What are the primary identifiers for Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport?

Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport is identified by the IATA code OAK, the ICAO code KOAK, and the FAA LID OAK. It is also associated with the WMO station identifier 72493.

Where is Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport located, and what region does it serve?

The airport is located in Oakland, California, within Alameda County, serving the East Bay and the broader San Francisco Bay Area. It is situated approximately 7 miles (11 km) south of downtown Oakland and 12 miles (19 km) east of San Francisco.

When did Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport officially open?

Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport opened on September 17, 1927.

What significant historical flights departed from Oakland in its early years?

In its early days, Oakland served as a departure point for several historic flights due to its long runway. These included Charles Kingsford Smith's US-Australia flight in 1928 and Amelia Earhart's final flight in 1937, from which she intended to return to Oakland.

Which airlines began scheduled flights to Oakland in the late 1920s and early 1930s?

Boeing Air Transport, a precursor to United Airlines, initiated scheduled flights to Oakland in December 1927. Trans World Airlines (TWA) followed suit in 1932.

What was the significance of the Boeing School of Aeronautics at Oakland Airport?

The Boeing School of Aeronautics, opened in 1929, expanded rapidly and played a crucial role in training pilots and mechanics, particularly through the Civilian Pilot Training Program during World War II. It was later converted into a United Air Lines training center in 1945.

How did the U.S. Armed Forces utilize Oakland Airport during World War II?

During World War II, the U.S. Armed Forces temporarily took over Oakland Airport, establishing Naval Air Station Oakland. It was transformed into an airlift base for military flights to Pacific islands, requiring all scheduled civilian services to relocate to San Francisco International Airport.

Which airlines returned to Oakland after World War II, and what types of carriers became prominent?

Following the war, airlines like Western Airlines, American Airlines, TWA, United, Transocean Air Lines, and Pacific Southwest Airlines (PSA) gradually returned. Oakland also became a significant hub for non-scheduled and supplemental air carriers, including Transocean Air Lines, World Airways, and Trans International Airlines.

What was the significance of the first Jet Age terminal at Oakland Airport?

The airport's first Jet Age terminal, now known as Terminal 1, was designed by John Carl Warnecke & Associates and opened in 1962. This expansion included a 10,000-foot runway, facilitating the arrival of jet aircraft like TWA's Convair 880.

How did World Airways contribute to Oakland's operations during the Vietnam War era?

World Airways utilized Oakland to shuttle military personnel to Southeast Asia and built a large maintenance hangar capable of housing four Boeing 747s. This facility opened in May 1973 and provided contract maintenance services for numerous airlines.

What impact did airline deregulation have on Oakland Airport in the post-Vietnam War period?

Airline deregulation led to an increase in low-fare carriers serving Oakland. This growth prompted the airport to build Terminal 2, named the Lionel J. Wilson Terminal, to accommodate airlines like PSA and AirCal.

What notable international aviation events occurred at Oakland Airport in the late 1980s?

In 1987 and again in 1989, British Airways and Air France Concorde supersonic jets visited Oakland, offering supersonic flights. The Concorde also completed a round-the-world trip that included Oakland in March 1989.

When did FedEx Express establish a cargo base at Oakland, and what is its current significance?

FedEx Express opened its air cargo base at Oakland in 1988. It has since grown to become one of the busiest air freight terminals in the United States.

How did Southwest Airlines become a dominant carrier at Oakland?

Southwest Airlines established a crew base in Oakland in the 1990s and significantly expanded its flight operations, eventually becoming the airport's primary passenger carrier.

What major expansion and renovation project did Oakland Airport undertake starting in 2004?

Beginning in 2004, the airport embarked on a $300 million expansion and renovation project. This included adding five gates to Terminal 2, renovating the baggage claim and security areas, and upgrading airport roadways, curbsides, and parking lots by the end of 2008.

What challenges did Oakland Airport face in 2008, and how did it recover?

In 2008, Oakland experienced cutbacks due to high fuel costs and airline bankruptcies, affecting routes more than other Bay Area airports. Recovery began in the following years, with airlines like Hawaiian Airlines adding flights and Allegiant Air designating Oakland as a focus city.

What distinction did Oakland International Airport achieve in 2009 regarding on-time performance?

In 2009, Oakland International Airport recorded the highest on-time arrival percentage among the 40 busiest airports in North America.

