San Antonio outlines 2026 airport budget; new terminal, Stinson master plan and concessions emphasized

Jesus, director of the City of San Antonio Airports Department, presented the department's proposed fiscal 2026 budget and capital plan, telling council the airports are preparing for growth while operating as an enterprise fund funded by tenant and passenger fees and federal grants.

The presentation emphasized near-term construction milestones for the new terminal project, continuing work on Terminal A and Terminal B, major enabling projects including a ground transportation center and a new public-safety building, expanded concessions, and Stinson Airport's updated master plan that positions the field for advanced air mobility uses.

Why it matters: The airport said it supports roughly 55,000 jobs and that its regional economic impact has climbed since 2018; the council heard that the department is coordinating grant layering and expects continued federal funding to be a major capital source for projects tied to the terminal program.

Jesus said the airports are an "enterprise fund" and must cover operations with earned revenues and federal awards. He told council the department expects to serve about 11 million passengers in 2025 and projects modest growth to 11.3 million in 2026. He described a multi-year terminal development program that will expand capacity to as many as 18 gates and more than 900,000 square feet of terminal space, add a new customs (FIS) facility and about 40,000 square feet of new concession space, and deliver improved curbside and roadway work.

Council members asked about passenger facility charges and the airport's fees; Jesus said airline-related charges and some nonairline revenues are stable while the department is working to increase non-aeronautical revenue from concessions and parking. He reported recent concession solicitations and said more concessions solicitations are planned to capture local concepts and support nonairline revenue growth.

The airport reported recent safety and grant milestones. Jesus said the department achieved three consecutive FAA inspections with zero discrepancies and that the airport has layered multiple federal funding awards since 2020, totaling about $272 million in grant awards to date. He said the airport received roughly $65.5 million in 2025 awards so far, including amounts targeted to terminal and airfield projects, and that the department is pursuing additional eligible terminal grants in 2026.

On Stinson Airport, the director summarized the completed Stinson master plan and described planned runway, drainage and perimeter-fence work, and future taxi-lane and apron improvements. He said Stinson's land availability enables potential distribution, manufacturing, urban air mobility or advanced air mobility projects.

Deputy Director Tim O'Conley described accessibility-focused design work: the airport convened more than 35 community representatives and disability-advocacy groups during terminal design and plans a sensory room and other accessibility features in the new terminal; the airport has applied for an accessibility accreditation from Airports Council International.

Council members generally praised the airport's growth in destinations (48 nonstop destinations reported, with a 50‑destination target) and urged continued focus on concessions, parking and community benefits. No formal actions or votes were taken on the budget during the work session.

The presentation concluded with the airport's timeline: the department said it remains on schedule to reach guaranteed-maximum-price milestones during later design phases and that the new terminal opening is approximately 30 months away.