Joseph WallaceSan Diego International Airport's $3.8 billion Terminal 1 reconstruction reached a critical milestone in spring 2026, with Phase 1B construction now underway — and neighborhoods surrounding the airport are feeling the effects in ways that homeowners haven't fully prepared for.
What's Happening at San Diego International Airport
The Terminal 1 replacement project is the largest infrastructure investment in San Diego's history. Phase 1A, completed in fall 2025, delivered 19 new gates across 940,000 square feet of modernized terminal space, including 69 check-in kiosks, a 13-lane security checkpoint, and an outdoor dining area with views of San Diego Bay.
Phase 1B, which began construction in early 2026, will add 11 more gates and advanced passenger lounges. When the full project completes in 2028, Terminal 1 will house 30 total gates — more than doubling the capacity of the 1960s-era facility it replaced. The San Diego County Regional Airport Authority estimates the project will deliver a $4.5 billion economic impact for the region.
At the same time, TSA security delays caused by federal staffing reductions have pushed wait times at the new terminal to approximately 90 minutes during peak periods, according to reporting by KPBS in March 2026. The airport authority issued travel advisories recommending passengers arrive at least two hours before departure. A new CEO, Atif Saeed, took the helm on March 11, 2026, signaling a management reset as construction enters its most intensive phase.
How Airport Expansion Affects Nearby Homeowners
For the roughly 25,000 residents who live within two miles of the airport in neighborhoods like Mission Hills, Midway, Old Town, and Linda Vista, the construction timeline matters beyond travel convenience. Major infrastructure projects create ripple effects on residential properties that unfold in predictable — and avoidable — patterns.
Construction noise and vibration. Active construction near airports involves heavy equipment, structural work, and, in San Diego's case, a 5-mile on-airport road system and 4-mile baggage system being installed simultaneously. Vibration from pile-driving and foundation work can travel through the ground and affect structures as far as half a mile away. Older homes — including many of Mission Hills' craftsman bungalows built in the early 20th century — are particularly susceptible to stress fracturing around foundations, window frames, and older plaster walls.
If you've noticed new cracks in your walls, sticking doors, or gaps appearing around window frames in the last 12 months, these could be early signs of vibration-related structural stress. A licensed contractor or structural engineer can assess whether the damage is cosmetic or indicative of deeper movement.
Increased flight paths and noise. Expanding terminal capacity at an airport typically precedes increased flight operations. San Diego International Airport already operates more than 200 daily flights, and the expanded Terminal 1 is designed to accommodate significantly more. For homeowners near the airport, this means evaluating sound insulation before the increase in traffic — not after.
The most effective soundproofing upgrades for airport-adjacent homes include:
- Double or triple-pane windows with laminated glass — the single highest-impact improvement for noise reduction
- Acoustic insulation in exterior walls and attic spaces
- Solid-core interior doors that reduce sound transmission between rooms
- Weatherstripping and door sweeps to eliminate gaps where noise enters
Home improvement professionals who specialize in acoustic upgrades report that properly soundproofed homes near airports retain value better than comparable homes without upgrades, according to data from the National Association of Home Builders.
Property Value: The Two-Sided Story
Airport proximity has a complex relationship with property value that many homeowners misunderstand. During and immediately after major infrastructure construction, properties near airports often experience temporary price softening — buyers are uncertain about future noise levels and reluctant to purchase during an active construction cycle.
However, completed airport expansions in comparable cities have shown a consistent pattern: once the construction phase ends and the new terminal is fully operational, properties in well-maintained condition recover and often appreciate. The airport becomes a stabilizing economic anchor for surrounding neighborhoods.
The key variable is property condition. Homes that have deferred maintenance, visible construction-related damage, or outdated soundproofing will struggle to participate in the post-construction recovery. Homeowners who invest in upgrades now — during the construction phase when buyer demand is softer — position themselves to benefit from the rebound that historically follows major airport completions.
What Homeowners Should Do Right Now
Whether you're planning to sell in the next two years or stay long-term, the active construction phase is the best time to assess your home's condition and make targeted improvements. Here's a practical checklist:
Conduct a baseline structural assessment. Before construction-related damage worsens, document your home's current condition with photographs and, ideally, a professional inspection. This documentation is valuable if you later need to pursue a claim against the airport authority for construction-related damage. California law allows property owners to file claims for "inverse condemnation" when government projects damage adjacent private property.
Audit your windows and exterior insulation. This is the highest-return investment for airport-adjacent homeowners. A single-pane window can let in 10 times more sound than a modern double-pane unit. Get quotes now — contractors in the Mission Hills and Linda Vista areas have seen increased demand from homeowners preparing for the next phase of expansion.
Check your HVAC system. Increased dust and particulate matter from construction sites accelerates filter degradation and can affect air quality indoors. Upgrading to MERV-13 or higher filters and having your ducts inspected protects both air quality and system longevity.
Review your homeowner's insurance. Some policies have exclusions for construction-related damage that neighbors of major projects may not realize. Review your policy now and contact your insurer to confirm your coverage applies to structural damage originating from nearby construction activity.
Getting Expert Help Before the Next Phase Begins
Phase 1B construction is underway now, with the airport not expected to complete the full expansion until 2028. San Diego homeowners in the airport's impact zone have a two-year window to make informed decisions about their properties — and a professional contractor assessment is the logical starting point.
Experienced home improvement specialists can evaluate your property's specific exposure, recommend the highest-impact upgrades for your budget, and help you document your home's condition before the next construction phase intensifies.