What significant transportation infrastructure project connected to the airport was completed in 2014?

The long-proposed extension of the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system to the airport was completed on November 22, 2014. This project connected the BART Coliseum station to a new station opposite the airport terminals via the Oakland Airport Connector.

What was the purpose and outcome of the 'Moving Modern' program at Terminal 1?

The 'Moving Modern' program, commencing in May 2015, was a $100 million renovation of Terminal 1. It involved seismic retrofits, infrastructure upgrades, and improvements to the passenger environment, and was completed in the spring of 2017.

Which airlines introduced new international routes from Oakland in the mid-2010s?

In 2016, Norwegian Air Shuttle and British Airways began offering nonstop flights to London Gatwick. In 2017, Norwegian introduced seasonal flights to Copenhagen and year-round service to Barcelona, with Level (an IAG airline) also launching Barcelona service.

What factors contributed to the loss of domestic and international routes at Oakland between mid-2018 and early 2020?

Several factors led to route reductions, including the grounding of the Boeing 737 MAX, airline schedule restructurings, a lack of demand, and the withdrawal of airlines like British Airways, Level, and Norwegian Air Shuttle from Oakland.

How did the COVID-19 pandemic affect airline operations at Oakland?

The COVID-19 pandemic led to the withdrawal of JetBlue in April 2020 and American Airlines in early June 2020 from Oakland International Airport.

What recent developments have occurred regarding international service to Oakland?

In late 2022 and 2023, Volaris El Salvador and Avianca El Salvador announced new nonstop flights to San Salvador. Viva Aerobus also introduced nonstop service to Monterrey, Mexico.

What was the proposed name change for Oakland International Airport in 2024, and what were the stated reasons?

In 2024, the airport was proposed to be renamed San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport. Reasons cited included helping travelers understand Oakland's connection to the Bay Area, its proximity to San Francisco Bay, and mitigating confusion with Auckland Airport in New Zealand.

What legal action was taken regarding Oakland's proposed airport name change?

The city attorney of San Francisco filed a federal trademark lawsuit against Oakland to prevent the use of the new name. Oakland filed a countersuit, noting that San Francisco International Airport is also not located within San Francisco city limits.

What was the outcome of the preliminary injunction regarding the airport's name change?

A U.S. Magistrate Judge granted San Francisco's motion for a preliminary injunction, ordering Oakland to stop using the new name while the case was pending. Subsequently, the Port of Oakland approved a new name, Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport, in July 2025.

What are the passenger traffic projections for Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport, and what expansion plans are being considered?

The airport handled 13.38 million passengers in 2019 and projects reaching 20 million by 2028 and 25 million by 2035. Plans include consolidating Terminals 1 and 2 into a single terminal and building a third passenger terminal with up to 25 new gates, potentially adding a net gain of 16 gates.

How many terminals and gates does Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport currently have?

The airport has two terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, which together provide a total of 29 gates. Terminal 1 has 16 gates, and Terminal 2 has 13 gates.

Are the terminals at Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport connected post-security?

Yes, the terminals are connected in the post-security and gate areas, allowing passengers to transfer between flights without needing to go through security again.

Which airlines operate out of Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 at Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport?

Terminal 1 serves airlines such as Advanced Air, Alaska, Allegiant, Delta, Hawaiian, Southwest, Spirit, Sun Country, Viva, Volaris, and Volaris El Salvador. Terminal 2 is primarily used by Southwest Airlines.

How many runways does Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport have, and what are their surfaces?

The airport has four runways, all surfaced with asphalt. These are Runway 12/30 (10,520 ft), Runway 10R/28L (6,213 ft), Runway 10L/28R (5,458 ft), and Runway 15/33 (3,376 ft).

Why were runways 27 and 29 at Oakland Airport renamed in 2013?

The runways were renamed from 27/09 and 29/11 to 28/10 and 30/12 respectively, due to changes in the Earth's magnetic field affecting compass readings.

What is unique about the taxiway connecting the north and south runways at Oakland?

A taxiway connecting the north and south runways passes over Ron Cowan Parkway, forming an aircraft bridge.

What are the typical wind patterns at Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport, and how do they affect flight operations?

Winds typically blow from the west or north, causing aircraft to arrive from the southeast and depart to the northwest. When winds shift to the east or south, operations reverse, with arrivals from the northwest and departures to the southeast.

