SFO Runway Closure to Cause Flight Delays Starting March

Airport expects fewer than 10% of flights to be delayed by 30 minutes or more during 6-month runway repair project

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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Travelers should expect delays at San Francisco International Airport starting March 30, as the airport will close one of its runways for six months to perform repairs and improvements. During this period, the airport expects fewer than 10 percent of flights to be delayed by at least 30 minutes, as all arrivals and departures will be handled on the airport's two remaining runways.

Why it matters

The runway closure will impact flight schedules and could cause travel disruptions for passengers flying into or out of SFO, especially those with connecting flights. The $180 million project is necessary to maintain the airport's infrastructure and ensure safe operations.

The details

The airport will be repaving the surface layer on the right side of runway 1. In addition, Granite Construction Company will make improvements to adjacent taxiways, upgrading lighting and painting new striping and markings. The Federal Aviation Administration is providing $92.1 million in funding for the improvements.

  • The runway closure will begin on March 30, 2026.
  • The repairs and improvements are expected to take 6 months to complete.

The players

San Francisco International Airport

The major international airport serving the San Francisco Bay Area.

Granite Construction Company

The construction firm hired to perform the runway repairs and improvements at SFO.

Federal Aviation Administration

The U.S. government agency that oversees and regulates civil aviation, providing $92.1 million in funding for the SFO runway project.

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What’s next

The airport will continue to provide updates on the runway closure and any potential impacts to flight schedules as the project progresses.

The takeaway

The runway closure at SFO is a necessary infrastructure project that will help maintain the airport's operations, but it will also cause travel disruptions for passengers. Travelers should plan accordingly and check with their airlines for the latest information on potential flight delays.