Oakland Airport Struggles to Regain Pre-Pandemic Passenger Levels

New data shows Oakland airport lost 15% of passenger volume in 2025, lagging behind other major California airports

Mar. 30, 2026 at 5:05pm

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The Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport has seen a significant decline in passenger traffic, reaching just 69% of pre-COVID-19 levels in 2025. The airport's struggles are attributed to factors like ongoing travel restrictions, a partial government shutdown, and a shift in the Bay Area's post-pandemic economy with more remote-eligible jobs. Airport officials are working to improve the passenger experience and attract new airlines, but the recovery remains uncertain.

Why it matters

The Oakland airport's downward spiral is concerning for the local economy, as the airport is a major transportation hub and economic driver for the region. The decline in passenger volume has ripple effects on businesses, jobs, and tax revenue. The airport's struggles also highlight the broader challenges facing the aviation industry as it navigates the post-pandemic landscape.

The details

New data shows the Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport lost 15% of its passenger volume in 2025 compared to the previous year, with overall traffic reaching just 69% of pre-COVID-19 levels. This decline is worse than the biggest California airports like San Francisco and Los Angeles, as well as comparable-sized airports like San Jose, Burbank, Ontario, and Long Beach. Ongoing travel restrictions, a partial government shutdown, and a shift towards remote work in the Bay Area have all contributed to the airport's struggles. The airport has tried to improve the passenger experience with renovations and new dining and retail options, and is also offering incentives to airlines to attract new routes. However, the recovery remains uncertain, with the airport director stating 'there's a major geopolitical situation happening, and we need to let it play out'.

  • In 2025, the Oakland airport lost 15% of its passenger volume compared to the previous year.
  • Overall, the airport's passenger traffic reached just 69% of pre-COVID-19 levels in 2025.

The players

Craig Simon

The director of aviation for the Port of Oakland, which manages the city's airport. Simon joined the port in 2023 after 11 years at the San Jose airport.

Barb Leslie

The CEO of the Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, who has touted the airport's convenience and accessibility.

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What they’re saying

“There's a major geopolitical situation happening and we need to let it play out.”

— Craig Simon, Director of Aviation, Port of Oakland

“It remains a very convenient and accessible airport. It's just a great location.”

— Barb Leslie, CEO, Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce

What’s next

Airport officials are continuing to work on improving the passenger experience and attracting new airlines to the Oakland airport, but the recovery timeline remains uncertain as the broader geopolitical and economic factors play out.

The takeaway

The Oakland airport's struggle to regain pre-pandemic passenger levels highlights the broader challenges facing the aviation industry as it navigates the post-COVID landscape. While the airport is taking steps to improve the passenger experience and attract new airlines, the recovery will depend on factors beyond the airport's control, such as travel restrictions, economic conditions, and shifts in work and travel patterns in the Bay Area.