Oakland Airport reports 10.5 percent increase in August passengers
Norwegian, Southwest, Spirit and Volaris drive growth
Oakland, CA: (September 29, 2017) – Officials at Oakland International Airport released August traffic reports today, revealing 10.5 percent passenger growth over August 2016. Total passengers increased from 1,110,385 in August 2016, to 1,226,648 this year. The increase was supported by 5.3 percent more flight operations and 7.3 percent more seats. Passenger traffic for the last 12 months increased 9.1 percent over the prior year.
Marking the 45th consecutive month of passenger gains, it was the second busiest month of passenger traffic recorded since August 2007, which is the busiest month on record at OAK. August 2017 is the 6th consecutive month of passenger traffic above 1,000,000 this year. A record 87,475 international passengers traveled via OAK during the month – a 155 percent increase over last year. Totals reflect a doubling of international passenger traffic by Norwegian, and new operations by Southwest, Volaris, LEVEL, and British Airways.
Domestic passenger volume increased by 5.9 percent in August, highlighted by a 40 percent increase in traffic by Spirit Airlines, which added summer seasonal flights between OAK and Baltimore/Washington DC, Detroit, Chicago-O’Hare, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Houston Bush Intercontinental Airport. In addition, Southwest Airlines added new transcontinental service to New York’s Newark Liberty International Airport.
Port of Oakland Director of Aviation, Bryant L. Francis stated, “We are extremely pleased with the continued strong passenger traffic increases at Oakland International, both domestically and internationally. We are encouraged to see a robust response to new transatlantic and transcontinental flights as we continue working to expand service offerings in key markets."
In the last year, Oakland has seen new international service to Puerto Vallarta and Los Cabos by Southwest, and London, Copenhagen, and Barcelona by Norwegian. British Airways and LEVEL also began service from OAK in the last year, to London and Barcelona, respectively. International passenger growth is expected to continue in 2018 with new service to Rome and Paris operated by Norwegian.
About Oakland International Airport
Oakland International is the fourth busiest airport in California and second busiest in the San Francisco Bay Area. Serving over 12 million travelers annually, OAK is the closest airport to the region’s top business and tourism venues. It is also the closest airport for most local residents.
Oakland’s air service roster to over 50 nonstop destinations is offered on 13 different airline brands – seven of which operate with OAK as their sole gateway into the San Francisco Bay region.
The vision of Oakland International Airport is to offer customers a world-class experience and be the airport of choice for Bay Area residents and visitors alike. OAK is operated by The Port of Oakland, which also oversees the Oakland seaport and 20 miles of waterfront. Together with its business partners, the Port supports more than 73,000 jobs in the region and nearly 827,000 jobs across the United States.
For up-to-the-minute departure and arrival information, airport maps, and details on shopping, dining, transportation, and more, visit www.oaklandairport.com. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Media Contact:
Keonnis R. Taylor
510-563-6500
