Airport Facts

San Diego is responsible for setting more than 42 historical "firsts" in aviation. These include records for altitude, distance, speed, duration, in-flight refueling and aerial photography. Others include the first aviation radio and the first night flight.

The History of the Airport

At one time, San Diego was considered the "Air Capital of the West." Now, more than 75 years after the Airport's historic dedication ceremony on August 16, 1928, the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority is working to ensure that the future of air transportation in the San Diego region is as illustrious as its past.

Airport Facts

Founded in 1928, San Diego International Airport is the 30th busiest airport in the country in terms of passengers and the busiest single-runway commercial service airport in the nation. Here are the facts about San Diego's unique airport.

The Future Takes Wing

San Diegans celebrated the 75th anniversary of San Diego International Airport on August 16, 2003. The San Diego County Regional Airport Authority commemorated this milestone by producing The Future Takes Wing: San Diego International Airport, 75 Years of Flight documentary film. The film details the Airport's past and present, from its origins as a dusty runway and single terminal to its current status as the busiest single runway commercial airport in the nation.