SJC Terminal B Welcomes Vietnamese Flavors and New Nonstop Routes

Travelers through San José Mineta International Airport now have two strong new reasons to arrive early. Asian Box and Bad Egg Breakfast Bar have both opened near Gate 19 in Terminal B, giving passengers real choices that feel connected to the Bay Area rather than generic airport fare.

Asian Box, a local Vietnamese concept with deep Bay Area roots, serves made-to-order rice and noodle boxes, banh mi sandwiches, fresh salads and a full lineup of boba drinks. Breakfast options include a fried-egg banh mi on a gluten-free roll and a lemongrass pork brunch box. Orders move quickly through either a touchscreen kiosk or a friendly counter. Right next door, Bad Egg Breakfast Bar spreads out across 135 seats with all-day comfort food: chicken and waffles topped with a runny cage-free egg, breakfast grilled cheese loaded with smoked ham and Swiss, and a solid grab-and-go case for pastries and coffee. A full bar pours specialty cocktails while the bright, mural-filled space invites lingering.

The dining upgrades arrive alongside real growth in the flight schedule. Southwest Airlines will begin seasonal nonstop service to Orlando in November, aimed squarely at families headed for theme parks. Delta Air Lines adds daily nonstop flights to Austin starting in early October, expanding premium options for both business and leisure travelers. These routes join an already busy network that continues to make SJC one of the most convenient gateways in Silicon Valley.

Next time the itinerary starts or ends at SJC, give yourself a few extra minutes near Gate 19. A proper meal or a cold boba before boarding has never been easier to find.

Source: SVBJ

SJC Prepares to Transform 15 Acres into Thriving Aviation Hub

San José Mineta International Airport stands ready to turn a quiet corner of its property into a vibrant center for general aviation services. The 15-acre site at the corner of Martin Avenue and De La Cruz Boulevard once handled long-term passenger and employee parking. Now largely unused, the land will soon invite developers through a formal request for proposals that aims to deliver fresh facilities while generating solid new revenue for the airport.

Airport leaders remain flexible about what takes shape there. A fixed-base operator, specialized aviation service operator, or even aviation manufacturing could all fit. The ground lease will run a minimum of 20 years and a maximum of 50 years, with an extension option available. Proposals must include at least $2.75 million in annual ground rent plus a share of tenant revenue. If FAA approvals come through, the site could expand to 20 acres and open even more possibilities.

Anyone may submit a bid, and partnerships among multiple parties are welcome. The airport wants partners who strengthen the local general aviation community and deliver benefits that reach beyond the runway into surrounding neighborhoods. An industry outreach day already took place in June to gather feedback and share early details. The request for proposals is expected to launch in the coming months, with a final selection targeted for the end of the year and San Jose City Council approval anticipated in January.

Keep an eye on flysanjose.com for the official request for proposals once it appears. The opportunity will move quickly, and the right development could set a new standard for how our airport serves private and specialized aviation. Personally I'm hoping for a boutique operator like JSX, which already has operations in Oakland.

Source: SVBJ

Delta Adds Daily Nonstop Flights from San Jose to Austin

San Jose Mineta International Airport continues to expand its reach with Delta Air Lines set to launch daily nonstop service to Austin beginning October 6. The new "nerd bird" route operates on an Airbus A319 and brings Delta’s daily departures from SJC to a total of 23. Travelers have requested Austin as a destination for some time, and the addition provides more direct options. Currently Southwest is the only airline with a direct flight to Austin from SJC. Alaska Airlines cancelled their direct flight last year.

The service links two major innovation centers. Business and personal connections between Silicon Valley and the Austin area stand to grow stronger through this convenient daily flight. City leaders have highlighted how the route supports economic ties, tourism, and cultural exchange between these dynamic regions.

Delta already operates nonstops from San Jose to Los Angeles, Atlanta, Salt Lake City, and other cities. The Austin flights are available for booking now.

Southwest Airlines will add its own seasonal nonstop to Orlando starting in November. This leisure-focused route responds to rising demand from families and theme park visitors seeking easy access to major destinations.

