Oakland International Airport has recently experienced a notable increase in international traffic as it positions itself as a compelling alternative to nearby San Francisco International Airport.
In the past year, OAK handled more than 13 million passengers, marking an increase of over 8 percent compared with 2016 and setting a new record for the airport. International travel has grown even more dramatically, more than doubling in just two years.
“It is very exciting to see OAK continue to expand its reach and prove its viability as a gateway linking the San Francisco Bay Area to destinations across the globe,” said Bryant L. Francis, director of aviation for the Port of Oakland. “We are finding more ways to partner with stakeholders to raise OAK’s profile, and our customers are responding by flying the East Bay Way.”
Several carriers have contributed to the uptick in international service, including Norwegian Air, Southwest and British Airways. Today OAK serves more than 14 international destinations, such as London (LHR), Paris (CDG), Rome (FCO), Barcelona (BCN), Copenhagen (CPH), Oslo (OSL), Stockholm (ARN), Terceira (TER), Guadalajara (GDL), Mexico City (MEX), Cabo San Lucas (CSL), Puerto Vallarta (PVR), Morelia (MLM) and León (LEN).
This surge in demand has created the need for a significant expansion and renovation of airport facilities to improve passenger experience, increase capacity and accommodate continued international growth. Upgrades are being planned to better handle elevated traffic levels, streamline processing for customs and security, expand gate and terminal space, and enhance aircraft operations.
With growing airline interest and rising passenger numbers, Oakland International is strengthening its role as a regional gateway. Its more convenient access for many Bay Area travelers, competitive options and a widening roster of nonstop international routes make OAK an increasingly attractive choice for both leisure and business passengers seeking alternatives to other Bay Area airports.