A name change is under consideration for the Metropolitan Oakland International Airport (OAK). The Port of Oakland envisions an airport named San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport, a proposal that has generated support from area business and community leader but has received pushback from San Francisco International Airport (SAN) and others.
The airport code OAK and visual brand will not change, the Port of Oakland said.
“Market research and interviews with airline partners have shown that routes have not performed as well as they should have due to the lack of geographic awareness, making air carriers reluctant to sustain and add new routes in Oakland,” said Port of Oakland Interim Director of Aviation Craig Simon. “From July 2008 to March 2024, the airport added 54 new routes; 39 of these and six pre-existing destinations were lost.”
The proposal was met with resistance from San Francisco International Airport (SFO). “We are deeply concerned about the potential for customer confusion and disservice that could result from this proposed renaming. SFO has operated since 1927 and has used the name ‘San Francisco Airport’ or ‘San Francisco International Airport’ for most of its history, making it immediately recognizable to customers,” said SFO Director Ivar Satero. “Given this history, we anticipate the new name being considered by the Metropolitan Oakland International Airport will cause confusion for the public, either through a misunderstanding of its physical location or its perceived relationship to SFO. This concern is only compounded considering SFO’s status as a major international gateway.”
OAK’s move to modify the airport’s name is part of a broader effort to improve the passenger experience at OAK, including upgrading the Terminal 1 check-in lobby, restroom facilities, and providing new, local concessions and restaurants.
The Port Commissioners will consider the name modification of the airport at their April 11, 2024, Port Board meeting. Once the Port Commission has considered the name modification and taken an action, staff will move forward with the formal renaming, including working with air carriers, other airports and local agencies to reflect the modification in airport and airline systems, the airport said.