SJC’s ongoing growth in routes reflects efforts to match the travel needs of the region’s residents and visitors.

Source: SVBJ

Southwest Airlines Launches Seasonal Nonstop Service from San Jose to Orlando

San Jose Mineta International Airport has gained a valuable new seasonal link. Southwest Airlines will introduce nonstop flights to Orlando International Airport beginning in November, opening direct access to major Florida leisure destinations.

The service responds to rising interest from Silicon Valley travelers heading to theme parks and family-friendly spots. Initial flights have already appeared for booking on several holiday-period dates stretching into early 2027. Previously, passengers needed connections to reach Orlando from SJC.

As the airport's dominant carrier by passenger volume, Southwest carried more than six million people through San Jose last year. That figure stands roughly four times higher than the next busiest airline. The new route forms part of the carrier's push into high-demand leisure markets.

Airport officials have indicated they will track results closely. Consistent demand across all seasons could turn the flights into a permanent offering. Southwest has expressed commitment to the broader Bay Area market and plans to evaluate performance as it does with other routes.

Source: SVBJ

San Jose Takes Flight: Safeland Air Taxi Pilot Program at Mineta International Airport

San Jose Mineta International Airport is launching the Safeland pilot program. This initiative partners with Bell-Dancy Industries and Signature Aviation to test autonomous air traffic management systems. Starting with drones to validate the technology, the program advances to larger electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles (VTOL), paving the path for safe air taxi operations in the Bay Area.

The collaboration creates a real-world testing environment at the airport, focusing on infrastructure that ensures reliability for future travelers. In the Capitol of Silicon Valley, SJC is positioning itself at the forefront of reimagining transportation. This can be seen both with VTOL and other forms of autonomous transportation to and from the airport such as Waymo and Tesla Robotaxis.

This specific program aligns with the Federal Aviation Administration's efforts to accelerate advanced air mobility across the United States. By hosting these tests, San Jose contributes to broader goals like short-range air taxis and automated flights for medical transport or emergency services. Residents and visitors alike stand to benefit from smoother, more accessible skies.

Source: SVBJ

American Airlines Ramps Up for Super Bowl LX at San Jose International Airport

San Jose Mineta International Airport prepares for a major influx as American Airlines announces an expansion of operations by up to 450 percent ahead of Super Bowl LX on February 8, 2026, at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara. The stadium sits less than a 10-minute drive from the airport, making it a convenient entry point for fans traveling from across the country. This boost includes eight new routes connecting San Jose to key cities like Los Angeles, Phoenix, Dallas-Fort Worth, Chicago, Philadelphia, New York JFK, Charlotte, and Miami. Such enhancements position the airport as a vital gateway, drawing visitors to experience the excitement of the big game while showcasing the region's accessibility.

Flight frequencies vary by route during the peak period from February 5 to 10, with options like seven daily flights to Dallas-Fort Worth and multiple connections to Chicago and Phoenix. This setup accommodates the surge in demand, ensuring smooth travel for attendees. As the fourth-largest carrier at the airport, serving half a million passengers in 2023, American Airlines builds on its presence behind Delta, Alaska, and Southwest. The move aligns with San Jose's growing role in hosting major events, inviting more people to discover the area's blend of sports, technology, and community energy.

Besides location, recent developments at the airport also boost its appeal. That includes the introduction of Waymo robotaxis, being the first in California to offer such services for rideshares. While the departure of Spirit Airlines marks a change, officials anticipate minimal impact on overall operations.

flyusa.com

Source: SVBJ

Waymo Arrives at San Jose Mineta International Airport!

San Jose Mineta International Airport prepares to welcome Waymo's fully autonomous vehicles, marking a significant advancement in travel convenience for the Bay Area. With authorization now in place, Waymo begins staged rollout starting with employee testing, leading to public commercial service later in 2025. This positions SJC as the first commercial airport in California and the second worldwide to integrate such technology, enhancing the airport's reputation for simplicity and innovation.

