News & Facts

New Terminal Operational This Summer!

“The new Santa Barbara Airport Airline Terminal is nearing completion and is expected to become fully operational this summer.  The $63 million project also includes a new aircraft parking ramp, a new airline terminal building including site preparation and soil stabilization, relocation and rehabilitation of the 1942 portion of the existing terminal, a new short term parking lot and roadway.  The 72,000 square foot terminal was designed in the tradition of the Spanish Colonial Revival architectural style which defines the City of Santa Barbara’s local culture and sense of place.

Some of the passenger benefits of the new terminal are:

•    More comfortable seating areas
•    More efficient airline check-in
•    Enhanced baggage claim area
•    Improved food service and concessions
•    Adequate parking and access
•    Centralized services under one roof
•    Protection from rain and weather
•    Preservation of ambiance

The new Airline Terminal is registered with the U.S. Green Building Council Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED), the nationally recognized benchmark for design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings.  The building was designed and built with the goal of “Gold” LEED rating that includes storm water design, water efficient landscaping, optimization of energy systems performance, recycling, use of local building materials and indoor environmental air quality.   The Santa Barbara Airport Airline Terminal will be one of a handful of commercial service airports in the nation to achieve a LEED rating for new construction.

As an important community gateway, the Airport is committed to providing a venue for public art that enriches the visitors experience and reflects the history and culture of the region.  In keeping with this mission, the Airline Terminal Public Art Program is comprised of three elements: commissioned art, long-term loan of existing art, and rotating exhibits of regional art. The Program was initiated with three commissioned art works and the loan of four art works.  After the terminal is operational the rotating exhibits will be implemented.

The Santa Barbara Airport (SBA) is a self-supporting enterprise owned and operated by the City of Santa Barbara; serving over 750,000 passengers annually.“