caution when traveling through the work area. Volunteers will be stationed outside Terminal 1 to assist arriving and departing passengers.”
Parking at the airport will be extremely limited. Here are some suggestions for passengers:
- Use public transit to the airport. Try the free San Diego Flyer shuttle, a last-mile connection between the Old Town Transit Center and the airport. MTS will also offer free rides on the 992 bus from the airport to downtown through Labor Day.
- Get dropped off or picked up by friends or family, taxi, Lyft, Uber or other rideshare options.
- If parking at the airport, make parking reservations. They can be made for the Terminal 2 Parking Plaza or valet. If parking in the Terminal 2 Parking Plaza, but flying from Terminal 1, passengers can ride the Terminal Loop Shuttle.
The new Terminal 1 Parking Plaza is expected to open in fall of 2024.
Air travelers have faced other challenges not just in San Diego, but nationally this summer. Airlines have canceled scores of flights and juggled delays for many others.
Cancellations fell Sunday – not a big travel day during the holiday weekend – according to FlightAware.com, which recorded 300 canceled U.S. flights through 5:30 p.m. and 3,887 stateside delays.
– City News Service