|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
PRESS RELEASES. From the City of Pacifica and San Francisco International Airport April 2026.
City of Pacifica Enews – Due to runway repaving at San Francisco International Airport, residents in northern Pacifica may notice a temporary increase in air traffic overhead.
From March 29th through October 2nd, 2026 flight volume is expected to rise by approximately 30% in this area.
In addition, newly implemented Federal Aviation Administration runway limitations for parallel landings may lead to increased delays and, at times, more late-night departures.
Residents who wish to report aircraft noise can should use the online reporting tool and mobile app available at stop.jetnoise.net for a quick and easy option.
SAN FRANCISCO – February 27, 2026 – The San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is set to close Runway 1 Right on March 30, 2026, for six months to repave the runway surface and make adjacent taxiway improvements. The runway is expected to reopen on October 2, 2026.
During this period, SFO will operate all arrivals and departures on Runways 28 Left and 28 Right. This is a common configuration, often used during clear windy days and was the configuration preferred by both airlines and air traffic controllers. The runway parallel to the construction area, 1 Left, will not be used for takeoffs and landings but instead will serve as an additional taxiway to reduce ground congestion.
SFO expects less than 15% of flights to be delayed as a result of the runway closure, with delays averaging less than 30 minutes and most likely to occur during peak periods at 9:00am – 10:00am and 9:00pm – 10:00pm.
Because all flights will use Runways 28 Left and 28 Right for takeoff, some communities will experience a temporary increase in departing air traffic overhead.
The closure is being conducted to repave the surface layer, make improvements to adjacent taxiways, upgrade lighting, and paint new striping and markings.
On May 6, 2025, Granite Construction Company was awarded the contract for this work. The total construction cost is expected to be $180 million, of which $92.1 million will be funded by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
SFO is currently reducing arrival capacity to 36 flights per hour (down from 54) due to 6-month runway construction starting March 30, 2026, and FAA safety restrictions. While this causes traffic congestion, a Press Release from SFO indicates general passenger traffic growth. Previous years saw increased traffic. San Francisco International Airport +4
Key 2026 SFO Traffic & Construction Updates:
- Runway Closure: A $180M, six-month project on Runway 1R/19L began in March 2026, forcing a reduction in total airport capacity.
- Reduced Arrivals: The FAA slashed arrivals by a third (to 36 per hour) due to both construction and new safety regulations regarding parallel runway approaches.
- Delayed Flights: The airport expects about 25% of all flights to be delayed by 30+ minutes this summer.
- Noise Impact: Due to runway closures, more traffic is being directed over areas like Pacifica.
- Recovery Data: Despite these capacity cuts, SFO has seen rapid recovery, with passenger numbers approaching 93% of pre-pandemic levels.
The Upside to San Francisco’s Unwelcome Airport Capacity Cut
From the Cranky Flier on April 2nd, 2026
Author: mdrag
x