Travelers can soon hail a Waymo vehicle through the app upon arrival, with pickups at the Ground Transportation Centers in Terminals A or B. From there, rides extend across the San Francisco Bay Area service area, offering a seamless option for reaching destinations. This development aligns with San Jose's role as the Capital of Silicon Valley, where cutting-edge solutions like autonomous transport improve daily experiences for residents and visitors alike.

The timing supports major 2026 events hosted in the region, providing safe and efficient mobility. Waymo's presence underscores the city's infrastructure strengths and commitment to forward-thinking services, making SJC an even more attractive gateway. As home to a high concentration of tech expertise, San Jose continues to lead in blending hardware and software for practical applications.

On a personal note, I travel frequently and find everything at SJC already takes about half the time as SFO. This will add further convenience and help drive transportation costs lower with more competition. I would expect Tesla Robotaxis won't be far behind. This is a huge win and exactly the direction I was hoping SJC would go to further differentiate itself from other airports in the region.

Luxury Takes Flight: A New Boutique Hotel at SJC!

San José Mineta International Airport (SJC) could soon become home to a boutique hotel, a development poised to elevate San Jose’s hospitality game. With plans to transform some of the airport’s surface parking into a luxurious retreat, this project aims to cater to upscale travelers, including those jetting in on private planes or chartered flights. 

The concept is straightforward yet exciting: SJC would lease the land to a private developer tasked with building a hotel that stands out from the crowd. Planners see this as a chance to fill a gap in San Jose’s offerings, where high-end, 5-star-adjacent accommodations are scarce. Unlike the typical hotels near the airport, this boutique property would offer a unique experience, appealing to discerning visitors who value exclusivity and style.

The hotel promises a standout experience with private meeting rooms and a rooftop pool. It would sit across from Terminal B, just south of the rental car center, on a 75,000-square-foot plot with room to grow. Developers could even double that footprint, though the project is capped at seven stories due to FAA rules and 300 rooms by city limits. 

Beyond the allure of luxury, the hotel holds big potential for San Jose. It could draw high-spending visitors who boost local shops, restaurants, and attractions, especially in Downtown San Jose. While the timeline isn’t set, the possibility of this addition keeps the excitement alive. SJC deserves a standout feature like this.

Source: SVBJ

San Jose Takes Another Step Forward with Airport Connector Project

The City Council unanimously approved the next phase of the San Jose Airport Connector Project, a visionary plan to link Diridon Station with San Jose Mineta International Airport. Stations are tentatively planned for SJC Terminal A, Terminal B, Long-term Parking, the Coleman San Jose Market Center, SAP, and Diridon. This isn’t just a win for commuters—it’s a signal that San Jose is serious about redefining urban transportation with innovation and sustainability at its core.

The star of this initiative is Glydways’ technology: autonomous, electric vehicles—called “Glydcars”—that glide along dedicated guideways. These sleek, zero-emission pods promise on-demand, point-to-point service, cutting out the hassle of fixed schedules. Whether you’re racing to catch a flight or heading to Downtown San Jose for a meeting, this system is designed to get you there fast, with a capacity to move thousands of passengers per hour.

Of course, a project this ambitious doesn’t come without questions. Cost and feasibility are hot topics, and rightfully so. But the City Council’s green light for Phase 2a shows they’re not diving in blindly. This phase will dig into the nitty-gritty—ridership forecasts, revenue models, and community feedback—to ensure the project pencils out. It’s a smart, deliberate approach that balances bold vision with real-world pragmatism, setting the stage for a system that’s both groundbreaking and grounded in San Jose’s needs.

What’s really thrilling is the potential ripple effect. If this initial stretch succeeds, the Airport Connector could expand across the South Bay, weaving a network of high-tech transit options that elevate the entire region. Imagine a future where getting around San Jose is as effortless as it is eco-friendly—a future where our city leads the charge in sustainable mobility. This project isn’t just about connecting two points; it’s about connecting San Jose to a bigger vision of what a modern city can be.

