September Passenger Traffic Growth at Oakland International Rises 9.6%

Officials at Oakland International Airport (OAK) announced that the Airport has now marked its 34th consecutive month of passenger traffic growth. September culminated in a 9.6 percent increase over the same period in 2015.  The upturn represents a total of 1,017,790 passengers served at the airport during the month. It served 928,666 passengers in September 2015.

“We are pleased that Bay Area travelers continue to respond strongly to the ongoing increase in seats and flights available at Oakland International,” said Director of Aviation, Bryant L. Francis. “We’ve seen consistent passenger traffic increases each month for nearly three years, which is remarkable. More flight options are making OAK an easier choice for San Francisco Bay Area travelers, and we look forward to this trend continuing into 2017.”

On Sept. 8, OAK and Norwegian Air announced new service to Copenhagen and Barcelona – the airline’s 4th and 5th European destinations from OAK, and the Bay Area’s only nonstop flight to Spain. Copenhagen flights will begin service March 27, with Barcelona close behind, beginning June 7.

Earlier in the year, Norwegian began flying from OAK to London Gatwick. Southwest Airlines will commence its first ever Bay Area international service from OAK to the popular beach destinations Puerto Vallarta and Los Cabos in Mexico. Those flights will begin in February.

On Nov. 9, the airport will open its very first premium passenger lounge, the luxury Escape Lounge, operated by the Manchester Airport Group (MAG), it will be available on a complimentary basis to passengers flying Premium Class on Norwegian from OAK to Europe. The lounge will also offer day passes available to any OAK traveler for a fee. The lounge is unique in that it will feature locally inspired fare by popular Oakland chef, Chris Pastena, owner and operator of Chop Bar, Lungomare, and Calavera.