Quantcast

California's largest airports prepare for record traffic amid upgrades

Travelers are taking extreme measures and using hacks to avoid airline baggage fees
Wizz Air becomes first airline to operate P&W-powered Airbus A321XLR jet
Hawaiian Airlines’ new ‘no show’ policy may make travel more expensive
BLIMP-SE OF THE FUTURE Luxury zeppelins of the future from ‘flying bum’ world’s largest aircraft to Google billionaire’s ‘impossible’ airship
Swiss Startup SmartFlyer Develops Hybrid-Electric Trainer
San Francisco-based entrepreneur takes a trip on India's worst-rated airline, his reaction will surprise you
First-Time Flyer at 81: A Grandmother's Memorable Journey
Ryanair forecasts fare rebound as consumers recover from interest-rate hit
Global Airlines Launches Inaugural Flight, Aiming to Revive 'Golden Age of Travel'
Winning routes: American Airlines adds more than 22,000 seats for football fans following release of 2025–2026 pro schedule
Boeing scores Middle East plane deal during Trump visit
Air travel will be ‘worse’ this summer, lawmakers warn — as FAA gives infuriating update on system fixes, staffing issues
United Airlines CEO Reassures Passengers About Newark Airport Safety
American Testing Tech to Help Passengers Make Connecting Flights
British Airways to use AI in efforts to improve operations
American Airlines Tests New Tech to Help Passengers With Tight Connections During Summer Rush
Flight Diverted After Pregnant Woman on Board Goes into Labor and Delivers Her Baby: Report
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby says "this is the most optimistic I've been in my entire career about finally getting the FAA fixed"
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy Unveils Plan to Build Brand New, State-of-the-Art Air Traffic Control System
Passenger rushing for next flight can't believe what woman next to her does
Why fuel price crash won’t make flying cheaper
Kristi Noem says travelers without Real ID will still be able to fly after deadline
Frontier Airlines Announces New Routes Launching This Summer, Connecting Baltimore With Chicago O’Hare and Trenton, N.J. With Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Airlines in North America prioritize investments in cyber, AI
The evolution of the airline uniform — a cross check
Global Airlines & HiFly Operate 1st Passenger Airbus A380 Flight Between Barcelona And Berlin
American Airlines unveils ritzy new plane suites launching this summer
Airline Stocks To Keep An Eye On - April 28th
Gatwick Airport Faces Potential Strikes
50 New Routes Starting In May 2025
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