San Francisco Airport Braces for Major Delays

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is anticipating substantial flight delays as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) implements restrictions on landings. These limitations stem from ongoing runway construction and the implementation of enhanced safety measures.

FAA Reduces Arrival Capacity

The FAA is reducing the maximum arrival rate at SFO from 54 flights per hour to 36. This reduction is a result of two separate factors: a major runway project and newly enforced safety protocols, each decreasing capacity by nine flights per hour.

Runway Construction Impacts

SFO’s runway repaving project will take its two north-south runways out of service for approximately six months. This extended closure will significantly limit capacity at one of the nation’s busiest airports.

New Safety Regulations Implemented

The FAA is also prohibiting side-by-side approaches to the airport’s parallel east-west runways, even in clear weather. Instead, the agency is requiring “staggered approaches,” where aircraft are offset from each other on the parallel runways. This change followed a routine review that identified issues with aircraft separation standards.

Increased Delay Estimates

SFO officials predict that approximately 25% of arriving flights will experience delays of at least 30 minutes. This is a significant increase from a previous estimate of around 15%.

Airline Responses

United Airlines, which handles about half of SFO’s passenger traffic, acknowledged that the runway construction may lead to flight delays. Alaska Airlines, the airport’s second-largest carrier with roughly 10% of passenger traffic, is also preparing for potential disruptions.

Long-Term Restrictions

The FAA does not intend to lift these restrictions once the runway repaving is complete. The agency is exploring ways to safely increase arrival rates while maintaining adequate aircraft separation.

Broader Aviation Safety Focus

These changes are part of a broader effort by the FAA to tighten aviation safety rules. Earlier this month, the agency announced stricter helicopter safety measures and suspended visual separation practices between airplanes and helicopters near major airports.

Recent Incidents Prompt Action

The FAA’s actions follow a January 2025 mid-air collision between an American Airlines regional jet and an Army helicopter, resulting in 67 fatalities. Two recent incidents, including a near miss involving an American Airlines flight and a police helicopter near San Antonio, also contributed to the agency’s decision.