The Recovery of California’s Airports Post-COVID-19
The United States has one of the world’s largest aviation networks, with numerous airports serving millions of travelers monthly. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the industry has shifted towards recovery, with passenger traffic rebounding swiftly. California’s airports are critical for both domestic and international travelers, as evidenced by nearly 20 million passengers passing through the ten busiest airports in June 2025, with 80% of these flights being domestic.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
As the busiest airport in California, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) saw 35.7 million passengers in the first half of 2025. LAX, which opened in 1928, has expanded significantly, notably with the Tom Bradley International Terminal and landmark light towers. It serves as a hub for major domestic and international airlines. Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and American Airlines have significant operations at LAX.
- Major Carriers at LAX:
- Delta Air Lines: 3,215 departures planned this month, with Atlanta as the busiest route.
- United Airlines: 2,622 departures including services to Newark and international destinations like London and Sydney.
- American Airlines: Over 2,000 departures, featuring flights to London and Tokyo Haneda.
Regional and International Activity
SkyWest Airlines operates a significant number of regional flights for major carriers, while Southwest Airlines has 2,622 scheduled departures. International flights are robust, with Air Canada leading foreign carriers.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
San Francisco International Airport ranks second in California. Handling over 26 million passengers in the first half of 2025, SFO serves as United Airlines’ primary transpacific hub, holding 45% of the market share.
- United Airlines:
- 6,214 mainline flights with more than one million seats available.
- Connections to cities like Chicago, and international routes to Asia and Oceania.
Other Carriers at SFO
Alaska Airlines, Delta, and American also have substantial operations, supporting numerous domestic and international routes.
San Diego International Airport (SAN)
As the third-busiest airport in California, SAN is the nation’s busiest single-runway airport. After a dip in traffic during the pandemic, it has rebounded to nearly 12 million passengers in the first half of 2025.
- Leading Airlines:
- Southwest Airlines with 2,856 departures.
- Alaska Airlines with significant daily routes to Seattle and Portland.
International Operations
Though smaller in scale compared to LAX and SFO, international operations are expanding with carriers like British Airways and Air Canada.
Other Key Airports
Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
Sacramento International plays a vital role in connecting the state capital. Hosting over 5,000 flights in September, it is undergoing expansions including a new terminal and a replacement air traffic control tower.
San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC)
San Jose Mineta is the Bay Area’s second-busiest airport, dominated by Southwest Airlines, with more than half of all traffic.
John Wayne and Oakland Airports
Both handle over 3,000 flights monthly, providing vital domestic connectivity with Southwest as the primary operator.
