Oakland, Calif. – April 30, 2018: New long-haul flights – both domestic and international – combined with strong demand, increased Oakland International Airport’s (OAK) passenger traffic 6 percent in March. According to Airport data released today, 1.07 million travelers flew through OAK last month. That was up from 1.01 million passengers in the same month a year ago.
The Airport said international passenger traffic jumped 61 percent in March. It attributed the gains to new routes such as Barcelona, operated by both Norwegian Air and LEVEL, as well as nonstop Rome service launched in February by Norwegian Air.
“There’s no doubt that OAK is on the rise, as evidenced by the now 52 consecutive months of passenger traffic gains,” said Bryant L. Francis, Director of Aviation at the Port of Oakland. “We’re in a thriving region and our airline partners are continuing to respond to market demand by adding new flights and nonstop destinations, to the delight of business and leisure travelers alike.”
The Airport said OAK’s March load factor – the number of airline seats occupied by paying customers – was 80.3 percent in March. That was up from 76.9 percent one year ago. Officials expect passenger growth to continue following the launch of nonstop Paris service by Norwegian Air, new daily year-round New York/Newark service aboard Southwest, new daily nonstop service to Dallas/Fort Worth aboard American Airlines, and the first ever service to Crescent City, CA operated by Contour Airlines, all launched earlier this month.
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 60 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 be the airport of choice for Bay Area residents and visitors alike, while providing an ever-improving customer experience. 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.
Media Contact
Keonnis R. Taylor
Airport Spokesperson
510-563-6500
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