Who are the primary fixed-base operators (FBOs) at Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport?

Signature Flight Support is the main FBO, located at the North Field. KaiserAir also provides FBO services and performs maintenance on various business jet aircraft at the North Field.

How is Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport accessible by car?

The airport is accessible from Interstate 880 via Hegenberger Road or 98th Avenue, which lead to Airport Road. Doolittle Drive (State Route 61) also provides access to the airport and the nearby city of Alameda.

What public transportation options connect to Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport?

The airport is served by Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) via the Oakland Airport Connector, which links to the Coliseum station. Additionally, AC Transit bus lines (73 and 805) and the Sonoma County Airport Express provide bus services.

What is the Oakland Airport Connector, and how does it function?

The Oakland Airport Connector is an automated guideway transit (AGT) line that connects the airport to the BART Coliseum station. It operates every five minutes during peak hours, taking about eight minutes for the journey, and includes a fare surcharge for airport-related travel.

Which airlines currently offer passenger service from Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport?

As of the provided data, airlines serving OAK include Advanced Air, Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, Delta Air Lines, Delta Connection, Hawaiian Airlines, JSX, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, Viva Aerobus, Volaris, and Volaris El Salvador.

What are the top domestic destinations served from Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport?

The busiest domestic routes from Oakland include Las Vegas, San Diego, Los Angeles, Burbank, Seattle/Tacoma, Phoenix-Sky Harbor, Orange County, Denver, Portland (OR), and Salt Lake City.

What are the primary international destinations served from Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport?

The main international destinations from Oakland include Guadalajara, Morelia, León/Del Bajío, Mexico City, San José del Cabo, and Zacatecas in Mexico, as well as San Salvador in El Salvador.

Which airlines operate cargo flights from Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport?

Major cargo carriers operating from Oakland include FedEx Express and UPS Airlines. Aeronaves TSM, operated by USA Jet Airlines, also provides cargo services.

What was the total passenger traffic at Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport in 2023?

In 2023, Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport handled 11,239,075 passengers, representing a 0.83% increase from the previous year.

Which airline holds the largest market share at Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport?

Southwest Airlines is the largest airline at Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport, accounting for approximately 82.22% of passengers between November 2023 and October 2024.

What was the passenger traffic in 2020, and what was the percentage change from 2019?

In 2020, passenger traffic at Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport was 4,622,029, a decrease of 65.15% compared to 2019, reflecting the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Can you list a few notable accidents or incidents that have occurred at or near Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport?

Notable incidents include a US Navy Douglas DC-3 crash near Lake Chabot in 1943, a USAAF Douglas C-47 crash into a house in 1944, a US Navy Douglas DC-4 crash with a fire in 1947, and United Airlines Flight 615 impacting terrain in 1951, resulting in fatalities.

What was the cause of the Japan Air Lines Flight 813 incident in 1965?

Japan Air Lines Flight 813 experienced an uncontained engine failure shortly after takeoff from San Francisco. The crew made an emergency landing at Oakland, with all passengers and crew surviving without injuries.

What is the significance of the 'See also' section in the article?

The 'See also' section provides links to related topics, such as the San Francisco Bay Area portal, the Aviation portal, a list of airports in the San Francisco Bay Area, and California World War II Army Airfields, offering further context and related information.

What is the purpose of the Navboxes included in the article?

The Navboxes, such as 'Airports in the San Francisco Bay Area,' 'USAAF Training Bases World War II,' and 'Oakland, California,' serve as navigational tools, helping readers explore related topics and categories within Wikipedia.

Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport Wiki: Oakland's Skyward Ascent: A Bay Area Aviation Chronicle

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Airport Overview

Location & Identity

Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport (OAK), formerly Metropolitan Oakland International Airport, is a significant international airport serving the East Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area. It is strategically located approximately 7 miles (11 km) south of downtown Oakland.

Ownership & Operation

The airport is owned and operated by the Port of Oakland, a public entity responsible for managing key infrastructure within the city. This ensures alignment with regional economic development goals.

Establishment

Oakland's aviation history began with its dedication by Charles Lindbergh on September 17, 1927. Its initial runway was notably the longest in the world at that time, facilitating early long-distance flights.

Connectivity

OAK serves as a crucial hub for FedEx Express and an operating base for Southwest Airlines. It facilitates domestic passenger flights across the United States and international routes to Mexico and El Salvador, alongside vital air cargo operations.

