Sometimes the most audacious dreams are the ones worth pursuing. A decade ago this month, the Cross Border Xpress opened its doors, transforming what skeptics called an "impossible dream" into a thriving reality that connects two countries, two cities, and countless lives.

The story of this remarkable bridge begins in the aftermath of September 11, 2001, when serious discussions about a binational airport solution for San Diego and Tijuana first took root. Tijuana International Airport sits so close to the U.S. border that pilots must take a sharp left turn to avoid crossing into American airspace. Meanwhile, San Diego International Airport, just 24.7 miles north, faced significant expansion constraints as the busiest single runway airport in the United States, hemmed in by the city and bay.

What makes this story so inspiring is the persistence of visionaries on both sides of the border. Entrepreneurs including businessman Ralph Nieders, civic leader Malin Burnham, and Mexican economist Luis De La Calle refused to give up despite previous failed attempts. Their determination eventually attracted the attention of Guadalajara-based Grupo Aeroportuario Pacifico, which operates a dozen airports across Mexico, including Tijuana's facility.

The breakthrough came in August 2010 when developers successfully acquired land on the San Diego side and secured the necessary presidential permits from both nations. This achievement represented years of diplomatic coordination and unwavering commitment to a shared vision.

One of the most significant hurdles involved funding for U.S. Customs and Border Protection operations, estimated at $8 million annually. Through the leadership of Alan Bersin, who served in multiple border security roles, an innovative agreement was reached where the terminal operators would cover these costs. This creative problem solving opened the door for strategic partners including Eduardo Sanchez-Navarro, Carlos Laviada Ocejo, Laura Díez Barroso Azcárraga, and Sam Zell to fund the ambitious project.

Construction began in June 2014, with the late architect Ricardo Legorreta designing the distinctive terminal. Special arrangements allowed Turner Construction to build a bridge that literally crosses an international border, a feat that required unprecedented cooperation between two nations.

The Ripple Effect: The Cross Border Xpress has transformed regional travel, offering passengers a seamless way to access Tijuana's airport from San Diego. This innovation has strengthened economic ties between the two cities, made travel more convenient for thousands of people, and demonstrated that borders can be places of connection rather than division. The project has become a model for international cooperation, proving that with creativity, persistence, and goodwill, even the most complex challenges involving multiple governments can be overcome. Today, as the terminal celebrates its 10th anniversary, it stands as a physical monument to what's possible when people from different nations work together toward a common goal. What was once impossible is now simply part of daily life for the travelers who walk across that bridge, moving between two countries as easily as crossing a street.