SFO names International Terminal in honor of Senator Dianne Feinstein

Wednesday, January 17, 2024

The San Francisco Airport Commission has given its approval to a resolution that authorizes the renaming of SFO International Terminal in honor of the late Senator and former San Francisco Mayor, Dianne Feinstein. This decision follows a nomination proposal submitted in November 2023 to the Airport Commission by The Dianne Feinstein 100-plus Committee, which comprises notable members such as former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown and retired SFO Airport Director John L. Martin.

After a thorough review of the proposed nomination, the Airport Commission identified “compelling reasons to honor the nominee recommended for consideration.” One significant factor was Senator Feinstein’s pivotal role in negotiating a 30-year Lease and Use Agreement with airlines during her tenure as Mayor in 1980 and 1981. This agreement not only transformed the Airport’s business operations but also facilitated the construction of SFO’s inaugural International Terminal, operational since 1983. The innovative agreement incentivized the Airport’s growth, establishing it as a leader in concession revenue performance among U.S. airports. The unique business structure, introduced in 1981, ensures that 15% of SFO’s concession revenue is shared with the City, amounting to over $1 billion returned since its inception.

From overseeing the Master Plan expansion of the International Terminal to playing a crucial role in projects like the BART-SFO extension and the new Air Traffic Control Tower, Senator Feinstein contributed significantly to making SFO the world-class facility it is today. Her leadership was evident in the extension of BART to SFO, and she negotiated a historic agreement involving the Airport, BART, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and airlines to integrate the mass transit system directly into the International Terminal.

Senator Feinstein advocacy for SFO extended behind the scenes, encompassing support for the airport’s first in-line baggage screening system post-9/11, facilitating access to new FAA technology for enhanced safety and reduced delays, and providing federal agency resources following the Asiana crash.

The resolution to rename the International Terminal for Dianne Feinstein marks the beginning of collaborative efforts between SFO and The Dianne Feinstein 100-plus Committee. These efforts will focus on developing a comprehensive approach for implementation, including considerations for locations, design, and content that appropriately celebrate Senator Feinstein’s legacy in relation to both SFO and the City of San Francisco. While no specific timeline has been defined for this undertaking, the overarching goal is to ensure the final result accurately reflects the intent behind the naming campaign.

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