Quantcast

California's largest airports prepare for record traffic amid upgrades

Why fuel price crash won’t make flying cheaper
Kristi Noem says travelers without Real ID will still be able to fly after deadline
Airline Stocks To Keep An Eye On - April 28th
Report: JetBlue, United Mulling Partnership
New First-Class Suites, Futuristic Aircraft and the Top Air Travel News From April 2025
Southwest Airlines Announces Reimagined Fare Products, New Benefits for Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers and Tier Member Customers
New Alaska Airlines trading cards take flight this World Pilots’ Day - Alaska Airlines News
United CEO calls Trump's tariffs a 'chess game'
Virtual Training Becomes a Reality
Korean Air Restarts Longest 747 Passenger Flight in the World
Flight tickets from Srinagar remain exorbitantly high despite aviation ministry request
RTX Q1 Earnings & Sales Beat Estimates, Increase Year Over Year
Delta faces federal investigation as it scraps hundreds of flights for fifth straight day
Coalition pledges to remove EV tax break two days after Dutton ruled out scrapping it – as it happened
Adani’s airport unit seeks $750 million loan from global banks
GE Aerospace affirms outlook; CEO met with Trump to discuss tariffs
Flight made emergency landing in Denver after reported animal strike and engine fire
General Dynamics says G800 jet receives FAA, EASA certifications
Archer unveils plans for NYC air-taxi network in partnership with United Airlines
United Airlines doubles down on Chicago roots with new O'Hare billboards
ICAO Proposes ‘Journey Pass’ Biometric ID Boarding
Gatwick airport strikes, Easter 2025: will my flight be cancelled?
Boarding passes and check-in could be scrapped in air travel shake-up
The most in Mexico: American Airlines adds 30th destination as part of a record-breaking schedule
European air traffic warning means summer delays for holidaymakers
The EU rule change that could affect millions of Brits when their flight is delayed or cancelled
Delta Earnings Land Soon. Why They’re Key for Airline Stocks and the Economy.
Avelo Airlines to Operate Deportation Flights, Hiring Flight Attendants
Travel chaos 2025: all the strikes and disruption expected across Europe
Qatar Airways accelerates Starlink wifi implementation
California's largest airports prepare for record traffic amid upgrades
Policy
Webp 327160243 727876645632548 7305230896638134266 n
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.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

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
More News

Delta Air Lines will introduce new in-flight menu options created by celebrity chef José Andrés starting November 4.

Oct 25, 2025

The Blue Sky partnership between United Airlines and JetBlue launched today, allowing members of both airlines’ loyalty programs to earn and redeem points across the two carriers.

Oct 25, 2025

Air Canada is set to expand its presence at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) by introducing four new nonstop routes to the United States in 2026.

Oct 25, 2025

United Airlines has announced it will add 10 new destinations from its Chicago O'Hare International Airport hub starting next year.

Oct 25, 2025

The partnership between United Airlines and JetBlue, known as Blue Sky, has officially launched.

Oct 25, 2025

American Airlines will introduce its new Airbus A321XLR aircraft on December 18, marking the first time a U.S. airline operates this model.

Oct 25, 2025