San Diego International Airport says it expects nearly 800,000 passengers between Sunday, June 28 and Monday, July 6, as July 4 traffic builds across the holiday window. This clears the news bar because the airport is giving travelers a concrete nine-day volume forecast, named peak days, and specific curbside pressure windows rather than a generic summer warning.
The practical risk is not only a long security line. SAN says construction near Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 can slow road access, and the airport expects its busiest traffic on Monday, June 29, Thursday, July 2, and Monday, July 6.
- SAN expects nearly 800,000 passengers during the June 28 to July 6 holiday travel period.
- Daily passenger counts are projected to run about 90,000, with peak days approaching 95,000.
- The busiest days are expected to be Monday, June 29, Thursday, July 2, and Monday, July 6.
- SAN says passenger traffic should run about 10 percent above the same holiday period last year.
What Changes for Travelers This Week
The most useful detail is timing. SAN says peak curbside pressure usually hits from 4:00 a.m. to 6:15 a.m., 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and 8:00 p.m. to midnight, which gives travelers a clearer picture of when airport roads and drop-off areas can get messy.
The airport is also warning that ongoing construction near Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 can delay arrivals. That makes this more than a traffic-count story because it changes how early travelers should leave for the airport.
Best SAN Moves Before You Leave Home
SAN is pushing a short list of practical steps that matter during a crowded holiday week: check flight status before heading out, reserve parking in advance, and use the free San Diego Flyer shuttle from Old Town Transit Station if public transit fits the trip.
The airport also says travelers can use the inter-terminal shuttle at no cost and should lean on the free cell phone lot for pickups instead of circling airport roads. As of June 29, 2026, that is the clearest traveler utility in the release because it helps people avoid the exact road congestion SAN is warning about.
- Build extra airport time around Monday, June 29, Thursday, July 2, and Monday, July 6.
- Avoid the tightest curbside windows if you can, especially early morning and late evening.
- Reserve parking before arrival if you plan to leave a car at SAN during the holiday week.
- Use the San Diego Flyer, inter-terminal shuttle, or the cell phone lot to cut roadway stress.
This is a publishable airport utility update because it gives travelers named peak days, specific congestion windows, and usable ground-access advice before a major holiday surge. The next useful step is to rework your airport timing now instead of treating July 4 week like a normal SAN trip.
How many travelers does SAN expect over the July 4 holiday period?
San Diego International Airport says it expects nearly 800,000 arriving and departing passengers between June 28 and July 6, 2026.
Which days should travelers expect the heaviest airport traffic?
SAN says the busiest days should be Monday, June 29, Thursday, July 2, and Monday, July 6.
What time windows are most likely to feel crowded at the curb?
The airport says peak curbside activity usually runs from 4:00 a.m. to 6:15 a.m., 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and 8:00 p.m. to midnight.
What is SAN recommending for parking and pickups?
The airport says travelers should reserve parking in advance and use the free cell phone lot for pickups instead of circling airport roads.
Image: Official image courtesy of San Diego International Airport. Source: https://www.san.org/media-resources/san-diego-international-airport-forecasts-busy-independence-day-travel/
