Oakland International Airport released June traffic reports today, revealing passenger growth of 9.4% over June 2016. Total passengers increased from 1,113,508 in June 2016, to 1,218,265 this year. Seat capacity grew by 6.5% during the month. Passenger traffic for the last 12 months increased 8.4% over the prior year to 12,593,371.
OAK is experiencing its busiest summer travel season since 2007 including a record 82,000 International passengers in June – a 106% increase over last year, reflecting new flights and destinations offered by Southwest, Norwegian Air, LEVEL, and British Airways.
Port of Oakland Director of Aviation, Bryant L. Francis stated, “We are pleased to report the busiest month of the Fiscal Year for passenger traffic at Oakland International. Increased awareness of OAK as a convenient and easily accessible Bay Area Gateway for residents and visitors, both domestically and internationally, is driving passenger activity and that growth is poised to continue well into the future.”
Expanded domestic routes and substantial international growth have been the hallmarks of Oakland’s passenger traffic gains. In the last year, Oakland has seen new international service to Puerto Vallarta and Los Cabos by Southwest, and London, Copenhagen, and Barcelona by Norwegian Air. Additionally, British Airways and LEVEL began service from OAK this year, to London and Barcelona, respectively.
Growth is expected to continue in 2018 as three new long haul routes are added:
Norwegian begins the service to Rome, Italy, on February 6, 2018
Norwegian adds Paris, France, service beginning April 10, 2018
Hawaiian Airlines begins daily service to Lihue (Island of Kauai), Hawaii, beginning April 11, 2018
As international traffic soars, the Airport celebrates a milestone in its mission to provide an improved customer experience. Last Friday, Phase I of a $45 million renovation and expansion of its International Arrivals Building welcomed its first passengers. The addition of 13,000 sq. ft. of space includes a new baggage carousel, expanded primary processing space, and new restrooms, among other improvements. Phase II is now underway and will be completed in the fall.