Spirit Airlines begins flying from SJC today

Super low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines has officially begun service from SJC's Terminal A. They are starting with two flights per day to Las Vegas, one to San Diego, and another to Dallas Fort Worth. Unfortunately these are all routes that are currently being served by other airlines at San Jose International, but the competition will help drive prices down.

Ironically, travelers on San Jose's lowest cost carrier will have easy access to airport lounges as both of them at SJC are in Terminal A--One by gate A8 and another on the way to Terminal B around gate A15. You can enter for free with Priority Pass or buy a day pass to enjoy a meal and cocktails before your flight.

Spirit flights start at only $39 each way, but there are many potential upcharges such as baggage, selecting a seat, and even overhead-bin access.

Source: SVBJ

SJC airport getting a new name and logo

San Jose's airport is getting a long overdue rebrand. The official name of the airport was the "Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport." Now it will simply be the "San Jose Mineta International Airport." The name is much cleaner and puts San Jose first and foremost while still honoring Norman Mineta, the first Japanese-American mayor of a major US city.

The logo itself is everything that you could hope for in a modern rebrand. It's simple and clear at any resolution, the abstract shapes signify flight, the colors are a nod to the San Jose flag, and I think it will age very well. I love it. Similar to the new SJDA logo, I think they nailed it.

This is in sharp contrast to the VTA logo which after five years I still think is still the single worst rebranding I have ever seen in my entire life.

Without further ado, have a look at the old and new logos below and judge for yourself.

Source: SVBJ

OLD LOGO:

NEW LOGO:

SJC passenger traffic is up plus other great news! ✈️

Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) is finally showing real signs of recovering from the Covid pandemic. October had over a million passengers passing through the airport, which is 32% better than October the previous year. This is still down 28% for 2019, but is a very positive trend. If you look at the data year-to-date (actually year-to-October) then traffic is up 64% from 2021 and only 38% down from 2019--which was the best year ever for San Jose air travel.

Looking forward to 2023, there is a lot of great news that will keep the momentum going. ZIPAIR is launching their nonstop flights from SJC to Japan this month. It might sounds like a random discount airline, but it is a wholly owned subsidiary of Japan Airlines (JAL). The route will use a newer 787-8 plane with free WIFI and 290 seats, 18 of which are full-flat business. It will fly out from San Jose at 10am on Mondays, Thursday, and Sundays and arrive at Tokyo Narita at 2:30pm the next day.

In addition to ZIPAIR, there is a rumor that ANA will return to SJC in March with one big change. It will fly to Haneda instead of Narita in Tokyo. What's the difference? Narita is much closer to the city center, so it is generally preferred for travelers with a final destination of Tokyo.

Last but not least, Southwest has launched a six-day-per-week service to Palm Springs. Alaska was the only carrier doing this route before, so with Southwest joining prices have dropped significantly. Palm Springs is a great way to escape the cold in the winter and has one of the most interesting airports in the United States.

Below is a list of all of SJC's current international destinations. With service to 9 different destinations, we're still a bit off from our all-time high of 11 destinations. However, with people returning to travel in a post-pandemic world, I'm optimistic San Jose will score new routes in 2023.

SJC International Flights

• Asia
• Tokyo, Narita (ZIPAIR)
• Europe
• London (British Airways)
• North America
• Vancouver (Air Canada)
• Guadalajara (Alaska Airlines, Volaris)
• Cabo San Lucas (Alaska Airlines)
• Puerto Vallarta (Alaska Airlines)
• Morelia (Volaris)
• Zacatecas (Volaris)
• Leon (Volaris)

Sources: SVBJ, Wiki, ZIPAIR

SJC moves ahead with expansion despite downturn in travel

Before COVID-19, San Jose International was one of the fastest growing airports in the country. To keep up with demand, 8 temporary gates were added to Terminal B, and a major expansion plan was put into motion to create 14 new permanent gates, a 300,000 SQFT hotel with 330 room, and 5,300 new parking spaces.

As traffic was down 97% at the airport compared to last year, I think most people assumed the expansion plans would be on hold. However, the San Jose city council unanimously approved the plans.

