San Francisco International Airport’s (SFO) story begins in 1927 when the city purchased 150 acres of undeveloped land in San Mateo County to establish a municipal airport. Originally named Mills Field Municipal Airport after the prominent banker Darius Ogden Mills, the facility opened with a single unpaved runway and a humble wooden administration building. The airport’s early years saw limited activity, primarily serving private aircraft and occasional airmail flights.
The 1930s brought significant development as the facility was renamed San Francisco Airport in 1931. The first passenger terminal, a distinctive Art Deco building, opened in 1937, coinciding with the inauguration of regular transcontinental flights. During World War II, the airport served as a crucial military transportation hub while continuing limited civilian operations.
The post-war aviation boom triggered dramatic expansion. The Central Terminal (now Terminal 2) opened in 1954, and the airport officially adopted its current name, San Francisco International Airport, in 1955. By the 1960s, SFO had established itself as the West Coast’s primary gateway to Asia and the Pacific, with Pan American World Airways leading international expansion from the airport.
The 1970s and 1980s brought challenges including the oil crisis and airline deregulation, but SFO continued to grow with the addition of the North Terminal (now Terminal 3) and the International Terminal. The airport’s most ambitious expansion came in the late 1990s with the $2.4 billion International Terminal complex, which opened in 2000 as the largest international terminal in North America.
The 21st century has seen SFO focus on sustainability, passenger experience, and technological innovation while maintaining its position as a crucial trans-Pacific gateway. Major renovations have transformed Terminal 2 (reopened in 2011) and Terminal 1 (ongoing phased reopening since 2019), both showcasing SFO’s commitment to sustainability and design excellence.
Throughout its evolution, SFO has reflected the innovative spirit of the San Francisco Bay Area, combining cutting-edge architecture, environmental leadership, and cultural programming into a world-class airport experience.
SFO Quick Facts
- IATA Code: SFO
- ICAO Code: KSFO
- Location: San Mateo County, approximately 13 miles (21 km) south of downtown San Francisco
- Elevation: 13 feet (4 meters) above sea level
- Runways: 4 runways (two 11,870 feet and two 7,500 feet) arranged in two parallel pairs
- Terminals: 4 terminals (Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3, International Terminal)
- Operating Hours: 24/7, with overnight noise restrictions
- Official Name: San Francisco International Airport
- Airport Operator: San Francisco Airport Commission (City and County of San Francisco)
- Hub For: United Airlines
- Time Zone: Pacific Time (PT)
Impressive Statistics
SFO consistently ranks among the busiest airports in the United States and serves as the country’s seventh-largest airport by passenger volume. In 2023, the airport handled approximately 53 million passengers, representing a strong recovery toward pre-pandemic levels. International travelers account for roughly 25% of this total, reflecting SFO’s important role as a global gateway.
As the Bay Area’s primary international airport, SFO generates enormous economic impact for the region, supporting approximately 180,000 jobs directly and indirectly while contributing over $72.9 billion in business activity to the local economy. On peak days, the airport manages more than 1,100 flight operations across its four runways.
The cargo operation at SFO processes around 500,000 metric tons of freight annually, making it an important component of Northern California’s supply chain infrastructure. The airport’s facilities span 5,207 acres (2,106 hectares), with 4.6 million square feet of terminal space and 29 miles of roadways within the airport boundaries.
SFO’s AirTrain system transports approximately 10 million passengers annually between terminals, rental car facilities, and BART stations. The airport’s International Terminal, spanning 2.5 million square feet, remains the largest international terminal in North America and can accommodate up to 12 million international passengers annually.
Environmental leadership is a hallmark of SFO operations, with the airport achieving carbon neutrality in 2016 for facilities under its direct control — the first major airport in North America to reach this milestone.
Modern Facilities
SFO’s terminals offer travelers distinctive experiences that reflect the Bay Area’s commitment to sustainability, design excellence, and local culture. The International Terminal, with its dramatic 700-foot long roof structure and abundant natural light, provides a grand welcome to visitors. Terminal 2, renovated in 2011, was the first U.S. airport terminal to achieve LEED Gold certification, featuring energy-efficient systems and design elements that reduce environmental impact while enhancing passenger comfort.
Shopping options at SFO are diverse and locally focused, with approximately 85 retail locations throughout the terminals. The airport’s “Shops@SFO” program emphasizes local Bay Area businesses, with outposts of beloved institutions like the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) store, Chronicle Books, and Ghirardelli Chocolate. Duty-free shopping is available in the International Terminal, offering luxury goods, wines, and local specialties.
Dining at SFO showcases the Bay Area’s celebrated food culture through approximately 80 restaurants and cafes. The airport’s “Taste of SFO” program features local favorites including Boudin Bakery (famous for sourdough bread), Gott’s Roadside, and Napa Farms Market. Farm-to-table concepts and sustainable seafood options reflect the region’s culinary values, while wine bars highlight Northern California’s renowned vineyards.
Business travelers benefit from multiple lounges, including the United Polaris Lounge for international business class passengers, American Airlines Admirals Club, and several independent lounges including the Centurion Lounge by American Express. The Grand Hyatt at SFO, connected directly to the terminals via the AirTrain system, offers 351 soundproofed rooms and extensive meeting facilities.
