Added Flights at Oakland International Airport Prompt Full Reopening of Terminal 2
Airlines adding capacity; FAA distributes ½ million face coverings to OAK
Oakland, CA: (July 1, 2020) – July will welcome added air travel opportunities for Bay Area residents and visitors as airlines increase capacity at Oakland International Airport (OAK). During the month, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and Volaris will each increase flights at OAK after industry-wide declines caused by COVID-19.
Hawaiian Airlines is scheduled to resume daily nonstop service to Honolulu, Lihue, and Kahului on July 28 after several months’ suspension. Volaris will reinstate service to Mexico City and Morelia, Mexico. Spirit Airlines will reinstate service to Chicago O’Hare (ORD), Detroit (DTW), Houston (IAH), and Los Angeles (LAX).
Southwest is expected to offer over 75 daily departures in July and will increase its schedule to more than 90 daily flights at OAK in August – representing approximately 75% of its Summer 2019 schedule. The expanded service scheduled to be introduced in July and August has resulted in today’s reopening of Gates 29-32 in Terminal 2, which had been closed since May. Additional retail and dining opportunities will also be available in Terminal 2 to serve the growing number of passengers.
Passenger traffic experienced a steep decline in March 2020. In April, the Airport’s traffic totaled only 4% of its year-ago activity, and just 9% in May. July and August should see strong passenger growth when compared to May 2020. Weekend service on routes such as Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Ontario International Airport (ONT), Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), and Long Beach Airport (LGB) will see increases in frequency.
Additionally, this month Southwest intends to resume its full schedule of service to Hawaii which will include the existing twice-daily service to Honolulu (HNL) and reintroduction of twice-daily service Kahului (OGG) along with the return of nonstop service to both Lihue (LIH) and Kona (KOA). Available capacity, indicating the number of available seats for sale to the public, will more than double in July compared to May, signaling an advanced recovery for OAK:
Available flight capacity (seats) at OAK:
Apr-20. May-20 Jun-20 Jul-20
197,011 186,620 290,774 418,600
With passenger activity on the increase nationwide, the FAA distributed more than 500,000 cloth face coverings to OAK in June, with similar allocations made to airports around the country based on 2019 passenger traffic. As California residents adjusting to statewide and county face-covering orders, the Airport is working with Airline partners and staff to support compliance with such orders for those who arrive at the Airport without face coverings.
“We remain optimistic about the resilience of air travel and are proud of the key role we play as a center for the safe movement of goods and people. As a major West Coast and Bay Area gateway, OAK is well positioned for business recovery,” Director of Aviation, Bryant L. Francis said. “Our Resiliency Task Force is continually assessing our practices with the customer in mind, in efforts to maintain and enhance the experience. We’re strengthening our level of preparedness for the ongoing return of travelers which should continue well into the summer.”
Some airlines, including Southwest, Spirit, and Allegiant, have taken steps to make face coverings available for travelers who need them by distributing during check-in or providing for sale at boarding gates and/or onboard flights. Passengers should check with their airlines for rules and guidance for travel during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Demand for travel is rising and seat capacity continues to increase to meet that need. All passengers are encouraged to arrive at the Airport with a face covering in compliance with applicable state and county orders. Also, all flight schedules are subject to change so we recommend checking schedules regularly prior to the date of travel.
About Oakland International Airport
Oakland International is the most centrally-located airport in the 7.7M population Bay Area region, and the closest airport to the region’s wealth of business and tourism venues.
The vision of Oakland International Airport is to be the airport of choice for Bay Area residents and visitors alike. OAK is operated by the Port of Oakland, which also oversees the Oakland seaport and 20 miles of waterfront. Together with its business partners, the Port supports more than 84,000 jobs in the region with more than a $130 billion economic impact.
For departure and arrival information, airport maps, and details on shopping, dining, transportation, and more, visit www.oaklandairport.com. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
This post based on press release to Zennie62Media from The Port of Oakland.
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