SLO County Regional Airport New Terminal

San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport Terminal Opens For Operation

Author: Airport Management
Date: 11/2/2017 9:22:57 AM

November 1, 2017 – San Luis Obispo, CA – Welcomed by cheers and applause, the first passengers arrived tonight into the new terminal at the San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport.


November 1, 2017 – San Luis Obispo, CA – Welcomed by cheers and applause, the first passengers arrived tonight into the new terminal at the San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport. 

“We are so excited that today is finally here!” shared Kevin Bumen, Director of Airports, as the terminal opened for operations. “Our team has worked incredibly hard for years to make this moment happen, and we couldn’t be more proud. This new facility is larger, safer and more convenient. We’re sure that passengers are going to love our new home as much as we do.”

Construction of the terminal began in 2015. At a cost of $39.5 million, the project came in on time and on budget. Construction was funded primarily through federal grants, user fees, airport revenues and debt.

The new terminal is 56,000 square feet—almost 45,000 square feet larger than the existing terminal. High ceilings, natural materials and a new outdoor courtyard convey a strong feeling of the regional landscape within the terminal space. The size of the new facility also provides travelers with a variety of new amenities, from a larger checkpoint area to a food and beverage concession post-security. 

The facility was also designed to meet US Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold standards for healthy, efficient and cost-saving green buildings. This emphasis on sustainability can be seen in the ultra-low flush toilets, motion sensor lights, daylight harvesting and drought-tolerant irrigation. 

The terminal’s first arriving flight, United Flight 5529, arrived on time from Denver at 8:53pm. The plane was met with a reception and ceremonial ribbon cutting. Departing passengers will first utilize the check-in lobby, security checkpoint and gate areas on the morning of Thursday, November 2.