Covering 10.5 kilometres squared in San Antonio, Texas, San Antonio International Airport (SAT) is the central transport hub of the area covering more than 30 direct destinations throughout America and across the globe. Located 12 kilometres north of the city centre, it acts as the main airport service of the South Texas region, serving over 8.5 million visitors a year and acting as a local economic generator and landmark.
San Antonio International Airport has two terminals and three runways, in addition to a range of passenger services, from public phones to shoe shining to luggage and accessibility stations. There is an abundance of food, bar and coffee outlets for visitors, free Wi-Fi and many recreational shopping facilities. The airport also entertains by hosting art exhibitions and rotating displays of public art from the city of San Antonio and throughout America. Various airlines, including American Airlines and Air Canada, use SAT and have daily departures from the 25 passenger gates available.
There is a multitude of parking at San Antonio International Airport spread across its garages, or visitors can take a regular local bus service travelling to and from the city. Alternatively, visitors can take a City Tour shuttle route for a more comfortable and independent journey into San Antonio, and hotels in the airport area have independent shuttle services.
San Antonio International Airport was originally a military base, created in July 1941 and used as a training base by the United States Army Air Forces. It became a commercial airport in 1953 following the end of World War II, and officials added Terminal 2 in the 1950s to extending the gates and sitting areas. SAT has faced various renovations and extensions over the years, improving its quality and services.