Calling all residents, travelers, and stakeholders! An opportunity for civic engagement and input has arrived, and it’s your chance to have a say in the evolution of the Oakland International Airport. The Port of Oakland is thrilled to announce the availability of the Terminal Modernization and Development Project and the scheduling of public meetings for feedback. These events offer an avenue for you to play an active role in shaping the future of this vital transportation hub.
About the project
Oakland International Airport (OAK) is owned and operated by the Port of Oakland. Spanning 2,600 acres, OAK is located southeast of downtown Oakland in Alameda County, adjacent to the San Francisco Bay. The airport’s proximity to neighboring cities such as Alameda, Oakland, and San Leandro positions it as a central transportation hub accessible via major routes such as Interstate Highway 880, Hegenberger Road, and 98th Avenue.
OAK encompasses two main areas: South Field, catering to commercial passenger and cargo operations, and North Field, the original airport that now serves corporate and general aviation needs. With four runways in operation, OAK facilitates a range of airlines for both passengers and cargo. In 2019 alone, the airport served around 13.4 million passengers, offering 29 aircraft gates across Terminals 1 and 2 on the South Field. Additionally, OAK handled approximately 0.64 million tons of air cargo and witnessed around 242,000 aircraft operations.
Central to OAK’s evolution is the Terminal Modernization and Development Project. Primarily focused on the South Field, this project seeks to enhance safety, efficiency, and modernization by upgrading Terminals 1 and 2. The initiative involves streamlining passenger processing functions such as ticketing, baggage handling, security screening, and constructing expanded international arrivals facilities. A new terminal is planned, alongside the relocation of existing cargo and support facilities. This endeavor further encompasses improvements to terminal area roadways, parking spaces, and support structures.
New terminal
A standout feature of the project is the proposed New Terminal, a sprawling 830,000-square-foot building located north of the existing Terminal 1. This structure will boast additional aircraft gates, concessions, hold rooms, ticketing/check-in counters, baggage claim areas, and passenger security and baggage screening facilities. In total, the Proposed Project aims to add up to 16 new gates, contributing to the modernization and expansion of OAK’s facilities.
In alignment with environmental responsibility, the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) mandates an in-depth environmental review of the project. The Port of Oakland, as the Lead Agency overseeing the project, has prepared a Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) in accordance with CEQA guidelines. This comprehensive EIR assesses potential effects on various aspects including aesthetics, air quality, biological resources, cultural and tribal resources, geology, soils, greenhouse gas emissions, hazards, water quality, noise, and more.
The airport’s transformation hinges on the active engagement of the community. Public participation is vital, and four public meetings are scheduled to gather feedback on the project. These meetings, both virtual and in-person, provide a platform for citizens to voice their thoughts and concerns. The Port of Oakland encourages residents, travelers, and stakeholders to take part and contribute to the development of Oakland International Airport, ensuring it remains a dynamic and essential part of the city’s future.
Why your voice matters
The development of our airport is a community effort, and your insights are invaluable. This project touches on various aspects of our city, from aesthetics and air quality to transportation and cultural resources. Your input can help ensure that the changes align with the needs and desires of the community, fostering a more vibrant and connected future.
To encourage civic involvement, the Port of Oakland’s public meetings, both virtual and in-person, are designed to provide the public with essential information about the proposed changes and to gather your thoughts and opinions.
Next Virtual Meeting – Wednesday, August 30, 2023, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Next In-Person Meeting – Wednesday, August 30, 2023, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
These meetings offer a unique platform to voice your thoughts directly, whether through written or oral comments. Language interpreters will be available to facilitate participation for Spanish and Chinese speakers.
How to get involved
Your participation is crucial to shaping the future of Oakland International Airport. There are multiple ways to share your thoughts:
- Online: Visit OAK’s website to submit your comments online.
- By Mail: Send your comments to: Colleen Liang, Port of Oakland Environmental Programs and Planning Division, 530 Water St., Oakland CA 94607
- By Email: Email your comments to [email protected].
- Public Meetings: Participate in any of the public meetings, where you can provide comments in person or in writing.
Your comments must be received by 5 p.m. PDT on September 15, 2023, to ensure they are considered. The Port of Oakland is committed to accommodating diverse needs. If you require auxiliary aids or services such as interpreters, please call Colleen Liang at 510-563-6444 or email [email protected] by September 10.
For more information
For further details about the project, public meetings, and ways to participate, please visit OAK’s Terminal Development webpage. Copies of the Draft EIR are also available for viewing at various locations throughout Oakland.
Note regarding Federal Requirements: Federal approval will be required for this project, which is subject to review under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will be the lead agency for NEPA documentation.
