OAK changes official name to boost local economy, raise visibility, and increase air travelers into city and SF Bay region
Oakland, Calif. – June 27, 2025: The Port of Oakland announced today a new name for OAK Airport that reflects its strong Oakland and East Bay identity and its convenient role as a gateway to the entire San Francisco Bay Area: “Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport.” The Port Board will consider adopting the new name at its July 10, 2025, meeting. This renaming is part of a dynamic effort to increase air travel and boost economic activity within Oakland and the region and generate critical revenue and visitor spending dollars for the local economy.
“We are proud to be a central gateway to the Bay Area, and we’re proud to embrace a name that reflects both our local roots and regional reach,” said Craig Simon, Director of Aviation at the Port of Oakland. “‘Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport’ does both, putting Oakland first and highlighting our central location in the Bay Area for all visitors.”
Putting Oakland First
The current renaming places Oakland at the forefront of the OAK brand while informing travelers that Oakland is a convenient and logical starting point for travelers to the San Francisco Bay Area. The new name coincides with major renovations at the airport’s retail spaces and amenities that modernize and elevate the customer experience, and the launch of a host of Oakland- and East Bay-themed retail and restaurant concessions at OAK that showcase the airport’s pride in its local businesses and products. Whether flying in for a conference, spending a weekend in wine country, or just visiting friends and family, travelers through OAK will find their Bay Area journey begins with the unique flavor and pride of Oakland.
Boosting Regional Economic Growth
Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport is more than just a new name — it serves as a major economic development tool. This public awareness effort comes at a time when air travel is down dramatically in the Bay Area and Oakland faces many critical budgetary and revenue challenges. More air travelers into the airport will pump additional dollars into the local economy, increase sales tax revenues at downtown bars, restaurants, and hotels, and support travel into Oakland to regional tourist destinations throughout Northern California.
“OAK is a critical engine for Oakland and East Bay prosperity,” said Kristi McKenney, Executive Director of the Port of Oakland. “Every new flight at OAK can generate millions of dollars in economic activity, more small business opportunities, more tourism in our city, and more investment in all of our East Bay communities.”
“At Oakland Roots & Soul SC, our motto is ‘Oakland First, Always,’ so we’re excited to see Oakland lead the airport’s new name,” added Lindsay Barenz, President of Oakland Roots and Soul SC. “We also support efforts to help travelers better understand Oakland’s location and accessibility as part of the broader Bay Area. It’s a great step toward raising awareness about the convenience and value of flying through OAK.”
A previous name change proposal in 2024 drew legal objections from the City and County of San Francisco. A letter to SFO communicating the planned name change is attached here.