Travelers flying through the Bay Area will soon see a new name at a familiar airport. On July 24, 2025, the Port of Oakland officially changes the name of its main airport to “Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport.” This move, approved unanimously by the Board of Port Commissioners, aims to attract more travelers, boost the local economy, and make the airport’s location clearer to people unfamiliar with the region.
The decision comes after a year of legal battles and public debate. The Port of Oakland first tried to rename the airport in 2024, hoping to draw more attention by connecting it to the well-known San Francisco Bay Area. That attempt, which would have called it “San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport,” ran into immediate trouble. San Francisco officials objected, saying the name would confuse travelers and infringe on trademarks linked to San Francisco International Airport (SFO). A federal judge agreed, blocking the name change, and the case is still being appealed.
In response, the Port of Oakland revised its approach. The new name, “Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport,” puts “Oakland” first, keeping the city’s identity front and center while still referencing the Bay Area. The airport’s code, OAK, and its “I Fly OAK” logo remain unchanged, helping travelers and airlines avoid confusion during the transition.
Craig Simon, Director of Aviation for the Port of Oakland, explained, “The new name reflects our local roots and our reach across the Bay Area. We want travelers to know exactly where we are, especially those coming from outside California.” The city of Oakland supports the change, seeing it as a way to bring in more visitors and business at a time when the city faces a $129 million budget shortfall.
San Francisco officials, however, remain opposed. City Attorney David Chiu and SFO spokesperson Doug Yakel have both said the new name still causes confusion and could hurt SFO’s brand. They are considering further legal action to protect their trademark. “We believe this rebranding continues to mislead travelers and infringes on our established identity,” Yakel said in a recent statement.
The legal fight is not over. Experts say that even with “Oakland” first, the use of “San Francisco Bay” could still be challenged in court. The Port of Oakland is moving forward with the new name while keeping a close eye on the ongoing lawsuit and any new legal steps from San Francisco.
For travelers, the most important details remain the same. The airport code is still OAK, and the main branding, including the “I Fly OAK” slogan, will not change. The Port expects to spend about $150,000 updating signs and digital materials, similar to the cost of the previous rebranding attempt. Legal fees, however, are not public but are believed to be significant.
The name change is part of a larger effort to raise the airport’s profile, especially for international travelers. Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport has recently added new nonstop flights to Los Cabos and Zacatecas, bringing the total number of Mexican destinations to seven. The Port hopes the new name will help attract more international airlines and make the airport more visible on travel booking sites.
Facility upgrades are also underway. The airport is renovating retail spaces and adding new restaurants and shops that highlight Oakland and East Bay culture. These changes are designed to improve the traveler experience and support local businesses.
The process of changing the airport’s name involved several steps:
- Proposal: The Port of Oakland Board introduced the new name in June 2025, after the legal setback from the previous year.
- Public Input: The proposal was discussed in public hearings, with input from city officials, business leaders, and community members.
- Board Approval: The Board of Port Commissioners held two readings, with the final vote on July 24, 2025, approving the new name unanimously.
- Implementation: The new name took effect immediately, with updates to signs, websites, and marketing materials starting right away.
- Legal Monitoring: The Port continues to watch for new legal challenges and is prepared to respond as needed.
Community reaction has been mixed. Some Oakland residents criticized the 2024 name change for downplaying the city’s identity. The new name, with “Oakland” first, is seen as a better balance, but some people still worry about confusion and the ongoing legal risks. “It’s good to see Oakland’s name up front, but I’m not sure this will really bring in more travelers,” said one local business owner.
Travel industry experts believe the change could help the airport stand out, especially for people booking flights from outside the region. “Adding ‘San Francisco Bay’ to the name makes it clear the airport serves the whole Bay Area, not just Oakland,” said a travel analyst. This could lead to more bookings, especially for international routes.
The Port of Oakland is also working to measure the impact of the name change. Officials will track passenger feedback and booking data to see if the new name brings in more travelers. They hope the combination of a clearer name and improved facilities will make the airport more attractive to both airlines and passengers.
Looking ahead, several key issues remain:
- Legal Resolution: The lawsuit over the airport’s name is still in progress. The final outcome could require more changes or clarifications to the branding.
- Economic Impact: The Port expects the new name to help attract more travelers and airlines, supporting local businesses and the city’s economy.
- Facility Improvements: Ongoing upgrades to airport amenities and concessions are planned to match the rebranding and enhance the airport’s appeal.
- Traveler Response: The Port will continue to monitor how travelers respond to the new name and make adjustments as needed.
For those seeking more information about the airport, the official Port of Oakland website provides updates on the name change, facility improvements, and ongoing legal matters. Travelers can also visit the Oakland Airport official site for flight information and airport services.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the renaming of the Port of Oakland’s airport to Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport marks a significant step in the city’s efforts to boost its profile and attract more travelers. While the move is designed to help the local economy and make the airport’s location clearer, it remains a subject of legal dispute and public debate. The Port of Oakland is moving forward with the rebranding, confident that the changes will benefit the community, but prepared to respond to any further legal challenges from San Francisco.
Travelers flying through the Bay Area should look for the new name starting July 24, 2025. The airport code OAK and main branding will stay the same, making the transition as smooth as possible for passengers and airlines. The Port hopes that by highlighting both Oakland and the San Francisco Bay Area, the airport will become a more popular choice for travelers from around the world.
Learn Today
Port of Oakland → Authority managing Oakland’s port and airport, responsible for airport operations and rebranding decisions.
Trademark → A legal right protecting brand names and logos from unauthorized use or confusion in commerce.
Board of Port Commissioners → The governing body overseeing policies, approvals, and management of the Port of Oakland.
Airport Code → A three-letter identifier assigned to airports used in ticketing and logistics; Oakland is ‘OAK’.
Rebranding → Process of changing a company or place’s brand identity to influence public perception or market appeal.
This Article in a Nutshell
Oakland Airport’s new name, effective July 24, 2025, balances local pride and regional appeal, despite ongoing legal disputes over branding and confusion concerns.
— By VisaVerge.com
