Day: July 11, 2026

San Francisco International Airport is seeking proposals to build and operate a private terminal for commercial airline passengers, offering premium services such as dedicated security screening and valet assistance. The project is intended to expand travel options through a privately operated facility with a targeted opening in 2028.

Key Takeaways

• San Francisco International Airport is requesting proposals for a privately operated premium passenger terminal.
• The terminal would serve commercial airline travelers rather than private jet passengers.
• Planned amenities include dedicated TSA and customs screening, along with valet service.
• The airport plans to award a development and operating contract by the end of 2026.
• The proposed facility would be built on a site separate from SFO’s existing passenger terminals.
  

San Francisco International Airport has opened the bidding process for an SFO private terminal that would provide premium airport services for commercial airline passengers through a privately developed and operated facility. The airport is seeking proposals from qualified developers to finance, construct and manage the terminal, which is planned to open in 2028 if the project proceeds according to schedule.

Airport officials confirmed that the proposed facility would be designed for travelers flying on scheduled commercial airlines rather than passengers using private or corporate aircraft. The project would introduce a separate passenger experience featuring dedicated airport processing while remaining connected to commercial airline operations.

What Is the Proposed SFO Private Terminal at SFO?

The proposed SFO private terminal would operate independently from the airport’s existing public terminals while serving passengers booked on commercial airline flights. Unlike facilities dedicated to private aviation, the terminal would provide premium ground services before travelers board regularly scheduled flights.

The airport intends for the facility to be developed and operated by a private company selected through a competitive procurement process. The successful bidder would be responsible for designing, constructing and managing the terminal under an agreement with San Francisco International Airport.

The planned development site covers approximately 75,000 square feet and is located across the runway from the airport’s existing passenger terminals. Travelers using the facility would complete their airport procedures there before being transported directly to their departing aircraft.

The proposal is intended to create an additional travel option rather than replace existing passenger terminals. Travelers who want to explore other transportation improvements in the region can also read about the AI fare gate pilot across BART stations. Travelers who choose not to use the premium facility would continue using the airport’s current terminals and services.

Premium Services Planned for Travelers

Plans for the proposed terminal include dedicated Transportation Security Administration screening lanes and separate U.S. Customs and Border Protection processing for eligible international travelers.

Passengers would also have access to valet-style transportation between the terminal and their departing aircraft, reducing the need to move through the airport’s larger public terminals.

Access to the terminal would be offered through either membership programs or individual paid visits. Pricing will be determined by the private operator selected through the bidding process rather than by the airport itself.

What Services Would the New Terminal Offer?

The proposed premium airport terminal is designed to provide a more private passenger experience while maintaining access to commercial airline services.

Travelers using the facility would complete check-in, security screening and other required airport procedures at the separate terminal before being transported directly to their departure gate or aircraft.

For international passengers, the facility is expected to include dedicated customs processing, allowing eligible travelers arriving from overseas to complete inspections without using the airport’s primary international arrivals facilities.

The terminal would remain subject to the same federal aviation security requirements that apply throughout San Francisco International Airport. TSA and Customs and Border Protection personnel would continue performing security and border inspections in accordance with federal regulations.

Airport officials have indicated that the premium terminal is intended to complement existing airport operations instead of changing how commercial flights are scheduled or operated.

How Will the Development and Bidding Process Work?

San Francisco International Airport is accepting proposals from private companies interested in developing and operating the premium passenger terminal.

The procurement process calls for proposal submissions during late September and early October. Airport officials expect to evaluate the bids before selecting a preferred developer.

Proposal Submission and Contract Schedule

Following the review process, the airport plans to award the development and operating contract by early December.

The selected company would assume responsibility for financing, designing, constructing and operating the terminal under the terms established by the airport.

Because the project will be privately developed, the chosen operator will also establish the pricing structure for memberships and individual passenger access. Airport officials have indicated that those fees have not yet been determined.

The procurement process is intended to identify an operator capable of delivering both the required infrastructure and long-term management of the facility. The project also joins other recent regional infrastructure initiatives, including the Bay Area ferry fare changes affecting transportation across multiple waterfront communities.

Where Will the Private Terminal Be Located?

The proposed terminal would occupy a separate parcel on airport property across the runway from San Francisco International Airport’s existing passenger terminals.

Planned Location Within the Airport

Its location would allow travelers to complete airport procedures away from the main terminal complex before being transported directly to aircraft serving commercial flights.

The separate location distinguishes the project from traditional airline lounges, which operate inside existing terminals after passengers complete airport security.

Airport officials have stated that the proposed development is not expected to reduce passenger traffic inside the airport’s current terminals. Instead, the premium facility would serve travelers who choose to purchase access while existing airport operations continue as normal.

The project would expand the range of passenger services available at San Francisco International Airport without changing the airport’s existing commercial flight network.

What Is the Project Timeline for the New Facility?

San Francisco International Airport has established a multi-stage schedule for selecting a developer and advancing the project.

Proposal submissions are expected during late September and early October, followed by the evaluation process. The airport intends to award the contract by early December.

If development proceeds according to the planned schedule, construction would follow after the contract is finalized, with the premium terminal targeted to open in late 2028.

Once operational, the facility would join a small group of airports offering separate premium terminals for commercial airline passengers while remaining integrated with scheduled airline services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the proposed private terminal at San Francisco International Airport?

It is a planned privately developed terminal for commercial airline passengers that would provide premium services, including dedicated security screening, customs processing for eligible international travelers and valet transportation to aircraft.

Who will be able to use the new SFO private terminal?

The facility is intended for passengers traveling on scheduled commercial airline flights who choose to purchase access through a membership or per-use option established by the selected private operator.

What services are planned for the premium terminal?

Planned services include dedicated TSA screening, Customs and Border Protection processing for international travelers, private passenger facilities and transportation between the terminal and aircraft.

When could the new SFO private terminal open?

San Francisco International Airport is targeting a late 2028 opening, subject to the completion of the bidding, development and construction process.