San Antonio Airport’s $1.7B Expansion Takes Off with FAA Grants

San Antonio is officially cleared for takeoff into a new era of growth. Backed by $21.6 million in new FAA grants, the $1.7 billion Terminal C expansion at San Antonio International Airport (SAT) is moving from vision to reality.

This long-anticipated project promises more than upgraded gates and streamlined baggage handling—it’s a symbol of San Antonio’s evolution into a world-class destination. By improving connectivity, capacity, and traveler experience, the expansion stands to reshape regional commerce, tourism, and housing demand over the next decade.

For real estate watchers, it’s also one of the most consequential public investments in years—linking infrastructure, jobs, and livability across San Antonio’s central and north-east corridors.

Inside the $1.7 Billion Transformation

Terminal C: A New Gateway for Growth

Located at 9800 Airport Boulevard, Terminal C anchors the airport’s 2040 Master Plan—a blueprint designed to accommodate 20 million annual passengers by the next decade. Once complete in 2028, the new terminal will include:

• More gates for domestic and international flights
• A redesigned parking complex with electric-vehicle infrastructure
• Expanded lounges and concessions, highlighting local food and art
• Enhanced customs, security, and baggage systems
• Sustainability features, including solar panels and energy-efficient design

The project positions SAT to compete directly with Austin-Bergstrom International and Dallas Love Field, two airports that have seen rapid growth from corporate relocations and tech expansion.

FAA’s Commitment

The recent $21.6 million FAA grant—part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law—underscores national confidence in San Antonio’s aviation network. It will fund critical enabling work: taxiway construction, electrical upgrades, and design of the new terminal’s apron and support facilities.

City officials note that federal investment also attracts private development around the airport—expanding the Airport District into a thriving mixed-use hub of hotels, offices, and logistics centers.

Economic Impact: Beyond the Runway

Job Creation and Local Spending

According to the City of San Antonio’s Aviation Department, the Terminal C expansion will support more than 8,000 construction jobs and generate an estimated $5.2 billion in economic output by completion.

These jobs drive demand for both temporary housing and permanent homeownership in nearby areas, particularly along Loop 410, Wurzbach Parkway, and Broadway corridors.

Boost for Corporate Relocations

Infrastructure is a key factor for corporate site-selection. As companies evaluate San Antonio against Austin, Dallas, or Phoenix, a modernized international airport elevates the city’s competitiveness. Expect continued interest from aerospace, healthcare, cybersecurity, and logistics firms—all sectors already expanding in the metro area.

Ripple Effects on Real Estate

Airport-adjacent redevelopment zones often evolve rapidly once construction begins.
According to Tami Price, Realtor®, “Airport expansions drive up nearby property values. You see stronger short-term rental demand, more commercial investment, and new housing developments along major access routes.”

Neighborhoods such as Alamo Heights, Terrell Heights, Oakwell Farms, and North Shearer Hills are likely to experience measurable appreciation as travel, employment, and business activity increase.

Market Snapshot: Central & Northeast San Antonio (2025)

To understand where Terminal C’s impact will be felt first, here’s a look at current housing trends surrounding the airport corridor:

These metrics illustrate steady appreciation and low inventory—conditions that could intensify as airport-related employment and business travel rise.

Why Airports Drive Real Estate Appreciation

1. Connectivity Equals Demand

Homes within a 15-minute commute of major airports historically experience 5 to 15 percent higher appreciation over five years (per StorageCafe 2024 data). Improved connectivity appeals to professionals, frequent travelers, and corporate renters seeking convenience.

2. Short-Term Rentals and Hospitality Demand

Enhanced air traffic increases tourism and conference activity, directly supporting short-term rental (STR) income. Airbnb data for 2025 already show nightly rates up 12 percent year-over-year in airport-adjacent ZIP codes.

3. Infrastructure and Mixed-Use Development

Large transit investments typically trigger private redevelopment of surrounding corridors—new hotels, offices, and retail that boost neighborhood vitality. These improvements raise perceived safety, lighting, and accessibility—all factors that increase property desirability.

Expert Insight from Tami Price, Realtor®

“The airport expansion signals confidence in San Antonio’s long-term growth. This is about connecting San Antonio globally while strengthening local neighborhoods,” explains Tami Price, a leading Realtor® in the metro area.

“When major infrastructure projects move forward, investors notice first. Buyers follow soon after—especially those relocating for work or seeking second homes with rental potential near travel corridors.”

Her analysis highlights how macro-infrastructure decisions translate into micro-market opportunity, reinforcing why real-estate professionals watch transportation projects closely.

What This Means for Buyers, Sellers, and Investors

For Homebuyers

• Monitor central and northeast neighborhoods—Oakwell Farms, Terrell Heights, and Alamo Heights—for early signs of appreciation.
• Expect increasing competition from corporate relocations and short-term rental investors.
• Proximity to major roadways (Loop 410, Wurzbach Parkway, Broadway) will command premiums once Terminal C opens.

For Sellers

• Market your property’s convenient airport access as a selling feature.
• Upgrades emphasizing soundproof windows or energy efficiency can appeal to frequent travelers.
• Anticipate quicker turnarounds on listings as buyer activity accelerates closer to 2028.

For Investors

• Watch for mixed-use infill projects near Wetmore Road and Broadway.
• Consider short-term rental or executive-housing models—corporate demand will surge with increased convention traffic.
• Long-term, this corridor’s zoning flexibility positions it among San Antonio’s top investment frontiers.

Broader Regional Benefits

Beyond immediate housing impacts, the airport expansion contributes to a stronger regional economy:

• Tourism Growth: More direct flights increase visitor spending across River Walk hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
• Business Retention: Improved travel infrastructure helps existing corporations scale operations locally rather than relocating.
• Urban Revitalization: Adjacent neighborhoods often receive infrastructure upgrades—lighting, sidewalks, drainage—funded by related capital projects.

Collectively, these changes improve livability, walkability, and sustainability—hallmarks of cities that thrive in the modern economy.

FAQs

Q: When will Terminal C open?
A: The expansion is scheduled for completion by 2028, with construction phases rolling out through 2027.

Q: How will this affect nearby home prices?
A: Homes near major transport improvements historically appreciate 5–15 percent faster within three years of completion, depending on proximity and inventory.

Q: What neighborhoods stand to gain the most?
A: Expect appreciation in Alamo Heights, Terrell Heights, Oakwell Farms, and North Shearer Hills, as well as emerging zones near Wetmore Rd. and Loop 410.

Q: Will the expansion cause noise or traffic issues?
A: Temporary construction impacts are expected, but modern runway alignment and noise-mitigation systems should reduce long-term disruption.

Q: Is this project funded by property taxes?
A: No. The expansion is financed through federal FAA grants, passenger-facility charges, and airport-generated revenues, not local property taxes.

The Bottom Line

The $1.7 billion Terminal C expansion marks a pivotal moment for San Antonio—transforming the city’s gateway into a global connector while boosting economic opportunity across its core neighborhoods.

From new jobs and improved travel convenience to rising home values in nearby communities, the benefits extend far beyond the terminal walls. For homeowners, it reinforces confidence in long-term equity. For buyers, it signals urgency to invest before prices climb. And for the city, it cements San Antonio’s status as a rising regional powerhouse.

📲 For expert guidance on how infrastructure projects like Terminal C can shape your next move, contact Tami Price, Realtor®.
Tami Price | Broker Associate | Real Broker, LLC
Greater San Antonio Realtor®
Call/Text: 210-620-6681