Plans are in motion to consolidate Alaska Airlines operations at its San Diego focus city in one terminal once a new international arrivals facility opens.
The Seattle-based carrier will operate primarily from six gates in terminal 2, down from about nine gates split between terminals 1 and 2, when the relocation is complete in the third quarter, the San Diego airport says.
Alaska has operated a split operation in San Diego since it acquired Virgin America in December 2016.
The airline expects a better passenger experience at the airport once the move is complete, Alaska says.
As part of the move, Allegiant Air, JetBlue Airways, Spirit Airlines and Sun Country Airlines will move to Alaska's former gates in terminal 1.
The new international arrivals facility at San Diego airport, which will double the number of gates capable of handling international flights to six from three, is scheduled to open in June.
San Diego is a focus city for Alaska, where it grew seats at a compound annual rate of 7.7% from 2013 to 2015, FlightGlobal Diio schedules show. It plans to grow seats by a further 15.2% in 2018.
Alaska was the fourth largest carrier by seats in San Diego during the year ending in May, schedules show. Southwest Airlines is the largest followed by American Airlines and United Airlines.
Source: Cirium Dashboard