Eventually, things will get back to normal. When they do, it is better to build in a downturn then when resources are extremely expensive. It's clear that Silicon Valley isn't going away anytime soon and our abundance of work-from-home-friendly tech jobs means we will likely recover faster than other parts of the world. The airport is a critical resource for us, and I'm glad we're still going ahead with this important long-term investment.

Source: The Merc

SJC Terminal C

The San Jose Airport expansion is starting to get more interesting. Instead of just extending Terminal B, it sounds like the current idea floating around is an entire terminal with 14 permanent gates. That would mean additional check-in counters, baggage claim facilities, and security lanes. A "Terminal C" plan could help expedite getting in and out of the airport and balance congested areas.

The new terminal would also get the SJC's first onsite hotel and a 5,000 space parking structure. The cost could run as high as $1.1 billion, but would be self-funded by additional flights.

I think an interesting idea would be to move international flights to Terminal C and really make a world class facility. Those are lucrative flights that greatly benefit the business community and overall economy.

As a little bonus, SJC also ranked the 11th best large airport in the world for on-time flight performance. Way to overachieve!

Source: SVBJ

SJC is getting a new international flight in 2020

New gates, passenger records, and now we are getting our international flight roster back on track. San Jose International is on a roll!

Air Canada is adding SJC's 10th international route on May 4th, 2020. Nonstop service to Toronto will be provided in an Airbus A220-300 with 137 seats. 12 of those are business class and the rest are economy in a comfortable 3+2 seat layout (fewer middle seats!).

Each day the flight will leave Toronto at 8:55am and arrive in San Jose at 11:28am. The return flight leaves SJC at 12:15pm and arrives in Toronto at 8:10pm.

Below is our full list of international flights. Unfortunately the Shanghai and Frankfurt routes have been cancelled. Toronto is likely to be a successful route given it was the 12th most requested by business travelers.

• Asia
• Tokyo
• Beijing
• Europe
• London
• North America
• Vancouver
• Toronto
• Guadalajara (served by two different airlines)
• Cabo San Lucas
• Morelia
• Zacatecas
• Leon

As an added bonus, Southwest is doubling their nonstop Hawaii destinations by adding flights to Kauai and the Big Island this January. The Kauai flight will run Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays starting January 19th, 2020 while the Kona flight runs Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays starting January 21st 2020.

Sources: SVBJ, SVBJ (2)

SJC is getting five new gates this month

SJC is one of the fastest growing airports in the country. In fact, this year we overtook Oakland to become the second busiest airport in the Bay Area. The downside to the rapid growth is that we are quickly running out of space. Fortunately, a $54 million airport expansion with five temporary gates will go live this month and increase capacity in Terminal B by 50%. A 6th gate will also be ready in November.

The new gates will let Southwest and Alaska airlines consolidate their operations to make it easier for connecting flights. It will also open up opportunities for expansion. For example, Delta is going to make San Jose a focus city and wants to more aggressively compete with Southwest and Alaska. Delta is planning to increase service at SJC by 23.1%, which means a lot more flights and better prices for San Joseans.

As exciting as this news is, it is only the beginning. Terminal B will eventually have a permanent 12-gate expansion (see diagram below) with new restaurants an shopping options. This would bring our total gate count to 40 and it could be built without disruptions to the temporary gates. This is still five to seven years away, but shows the airport still has a long way to go before hitting its potential.

Sources: SVBJ, Flight Global, thanks to Daniel Martinez for the tip regarding Delta!

Downtown San Jose building heights set to increase

Believe it or not, San Jose building heights are actually below FAA requirements. The restrictions were self-imposed to boost the airport and attract more international flights. Now that we have one of the fastest growing airports in the country as well as the 2nd busiest in the Bay Area, the City Council has decided to remove some of those restrictions to help Downtown San Jose development.

There will be some negative impact to SJC. On the rare days with inclement weather where long-distance flights have to take off south over Downtown, they will need to either limit the number of passengers or cargo. This is required to safely fly over the Downtown core in the extremely rare event where one of the two engines becomes disabled.

