San Antonio International Airport

The San Antonio International Airport was originally designed in 1941 when the city purchased 1,200 acres of land north of the city and designated it as the space for a municipal airport. Originally, it was called the San Antonio Municipal Airport but over time the name changed. The airport is located on the north side of the city and is approximately fifteen minutes from the business district. The airport has easy access to all of the city's major freeways making it easy for arriving passengers that are new to the city. The airport consists of two main terminals that allows locals to travel to numerous destinations both inside and outside the United States. Although there are other airports in San Antonio, San Antonio International Airport is the only commercial airport in the city. The airport was constructed in 1951 but the first terminal was not complete until two years later. The second terminal was not completed until 1984. In 1968, right before the city was to host the first World's Fair, the airport constructed a satellite area with eight gates and new holding rooms to accommodate passengers waiting for their flights. The airport has three main runways and covers over 2,600 acres of land. The airport is operated by the city of San Antonio.

Every day there are 260 domestic and international arrivals and departures at the airport. Each year, more than eight million people use San Antonio International Airport to arrive at their travel destination. The airport brings in millions in revenue and employs more than 400 people. The airport's operations and improvements are all paid for by the Aviation Trust Fund and fees from travelers. The airport also provides either hourly, daily or economy parking that can hold more than six thousand vehicles for small fees. Waiting passengers have the capability to visit a myriad of restaurants and shops to pass the time. Both terminals have two dozen restaurants and shops such as McDonald's, Starbucks, Brookstone, and Swatch. Specialty shops and restaurants that cater to tourists can also be found in both terminals.

The airlines that are part of the San Antonio International Airport are US Airways, Continental Airlines, American Airlines, Trans States Airlines, Delta, Frontier, AeroMexico, Delta Connection, Mexicana, Midwest Airlines, Southwest, SkyWest, Spirit, United, and AirTran. Southwest Airlines serves almost half of the airport's total passengers and is the city's largest passenger air carrier. The combination of airlines offer non-stop trips to exactly thirty-four destinations, including three non-stop flights to Mexican cities.

Each year the amount of passengers that fly to or from the airport has been steadily increasing. Over the last several years the airport has endured major renovations and expansion. The city of San Antonio has plans to add new terminals, parking facilities, and other features to make the airport even more appealing to national travelers. The city is also open to major businesses who desire to do business with the San Antonio International Airport and increase revenue to its facilities.