In a unanimous decision, the San Francisco Airport Commission voted to rename its international terminal after the late Senator Dianne Feinstein, who passed away last September at the age of 90. Feinstein, a California Democrat, had a remarkable career spanning over five decades, making history as the longest-serving female senator and the first woman mayor of San Francisco.
Former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown, speaking at the meeting, emphasized Feinstein’s significant contributions to the city and the airport. Brown highlighted her role in the airport’s development, from the Master Plan expansion of the International Terminal to bringing the BART terminal into SFO. Feinstein’s leadership also played a crucial part in negotiating a 30-year lease and use agreement with airlines, transforming the airport into a world-class facility.
The decision to rename the terminal follows a nomination by The Dianne Feinstein 100-plus Committee, chaired by Willie Brown and including former SFO Airport Director John L. Martin. The renaming process will involve collaboration on locations, design, and content to celebrate Feinstein’s legacy relative to both the airport and the city.
As San Francisco bids farewell to Feinstein, airport officials recognize her pivotal role in the success of the airport, including her efforts in accessing new FAA technology and providing resources after the Asiana Airlines crash in 2013. The renaming reflects not only a tribute to a political trailblazer but also a recognition of her enduring impact on the airport’s growth and development.
