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California's largest airports prepare for record traffic amid upgrades

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California's largest airports prepare for record traffic amid upgrades
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Los Angeles International Airport | Facebook

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is projected to be the busiest airport in California in 2025, with more than 259,000 scheduled departures according to data from Cirium, an aviation analytics company. This places LAX at the top of a list of seven major airports across the state that play significant roles in both domestic and international travel.

The ongoing modernization at LAX includes renovations to aircraft support services, terminal areas, and the public transportation system known as the “People Mover” train line. These efforts are intended to accommodate rising passenger demand ahead of events such as the 2028 Olympics.

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) ranks second with nearly 190,000 scheduled departures. United Airlines operates almost half of SFO’s total traffic, while Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, and Southwest Airlines handle most of the remaining flights. SFO serves as a gateway for transpacific and transatlantic routes operated by airlines such as China Airlines, Asiana, Korean Air, All Nippon Airways, Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, and Lufthansa.

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San Diego International Airport (SAN) is third on the list with over 104,000 departures expected in 2025. Southwest holds about one-third of SAN’s market share. Hampton Brown, Vice President at San Diego County Regional Airport Authority stated: “We’re now solidifying our role as Southern California’s second intercontinental gateway.” The airport is currently undergoing a $3 billion project to transform Terminal One and expand its international offerings.

Sacramento International Airport (SMF) comes next with approximately 62,000 departures planned for the year. Half of SMF’s traffic is operated by Southwest using its all-Boeing-737 fleet. The airport is investing in new infrastructure through a $1.3 billion project called SMForward which will include an upgraded air control tower and expanded facilities.

San José Mineta International Airport (SJC), John Wayne Airport (SNA), and Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport (OAK) round out the top seven busiest airports in California for 2025 with nearly 50,000; just under 50,000; and almost 40,000 scheduled departures respectively. Each has seen growth or improvements aimed at enhancing passenger experience or increasing capacity since their early days serving California travelers.

Oakland’s airport has a long history dating back to its opening in 1927 when it featured what was then the world’s longest runway and hosted notable figures like Charles Lindbergh and Amelia Earhart.

John Wayne Airport was named after the actor who once attended flight school there before it became government property in the late 1920s. It remains popular among domestic carriers such as Southwest Airlines and JetBlue due to its quieter environment compared to LAX.

San José Mineta International had been one of America’s fastest-growing airports prior to disruptions caused by COVID-19 but has since rebounded alongside renewed travel demand.

These seven airports continue to be integral parts of both California's regional connectivity and national aviation network as they respond to changing demands with infrastructure projects and service enhancements.

Organizations Included in this History
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