Passenger Traffic at San Antonio International Airport Dropped Around 2.4% During the First Five Months of 2025

If you’ve flown in or out of San Antonio International Airport (SAT) lately, you might be surprised to hear this: despite how busy it feels, passenger traffic is actually down.

✈️ According to recent data released by the airport and reported by local outlets, passenger counts dropped by approximately 2.4% during the first five months of 2025 compared to the same period last year. This dip is especially notable given that air travel is surging across much of Texas, including in major hubs like Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) and Houston's George Bush Intercontinental (IAH).

📉 What’s Causing the Decline?

Travel experts and city officials say the drop isn’t necessarily cause for alarm. Instead, it may reflect a cooling-off period following the post-pandemic "revenge travel" boom that dominated 2022–2024.

Additional factors could include:

• Lingering inflation and economic uncertainty causing families to delay big trips

• Limited international routes compared to other Texas cities

• Seasonal or weather-related adjustments in air carrier schedules

🚧 SAT’s Future: The $2.5 Billion Expansion

Despite the slight decrease in passengers, SAT’s long-term growth plan is very much on track. The airport is still pushing ahead with a $2.5 billion expansion aimed at modernizing terminals, increasing capacity, and enhancing the passenger experience.

Highlights of the expansion include:

• A new terminal with more gates and modern design

• Improved TSA security checkpoints

• Expanded baggage claim and customs areas

• Enhanced food, beverage, and retail options

This is one of the most ambitious airport infrastructure projects ever undertaken in San Antonio and is part of a broader effort to prepare for long-term population and economic growth across the metro area.

🏙️ Why This Matters for San Antonio

Even with short-term dips, air travel trends are important to watch in a growing city like San Antonio. The airport’s passenger volume directly affects:

• Tourism dollars and local business revenue

• Connectivity for business travelers and military families

• Homebuyer interest from out-of-state markets

• Job creation tied to travel, construction, and logistics

And with San Antonio consistently ranking among the fastest-growing U.S. cities, a future-ready airport is crucial to support continued demand.

It may not feel like it when you're standing in line at security, but fewer people are flying through SAT this year—at least for now. Still, all signs point toward a long-term strategy that will leave San Antonio with a bigger, better airport to match its booming population and economic growth.

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