Historical Trajectory

Pioneering Era

Established in 1927, Oakland Airport quickly became a departure point for historic flights, including Charles Kingsford Smith's US-Australia journey and Amelia Earhart's final flight. It hosted early commercial services by Boeing Air Transport and TWA.

Wartime & Post-War Growth

During World War II, the airport served as Naval Air Station Oakland, supporting Pacific airlift operations. Post-war, it saw the return of major airlines and became a significant center for supplemental air carriers and maintenance operations.

Jet Age & Deregulation Impact

The opening of the first Jet Age terminal in 1962 marked a new era. Airline deregulation in the following decades spurred the growth of low-fare carriers, leading to terminal expansions and increased passenger traffic.

Modern Developments

The 21st century saw major renovations, the establishment of a BART connection, and significant growth in cargo operations, particularly for FedEx. The airport has also navigated airline consolidations and market shifts, including a recent name change controversy.

Airport Facilities

Terminals

Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport features two primary passenger terminals, connected post-security, offering a combined total of 29 gates. Terminal 1 accommodates a diverse range of airlines, while Terminal 2 primarily serves Southwest Airlines.

Runways

The airport operates four runways designed to manage diverse air traffic. These facilities are crucial for both commercial passenger flights and extensive cargo operations.

The airport's runway configuration supports various aircraft operations:

Direction	Length (ft)	Length (m)	Surface
12/30	10,520	3,206	Asphalt
10R/28L	6,213	1,894	Asphalt
10L/28R	5,458	1,664	Asphalt
15/33	3,376	1,029	Asphalt

Operational Statistics

Passenger Traffic

In 2024, Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport handled approximately 10.8 million passengers, reflecting its significant role in regional air travel. The airport has experienced fluctuations in passenger volume, particularly influenced by economic conditions and global events.

Annual passenger volume data provides insight into the airport's activity levels:

Annual Passenger Traffic (Selected Years)
Year	Passengers	% Change
2019	13,378,411	-1.59%
2020	4,622,029	-65.15%
2021	8,142,320	76.16%
2022	11,146,229	36.89%
2023	11,239,075	0.83%
2024 (Est.)	10,820,939	-3.72%

Aircraft Operations

The airport recorded over 205,000 aircraft operations in 2024, encompassing commercial flights, cargo movements, and general aviation activities. This volume underscores OAK's importance as a multifaceted aviation center.

Top Destinations

Key domestic routes connect OAK to major hubs like Las Vegas, San Diego, and Los Angeles. Internationally, the airport serves popular destinations in Mexico and El Salvador, facilitating cross-border travel.

Top Domestic Destinations (Jan-Dec 2024):

Rank	City	Passengers	Carriers
1	Las Vegas, NV	601,000	JSX, Southwest, Spirit
2	San Diego, CA	367,000	Southwest, Spirit
3	Los Angeles, CA	365,000	Southwest
4	Burbank, CA	320,000	JSX, Southwest
5	Seattle/Tacoma, WA	308,000	Alaska, Southwest

Top International Destinations (Jul 2022 - Jun 2023):

Rank	City	Passengers	Airlines
1	Guadalajara, Mexico	210,544	Volaris
2	Morelia, Mexico	66,423	Volaris
3	León/Del Bajío, Mexico	65,630	Volaris
4	Mexico City, Mexico	64,104	Volaris
5	San Salvador, El Salvador	14,580	Volaris El Salvador

Airlines & Services

Passenger Carriers

Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport hosts a variety of passenger airlines, including major domestic carriers like Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Spirit Airlines, alongside international carriers serving Mexico and Central America.

Key passenger airlines and their primary destinations:

Airline	Destinations
Advanced Air	Crescent City
Alaska Airlines	Portland (OR), Seattle/Tacoma
Allegiant Air	Bellingham, Seasonal: Bozeman, Glacier Park/Kalispell, Idaho Falls, Missoula
Delta Air Lines / Delta Connection	Salt Lake City
Hawaiian Airlines	Honolulu, Kahului, Lihue
JSX	Burbank, Las Vegas, San Diego/Carlsbad, Scottsdale
Southwest Airlines	Extensive domestic network including Albuquerque, Austin, Boise, Chicago-Midway, Dallas-Love, Denver, Honolulu, Las Vegas, Phoenix-Sky Harbor, Portland (OR), San Diego, Seattle/Tacoma, and seasonal routes. Also serves international destinations like San José del Cabo.
Spirit Airlines	Las Vegas, San Diego
Sun Country Airlines	Seasonal: Minneapolis/St. Paul
Viva Aerobus	Guadalajara, Monterrey
Volaris	Guadalajara, León/Del Bajío, Mexico City, Morelia, San José del Cabo, Zacatecas
Volaris El Salvador	San Salvador

