Kickoff time for the Super Bowl is quickly approaching and Bay Area airports are gearing up to welcome heavy flows of traffic for the largest sporting events in the country.
The region’s three largest airports in San Jose, San Francisco, and Oakland are preparing to support the increased number of travelers, enhance security measures, and create a positive experience as thousands of people travel for the big game on Feb. 8 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara.
San Jose Mineta International Airport is 5 miles from the stadium, making it the closest Bay Area airport and most convenient for travelers. Airport spokesperson Ana State said staff have been coordinating for months to plan for not just Super Bowl weekend, but also other major sporting events set to happen later this year.
“We are expecting significantly higher passenger traffic, including team travel, charter operations, and additional commercial flights,” said State.
Officials at the San Jose airport plan to increase air traffic control operating hours as they not only expect more commercial flights but also private and business jets. There will also be more airport employees, like Transportation Security Administration personnel and airline staff, to aid with the thousands expected to travel through the airport.
Temporary flight restrictions are expected to be enacted for the safety of people on the ground and the air, which may slightly delay normal operations. Airport officials will also be assisting aircraft during a planned flyover at the Super Bowl of military aircraft in commemoration of 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
“We are expecting significantly higher passenger traffic, including team travel, charter operations, and additional commercial flights.”
Ana State, San Jose Mineta International Airport spokesperson
The region’s largest airport, San Francisco International Airport, is expecting sizeable passenger volumes associated with people attending the big game. Spokesperson Doug Yakel said SFO is gearing up to provide a smooth experience for travelers.
“The busiest day around the Super Bowl should be the Monday after, with about 80,000 departing passengers, which is what we see on a busy day around the summer or holiday season,” said Yakel. “We’re also gearing up for increased business/corporate jet parking, similar to what we saw 10 years ago for Super Bowl 50.”
Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport spokesperson Kaley Skantz said commercial operations look to be normal, but they expect to see more general aviation traffic.
Major airlines across the country have been adding flights to Bay Area airports. The matchup for the Super Bowl will be determined after this Sunday’s conference championship games, which some airline officials said will inform what origin airports will receive more service.
“We’ve added 24 additional flights from various areas into SJC for the game,” said Southwest Airlines spokesperson Chris Perry. “Traditionally, we add a few more once the matchup is set. Our network planning teams have been creative about identifying and activating on opportunities — outside of our standard published flight schedule — to provide our customers with the service they desire.”
Several Bay Area public transit agencies are also planning to increase service to help move the thousands of people expected at the Super Bowl. Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority, Caltrain, and Capital Corridor are some of the closest operators to the stadium that will be providing mass transit services.