San Diego International Airport recorded its busiest year in 2025, handling 25.32 million passengers across Terminals 1 and 2.
The total represents a 0.3% increase over 2024, which had previously been the airport’s highest-volume year.
“SAN has once again surpassed its highest recorded passenger volume,” said Kimberly Becker, president and CEO of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority. “With the opening of our new Terminal 1 and continued expansion of airline service, 2025 stands out as a truly exceptional year.”
Air service growth contributed to the increase, with airlines adding or resuming 14 non-stop routes during the year. Alaska Airlines launched or resumed service to Phoenix; Washington National; Chicago O’Hare; Denver; Medford; and Sun Valley. Copa Airlines added service to Panama City, while Frontier Airlines introduced routes to Austin and Salt Lake City.
International expansion also supported growth, with KLM beginning service to Amsterdam and Copa Airlines’ Panama City route contributing to an 8% year-on-year increase in international passenger volumes. The airport also cites expanded service from Lufthansa and Japan Airlines.
The opening of the new Terminal 1 in 2025 was another factor that contributed to the record year. Between October and December 2025, passenger traffic increased by more than 11% compared with the same period in 2024, when the former Terminal 1 was in operation. The airport said the increase was partly driven by JetBlue and Breeze Airways relocating from Terminal 2 to the new Terminal 1.
For the full year, Terminal 1 handled 9.68 million passengers and Terminal 2 processed 15.64 million.
Seventeen airlines currently operate at the airport, offering nonstop service to more than 85 destinations worldwide.
Related news, ACI World releases global airport traffic forecasts as long-term demand growth continues
