City of San Francisco threatens legal action over Oakland Airport name change

The city of San Francisco, threatened legal action against the Oakland International Airport.

The city of San Francisco, on 08 April 2024, threatened legal action against the Metropolitan Oakland International Airport (OAK) and its efforts to rebrand its name to include “San Francisco Bay” in its title. It comes amidst increasing tension between the two airports. 

Response by the city

Both the mayor and city attorney of the city of San Francisco wrote to the Port of Oakland’s Board of Commissioners stating their opposition to the proposed Oakland Airport name change. Board members are set to consider approving the name change on 11 April 2024. 

San Francisco’s city attorney, David Chu, wrote in his letter that if the name change is approved, “then unfortunately the city (of San Francisco) will have no choice other than to pursue necessary legal action.”

What is the Port of Oakland saying?

The Port of Oakland considered modifying its airport name, to San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport, back in March, with Port Commission President Barbara Leslie stating that the rebrand “would boost inbound travellers’ geographic awareness of the airport’s location on the San Francisco Bay.” 

The Port of Oakland claims that airlines, tourism agencies and local Oaklanders are fine with the name change. 

What is San Francisco International Airport saying?

However, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) have expressed serious concerns over the proposed initiative. Airport Director Ivar C. Satero stated:

“We are deeply concerned about the potential for customer confusion and disservice that could result from this proposed renaming. SFO has operated since 1927 and has used the name ‘San Francisco Airport’ or ‘San Francisco International Airport’ for most of its history, making it immediately recognisable to customers. Given this history, we anticipate the new name being considered by the Metropolitan Oakland International Airport will cause confusion for the public, either through a misunderstanding of its physical location or its perceived relationship to SFO. This concern is only compounded considering SFO’s status as a major international gateway.

“We request the Metropolitan Oakland International Airport not proceed with any name change that would incorporate the use of ‘San Francisco’, as this would only result in confusion and inconvenience to the traveling public we all serve.”

Despite this, the Port of Oakland appears defiant. Port spokesperson Kaley Skantz told media provider SFGATE: