Oakland, Calif. – Jan. 31, 2018: Today, officials at Oakland International Airport (OAK) released December and Calendar Year passenger traffic figures reflecting a continued upward trajectory, and the most passengers since its record year of 2007. The Airport saw 1,086,388 travelers in December, 5.4% more than the 1,030,516 passengers who flew in December 2016.
For the year, 13,072,245 passengers chose to fly to or from Oakland, up 8.3% in comparison with 12,070,967 passengers in 2016. 2017 registers as the busiest year for OAK’s passenger traffic since 2007, when the airport saw a record 14.6 million passengers. The Airport has now experienced four years of consecutive monthly passenger traffic gains.
Bryant L. Francis, Director of Aviation for the Port of Oakland said, “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. We are finding more ways in which to partner with our stakeholders to raise OAK’s profile, and our customers are responding by flying the East Bay Way.”
The following table displays the new non-stop air service at OAK launched in 2017, and service scheduled begin in 2018:
Recently launched and announced:
| Launch Date | Airline | Destination |
| Launched in 2017 | ||
| February 12 | Southwest | Puerto Vallarta |
| February 12 | Southwest | Los Cabos |
| March 28 | Norwegian | Copenhagen |
| March 28 | British Airways | London-Gatwick |
| May 25 | Spirit | Baltimore |
| May 25 | Spirit | Detroit |
| June 2 | LEVEL | Barcelona |
| June 4 | Southwest | Newark/New York City |
| June 7 | Norwegian | Barcelona |
| Launching in 2018 | ||
| February 6 | Norwegian | Rome |
| April 3 | American | Dallas-Fort Worth |
| April 10 | Norwegian | Paris |
| April 11 | Hawaiian | Lihue |
| April 14 | Southwest | Orlando |
| July 8 | Southwest | San Antonio |
| July 18 | Southwest | Indianapolis |
| July 18 | Southwest | Minneapolis-St. Paul |
While passenger counts surge and new international destinations continue to increase, the Airport responded with timely upgrades to its infrastructure in 2017, including improvements to its Terminal 1 facilities and expansion of its International Arrivals Building (IAB). The $45 million IAB upgrade includes 13,000 sq. ft. of additional space incorporating a new baggage carousel and an expanded passenger primary processing room – all creating a dramatically improved customer experience for arriving international travelers at OAK.
Outside of the terminals, and perhaps one of the most impressive feats of the year, was the successful resurfacing of the Airport’s primary commercial air carrier runway. The effort required two full weeks of around-the-clock construction and was completed while the Airport maintained full operations. The $67 million project replaced 8,300 feet of asphalt to provide a new operating surface for aircraft.
Oakland International is the fourth busiest airport in the state and second busiest airport in the San Francisco Bay Area.
About Oakland International Airport
Oakland International is the fourth busiest airport in California and second busiest in the San Francisco Bay Area. Serving over 13 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 14 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.iflyoak.com. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Oakland International Airport media contact
Keonnis R. Taylor
510-563-6500
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