The 2016 Oakland International Airport Story

Growth. This is the word to characterize 2016 at Oakland International Airport.  From the number of passengers, to the quantity of airlines and flights from which to choose, to the sheer infrastructure of the Airport and the amenities within it – Oakland International Airport is growing.

OAK has long been known for its convenient accessibility, on-time reliability, and Oakland charm.  OAK emerged in 2016 as a global destination, recognized as a gateway to the Bay Area’s world renowned attractions, and a notable player in the Aviation industry, capable of drawing the eye – and air service – in the face of mounting competition from other regional air centers.

With new flights and routes, growth has and continues to encompass Oakland International, as it now claims the ranks of third largest California gateway to Europe (ranked by number of markets), fourth busiest airport in the state, and second busiest airport in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Of the three major airports in the region, it is also the airport located closest to more of the Bay Area’s 7 million residents. Serving over 12 million travelers annually, OAK is the closest airport to the region’s top tourism and entertainment venues.

Oakland International Airport is growing in many ways to accompany the recent limelight and new appreciation for one of the West Coast’s most diverse and historic cities.

Growing our Passenger Traffic:
The Airport has experienced three years of consecutive monthly passenger traffic gains. More than 12 million passengers traveled through the gates at Oakland International in the past year. The Airport exceeded 1 million passengers in each of the last seven months of the year through November– something that has not happened at OAK since 2007. Because of a busy holiday season and increased seat availability, with numbers still coming in, the Airport projects that over 1 million passengers were also served in December.

Growing our Air Service

Not only do we have a growing number of flights, destinations, and passengers, the Airport is also undergoing changes to its terminal facilities. Here’s a look at how Oakland International Airport is upgrading its facilities to better handle future growth:

In May 2016, OAK installed its first Automated Passport Control kiosks in addition to Global Entry kiosks in the International Arrivals Building, as international traffic at OAK surged and the first flights to London began.

In August 2016, OAK began construction to expand the International Arrivals Building (IAB) in Terminal 1. This expansion, which includes installing a new fixed passenger boarding bridge at Gate 1, a new baggage carousel, and expanded passenger processing, will allow the Airport to better accommodate international traffic.

In November, the airport welcomed its first premium passenger lounge, the Escape Lounge in Terminal 1 near Gate 8. The lounge features the culinary artistry of popular Oakland Chef, Chris Pastena.

Growing our Staff
It takes a village to run an airport… and there is a need for increased staffing as the Airport grows. As OAK is getting busier, overall activity levels are rising, and the airport is actively filling vacancies in key areas such as Operations and Facilities. As OAK continues to expand its flights, operations, passenger traffic, and facilities, it is striving to ensure that a high standard of customer service and quality is maintained. Staff is increasing in key areas that contribute to the operating efficiency of the Airport, while simultaneously focusing on the security and safety of our facilities.

At the Airport, Things are Looking UP!
Oakland’s air service roster now includes schedules to a record 62 destinations on 13 different airlines, eight of which operate with OAK as their sole gateway into the San Francisco Bay region. With new flights, destinations, and amenities coming more frequently, OAK is the best way to the San Francisco Bay.