The positive side to the changes is that most of Downtown will get an extra 15-30 feet of develop-able space, making high-rise construction more compelling to developers. In the Diridon area, you might see buildings up to 150 feet taller than what is allowed today. The change is estimated to open up over $4.4 billion worth of vertical real estate in the Diridon area alone.

Perhaps one day we'll have electric planes with vertical take off and landing and can completely eliminate the height requirements, but for now this is a positive step towards building a more dense and vibrant Downtown.

Source: SVBJ, SVBJ (2)

Boring Company tunnel from Downtown San Jose to SJC

Last month there was a surprise announcement that Sam Liccardo has been in talks with The Boring Company for the past 18 months about a project that would connect Diridon to the airport via a 4-mile tunnel. The Boring Company is a disruptor in the tunneling space using hybrid-electric boring machines and several other innovations to reduce the cost of tunneling by a factor of 10. A two-way tunnel to the airport could cost less than $100 million versus the $800+ million a traditional people-mover would cost to build.

Now is really the perfect opportunity to start looking at next generation transportation options. As we have witnessed with California High-Speed Rail, paying for something that is both the most expensive and slowest high-speed train in the world makes little sense. Same goes for spending almost a billion dollars for a 4 mile people mover shuttling people at 25-35 MPH. If we can lay the foundation for a network that will reduce traffic and move people faster and do it at a far lower cost, that is worth exploring. Kudos for Sam for taking the initiative so long ago. Silicon Valley deserve a transit system that makes our innovative heritage proud.

Source: Teslarati, SVBJ

SJC had its best year ever in 2018

Even with Lufthansa leaving SJC, the airport still posted a 10.7% year-over-year passenger growth in November. Overall passenger counts for 2018 were up a staggering 15%, making it by far the fastest growing airport in the region. San Jose now has 16.6% of the Bay Area air travel market while Oakland is at 15.9% (keep in mind Oakland was ahead of SJC until 2018).

In December, SJC broke their all-time passenger travel record. The previous record was 14,300,000 passengers and was set way back in the year 2000.

There are no signs of San Jose International slowing down. Several new flights are coming this year as well as six temporary gates that will serve as an introduction to a much larger expansion. I'm hoping we will get several new international routes this year.

Source: SVBJ, SVBJ (2)

SJC adding even more gates and flights than expected, including a new international route

Just as San Jose International received approval to build an extra four temporary gates at the end of terminal B, a new proposal comes up to extend that to six. Nine new flights have recently been added and several more are coming before the end of the year. The goal is to keep each airline's gates together as much as possible, which is especially helpful when you have connecting flights.

The revised proposal would still be completed June 2019, but would add two additional parking spots for planes, one of which would have a jet bridge while the other would require using stairs or an elevator (just like the old terminal C days). The passenger waiting room for the new gates would also grow from 8,300 SQFT to 12,500 SQFT. The new plan would still cost around $50 million (and 500 parking spots). Eventually there will be a 10 gate permanent expansion in the same area.

Can SJC justify an extra 6 gates? The answer is absolutely. Not only is it the fastest growing international airport in the country right now based on passenger growth, but new flights are being added left and right. For example...

A new airline called California Pacific is launching a new twice-daily San Jose to Carlsbad route (airport north of San Diego). This will use a 50-seat Embraer ERJ145. This is the first time San Jose would have a direct route to this airport from the commercial terminal.

Volaris is adding their fourth nonstop international destination--to the beautiful city of Leon. The flight starts on November 17th and will use a 174-seat Airbus A320 (all economy). For those counting this is our 12th international route:

• Asia
• Tokyo
• Beijing
• Shanghai
• Europe
• London
• Frankfurt
• North America
• Vancouver
• Guadalajara (served by three different airlines)
• Cabo San Lucas
• Mexico City
• Morelia
• Zacatecas
• Leon

Delta is also adding Detroit (a Delta hub) as a nonstop destination from SJC starting on November 15th. The flight will use a Boeing 737 with 160 seats (16 in first class).

At this rate, we will need a lot more than six new gates in the near future.

Sources: SVBJ, SVBJ (2), SVBJ (3), SVBJ (4),