Super Bowl Procedures in Effect at Many California Airports

Airports around the San Francisco Bay area require prior permission and may impose fees related to the Super Bowl through February 10.

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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Pilots flying general aviation in the San Francisco Bay Area through February 10, 2026 must be aware of special procedures and potential fees in effect at many local airports due to the Super Bowl. A prior permission required (PPR) program will be in effect at 17 participating airports, and some airports may charge additional fees for services or deny ATC assistance to those without a PPR slot.

Why it matters

The influx of air traffic for the Super Bowl can strain the capacity of regional airports, leading them to implement special procedures and fees to manage the increased demand. This impacts general aviation pilots who may face delays, denied services, or additional costs when flying to these airports during this period.

The details

A total of 17 airports in the San Francisco Bay Area are participating in the Super Bowl procedures, including major hubs like San Francisco International Airport and smaller regional airports like San Carlos Airport and Watsonville Municipal Airport. Pilots must contact the airports or FBOs in advance to confirm requirements, obtain a PPR slot, and learn about any special event fees. Those without a PPR slot may be denied ATC services or charged additional security fees at some airports.

  • The PPR program and special procedures will be in effect from February 6 to February 10, 2026.
  • On February 8, a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) will be in effect from 2:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. local time, consisting of a 30-nautical-mile outer ring and a 10-nm inner core.

The players

San Francisco International Airport

A major airport in the San Francisco Bay Area that is implementing Super Bowl procedures.

Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport

A participating airport in the Super Bowl procedures.

Norman Y Mineta San Jose International Airport

A participating airport in the Super Bowl procedures.

San Carlos Airport

A regional airport that is limiting IFR slots to two per hour during the Super Bowl period.

Watsonville Municipal Airport

A regional airport that will charge fees for transient traffic and may deny ATC services to those without a PPR slot.

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What they’re saying

“Based on our experience with Super Bowl 50 and other large-scale events, we anticipate a modest increase in aircraft activity compared to larger airports outside the Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) that can accommodate bigger aircraft. We expect at least one operator to ferry passengers from other airports, and our primary focus is ensuring pilots plan ahead, particularly because our airports do not provide 100LL fuel. Jet A service must be coordinated through San Jose Fuel.”

— Scott Riddle, Santa Clara County Airports Manager (AOPA)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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