Family-friendly amenities include children’s play areas in every terminal, a dedicated family lane at security checkpoints, and nursing rooms throughout the airport. For travelers seeking relaxation, SFO offers yoga rooms in Terminals 2 and 3, and the Wag Brigade therapy dog program brings trained animals to terminals to reduce travel stress.
SFO’s commitment to cultural enrichment is evident in its accredited museum program, the only such program at a U.S. airport. The SFO Museum presents more than 20 galleries throughout the terminals, featuring rotating exhibitions on art, history, science, and culture. Additionally, the Aviation Museum & Library in the International Terminal preserves and celebrates the region’s rich aviation heritage.
Airlines and Destinations
As United Airlines’ primary West Coast hub, SFO serves as a crucial gateway connecting North America with Asia, Europe, and Oceania. Approximately 45 airlines operate at SFO, connecting the Bay Area to more than 125 nonstop destinations worldwide.
International connectivity is a particular strength, with extensive service to Asia, including multiple daily flights to Hong Kong, Seoul, Tokyo, Shanghai, Beijing, and Taipei. European destinations include London, Paris, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Zurich, and Rome, among others. SFO also offers nonstop service to Australia, New Zealand, and numerous points in Mexico, Central America, and Canada.
United Airlines dominates operations at SFO, accounting for approximately 40% of all passengers. The carrier operates an extensive domestic network from the airport, with particular strength in transcontinental service and flights to Hawaii. Other major domestic carriers including Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, and Southwest Airlines maintain significant operations at SFO.
International airlines with a strong presence include Air Canada, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, EVA Air, Japan Airlines, Lufthansa, and Singapore Airlines. Low-cost international carriers like French Bee and Norse Atlantic Airways have expanded service in recent years, offering more affordable options to Europe.
The airport’s strategic location makes it an ideal connecting point between North America and Asia, with particularly strong service to China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. This trans-Pacific focus reflects the Bay Area’s strong economic and cultural ties to the Asia-Pacific region.
Ground Transportation
SFO benefits from excellent integration with the Bay Area’s public transportation network. The Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system provides direct rail service from the International Terminal to downtown San Francisco and the East Bay, with trains departing every 15 minutes and a journey time of approximately 30 minutes to downtown.
SamTrans bus service connects the airport to various points in San Mateo County, while the Caltrain commuter rail system (accessible via BART transfer) provides service along the Peninsula from San Francisco to San Jose. For longer regional journeys, Amtrak Thruway Motorcoach services connect SFO to the Capitol Corridor and San Joaquin train routes.
Shared-ride van services offer door-to-door transportation throughout the Bay Area, with dedicated loading zones at each terminal’s arrivals level. Hotel courtesy shuttles serve numerous airport area hotels, with pickup zones at the center island on the departures level.
Taxis are readily available at designated zones outside each terminal, with typical fares to downtown San Francisco ranging from $45-60. Ride-sharing services including Uber and Lyft operate from a dedicated TNC (Transportation Network Company) pickup area on the top floor of the central parking garage, accessible from each terminal via clearly marked walkways.
The consolidated rental car center, accessible via the AirTrain’s Blue Line, houses all major rental companies in one convenient location. For travelers preferring to drive, SFO offers long-term parking in the adjacent Long Term Parking garage and ParkFAST valet service for more convenient short-term parking.
Electric vehicle infrastructure is extensive, with more than 180 charging stations available across parking facilities, reflecting the Bay Area’s leadership in clean transportation.
The Future Airport
SFO is in the midst of a comprehensive $7.3 billion capital improvement program that will transform key elements of the airport over the next decade. The centerpiece of this program is the ongoing renovation of Terminal 1, originally built in the 1960s. The project, scheduled for final completion in 2026, includes the new Harvey Milk Terminal 1, named after the pioneering LGBTQ+ civil rights leader and San Francisco Supervisor. This facility features advanced sustainability systems, spacious gate areas, and an immersive art and exhibit experience celebrating Milk’s legacy.
Runway safety improvements represent another significant component of future development, with reconstruction and enhancement of the existing runway system to improve operational efficiency and accommodate new aircraft types. The Taxiway Enhancement Project will reconfigure taxiways to reduce congestion and aircraft idling time, decreasing both emissions and delays.
Technology initiatives focus on streamlining the passenger experience through expanded use of biometric processing for international arrivals and departures. SFO has already implemented facial recognition technology at select gates and continues to expand this capability throughout the International Terminal.
Sustainability remains central to SFO’s future plans, with a goal of achieving zero net energy consumption in all buildings. The recently completed SFO Grand Central Utility Plant has significantly increased the energy efficiency of airport operations, while ongoing terminal renovations incorporate state-of-the-art resource conservation systems.
Ground transportation enhancements include improved roadway systems, expanded electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and potential new connections to regional transportation networks. The airport continues to invest in its AirTrain system, with plans for expanded capacity and new stations to serve future facilities.
As part of its strategic plan through 2029, SFO is focusing on building resiliency against climate change impacts, including sea level rise, which poses particular challenges for this coastal airport. Shoreline protection projects and facility adaptations are underway to address these long-term concerns.
When completed, these improvements will ensure that SFO maintains its position as a world-class facility that embodies the innovation, sustainability, and welcoming spirit of the San Francisco Bay Area while efficiently serving the region’s growing transportation needs.
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