Skip to main content
News

SFO flight delays coming in 2024 due to construction project

A plane hovers above an airport runway.
On Jan. 16, San Francisco International Airport will close one of its four runways for five months. | Source: Yichuan Cao/NurPhoto/Getty Images

A runway construction project slated to start next month could lead to significant flight delays for the first half of 2024 at San Francisco International Airport.

On Jan. 16, the airport will close one of its four runways for five months to make taxiway improvements meant to make it easier and safer for planes to exit runways after landing, the airport said in a statement Monday. The project will separate two taxiways that currently intersect and is scheduled to be completed by July.

As a result, roughly one-third of flights will face delays between 30 and 60 minutes, particularly during peak demand periods, the airport said.

READ MORE: Use Your California DMV Digital Driver’s License This Holiday at SFO, SJC and LAX Airports

“Because the closure will reduce the airport’s overall runway capacity, SFO advises travelers that delays are possible during the closure period,” the airport said.

The San Francisco Business Times first reported the news of impending flight delays stemming from the project.

Both domestic and international flights may face delays and airlines are currently reviewing schedule adjustments for May and June, SFO said.

Garrett Leahy can be reached at garrett@sfstandard.com