Cargo Operations

OAK is a significant cargo hub, particularly for FedEx Express, which operates a major hub at the airport. UPS Airlines also maintains a substantial presence, facilitating extensive freight movement across North America and internationally.

Major cargo airlines and their key destinations:

Airline	Destinations
Aeronaves TSM (via USA Jet Airlines)	El Paso, Laredo
FedEx Express	Anchorage, Auckland, Cincinnati, Fort Worth/Alliance, Fresno, Guadalajara, Honolulu, Indianapolis, Las Vegas, Liège, Los Angeles, Memphis, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Newark, Ontario, Osaka–Kansai, Phoenix–Sky Harbor, Portland (OR), Reno/Tahoe, Salt Lake City, San Diego, Seattle/Tacoma, Shanghai–Pudong, Sydney, Tokyo–Narita, Vancouver
UPS Airlines	Boise, Chicago–Rockford, Columbia (SC), Dallas/Fort Worth, Louisville, Ontario, Philadelphia, Portland (OR), Salt Lake City, San Bernardino

Airport Access

By Car

The airport is readily accessible via Interstate 880 (Nimitz Freeway), with direct routes via Hegenberger Road or 98th Avenue. Doolittle Drive (State Route 61) also provides access to nearby Alameda.

Public Transit: BART

The Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system connects to the airport via the Oakland Airport Connector (OAC). This automated guideway transit line links the airport station to the Coliseum station, providing access to the broader BART network and Amtrak services.

Public Transit: Bus

AC Transit operates direct bus services, including Line 73 for daytime travel and Line 805 as part of the overnight All Nighter network, offering connections to key transit centers and BART stations.

Cargo Operations

Freight Hub

Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport (OAK) serves as a critical air cargo gateway. Its strategic location and robust infrastructure support extensive operations for major carriers like FedEx Express and UPS Airlines, handling significant volumes of domestic and international freight.

Accidents & Incidents

Historical Record

Throughout its operational history, Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport has been the site of various aviation accidents and incidents, primarily involving military aircraft during its early years and commercial flights in subsequent decades. These events have contributed to evolving aviation safety protocols.

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References

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A full list of references for this article are available at the Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Important Notice

This content has been generated by an AI and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It is based on publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not reflect the most current information or all nuances of the subject matter.

This is not professional aviation or travel advice. The information provided is not a substitute for consulting official airport documentation, airline resources, or seeking advice from qualified aviation professionals. Always verify critical information through official channels.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Oakland's Skyward Ascent

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Airport Overview ℹ️

📍 Location & Identity

🏢 Ownership & Operation

🗓️ Establishment

🌐 Connectivity

Historical Trajectory 📈

🚀 Pioneering Era

✈️ Wartime & Post-War Growth

🏙️ Jet Age & Deregulation Impact

🔗 Modern Developments

Airport Facilities 🏗️

Terminal Terminals

Runway Runways

Operational Statistics 📊

👥 Passenger Traffic

✈️ Aircraft Operations

🗺️ Top Destinations

Airlines & Services 💺

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Passenger Carriers

📦 Cargo Operations

Airport Access 🚗

🚗 By Car

🚆 Public Transit: BART

🚌 Public Transit: Bus

Cargo Operations 🚚

📦 Freight Hub

Accidents & Incidents ⚠️

📜 Historical Record

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Airport Overview

Location & Identity

Ownership & Operation

Establishment

Connectivity

Historical Trajectory

Pioneering Era

Wartime & Post-War Growth

Jet Age & Deregulation Impact

Modern Developments

Airport Facilities

Terminals

Runways

Operational Statistics

Passenger Traffic

Aircraft Operations

Top Destinations

Airlines & Services

Passenger Carriers

Cargo Operations

Airport Access

By Car

Public Transit: BART

Public Transit: Bus

Cargo Operations

Freight Hub

Accidents & Incidents

Historical Record

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice