California Construction News staff writer
Santa Barbara Airport (SBA) officials held an open house last week to update the proposed terminal improvement project. As recommended in the 2017, the project consists of 33,000 square feet of new space, with the largest portion at the south end of the existing building. Significant improvements include two additional gates, additional and improved gate seating areas, expanded concession space, as well as enhancements to the existing ticketing counter, baggage claim, and security screening areas.
The 2017 Airport Master Plan recommended facility improvements for the next 20 years to meet projected demand and identified the need for additional airline terminal space. Growth has outpaced the aviation forecasts in the plan over the last decade and SBA has embarked on a conceptual design of terminal improvements with a two-story addition.
Additional square footage would be added on the northern end and above the existing first-floor patio. The project also includes roadway and grounds improvements.
The final design is expected in 2024 and construction would start in 2026.
