A new traffic signal has been installed at the intersection of Allan Boyd and outbound Airport Boulevard by Terminal B.
Timeline: Past, Present & Future
Timeline: Past, Present & Future
Sacramento International Airport History
Sacramento International Airport opened October 21, 1967 as Sacramento Metropolitan Airport. Upon opening, it was the first public-use airport west of the Mississippi that had been built completely from the ground up. Pacific, Delta, United, Western, and West Coast were the five airlines that initially served the airport.
The 1980's
The 1980's ushered in an era of construction and growth. Construction during this time included: in-flight catering facility (1980), FAA Flight Inspection Field Office (1985), second air cargo facility (1985), and East Runway (1987). America West, Continental, Morris Air, and American Eagle Airlines also joined the carriers at Sacramento Metropolitan Airport during this time.
The 1990's
Terminal A and the consolidated rental car terminal, the first of its kind in the nation, opened and passenger traffic continued to grow. Sacramento Metropolitan also received a new name, Sacramento International Airport, and a new logo just before the groundbreaking ceremony for Terminal A in 1996.
Technology also changed how the airport distributes information to its customers. The Sacramento County Airport System launched its first Website in April 1997.
Airline service also experienced change during this time. Southwest (1991), Alaska (1993), Horizon (1993), and TWA (1994) were added to the list of carriers serving Sacramento.
The New Millennium
The new millennium ushered in even more changes and a tragedy that would forever change airport security. However, contrary to national trends, September 11 did not deter growth at Sacramento International Airport. Four new airlines were added to Sacramento International, including the desired first international carrier. Continental Airlines in 2000 and Frontier (2002), Mexicana (2002), Hawaiian (2002), and Aloha Airlines (2003) were added to the impressive list already at Sacramento International. Mexicana Airlines' arrival signified Sacramento International's entry into international flights. The International Arrivals Building for the federal inspection services opened prior to the first international arrival at Sacramento International Airport.
The Terminal A Parking Garage opened in 2004 to rave reviews. The six-story structure enabled passengers to enjoy covered parking, a short walk to the terminal, and interesting art ("Flying Gardens" by Dennis Oppenheim and "Flying Carpet" by Seyed Alavi).
2008 and Beyond
The Sacramento County Airport System broke ground in 2008 on the new Central Terminal B program. The $1.3 billion terminal modernization project will replace the airport's 40-year-old Terminal B to meet the rising demand for passenger services and improve the airport's ability to attract new carriers and routes. The plan will add 680,000 square feet of buildings to the airport, along with the people mover, more parking and a new hotel. Construction is slated to be completed on Central Terminal B & Concourse B in late 2011, with the demolition of the Interim International Arrivals building in January 2012, and the current Terminal B demolition completed in May 2012.