Oakland International continues growth trend with boost of spring travelers

Oakland, Calif. - May 5, 2016: Twenty-eight is the number of consecutive months now reported by the Oakland International Airport for its year-over-year passenger traffic growth. Data for March 2016 reflect that the Bay Area airport served 962,258 passengers for the month, an increase of 8.7% from the same time the previous year, based on 6.6% more operations and 7.7% more seats. Air cargo at OAK remained stable in March.

By comparison, traffic in March 2015 was up 8.6%, and gains since March 2014 reflect an overall total increase of 18.3%, a notable boost over the two-year period.

The growth trend at OAK is perfectly on par with other developments at the airport. March also introduced a new Director of Aviation at OAK, Bryant L. Francis, who transitioned from the same role at Long Beach Airport. Mr. Francis’ arrival coincided with Southwest’s announcement that it would add four new nonstop flights between Oakland and Long Beach, which is expected to boost traffic once again when those flights begin June 5.

Also expected to boost summer traffic are the commencement of nonstop flights to London-Gatwick in May, and nonstop service to Reno-Tahoe and St. Louis this summer. With the busy travel months just ahead, the airport is already ramping up, expecting to surpass 1 million monthly passengers during the heavy summer months.

Director Francis is pleased with the numbers welcoming his tenure at OAK, and is optimistic about the airport’s future. “It is very encouraging for me to arrive at Oakland when the activity levels are strong and growth has been consistent each month for now more than two years. Assuming my leadership role at this time instills confidence in what I believe we can do in the near term and longer term to accommodate continued growth in flights and make it an easier than ever choice to Fly OAK.”

Oakland International is the fastest growing airport in California on a percentage basis having surpassed 11.2 million travelers last year. With more flights, new destinations, and a Terminal One renovation underway, Oakland International Airport is poised to reach new heights under its new leadership.

About Oakland International Airport
Oakland International is the fourth largest airport in California and second largest in the San Francisco Bay Area. Serving over 11 million travelers each year, OAK is the closest airport to the region’s top tourism and entertainment venues. It is also the closest airport for most local residents.

The airport currently offers air service to 53 destinations 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.

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About the Port of Oakland

The Port of Oakland oversees the Oakland seaport and Oakland International Airport.  The Port’s jurisdiction includes 20 miles of waterfront from the Bay Bridge through Oakland International Airport.  The Oakland seaport is the fifth busiest container port in the U.S; Oakland International Airport is the second largest San Francisco Bay Area airport, offering more than 300 daily passenger and cargo flights; and the Port’s Real estate includes commercial developments such as Jack London Square and hundreds of acres of public parks and conservation areas.  Together, through Port operations and those of its tenants and users, the Port supports more than 73,000 jobs in the region and nearly 827,000 jobs across the United States.  The Port of Oakland was established in 1927 and is an independent department of the City of Oakland.  Connect with the Port of Oakland and Oakland International Airport through Facebook, or with the Port on Twitter, YouTube, and at www.portofoakland.com.

Media contact:

Keonnis R. Taylor, Airport Spokesperson
[email protected]
510-563-6500

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