(SACRAMENTO) Sacramento International Airport is setting new travel records this summer, and the pace shows no sign of slowing. In July 2025, the Sacramento airport handled a record 1,328,712 passengers, up 3.3% from a year earlier, topping the previous monthly high set just one month before in June with 1,296,818 passengers.
For the full fiscal year 2025, total traffic reached 13,822,315 passengers, a 5.1% increase and the capstone to 20 straight months of growth. Airport officials say this surge reflects a strong regional economy, steady airline expansion, and the draw of 52 nonstop destinations on 11 carriers offering up to 202 peak day flights.
Economic impact and leadership comments
County leaders point to wider benefits for the region. The Sacramento County Department of Airports says its operations now generate over $4 billion each year for the local economy.
Board Chairman Phil Serna framed the July record as proof that steady investment pays off:
“Breaking this passenger record highlights the power of smart, strategic investment in public infrastructure. SMF continues to drive growth, tourism, and regional connectivity, all of which contribute to a stronger economy for the people of Sacramento County.”
Airport managers say they’re focused on keeping pace with demand. Director Cindy Nichol credited airline partners and staff:
“Month after month, SMF continues to demonstrate its vital role as a driver of regional growth and connectivity… Breaking June’s record with another historic July shows the strength of our partnerships with airlines, the dedication of our team, and the confidence travelers place in Sacramento International as their airport of choice.”
The airport has added new nonstop routes this year, including Kansas City, Baltimore, Anchorage, Morelia, and Puerto Vallarta, widening options for leisure and business flyers.
Cargo growth and industry context
Cargo is rising too. In July 2025, Sacramento airport cargo volume hit 8,744 tonnes, up 20.4% from last year. While cargo doesn’t capture headlines like passenger growth, the uptick signals more goods moving in and out of the region, faster.
Industry analysts link passenger growth to several factors:
- Population gains in greater Sacramento
- A strong job market
- The absence of operational high-speed rail serving the area as of mid-2025
Visit California reported that the state’s top 10 airports collectively handled nearly 20 million passengers in June 2025, with about 80% flying domestic. Sacramento’s share of that traffic is growing as airlines add capacity where travelers keep showing up.
Record-setting summer and what’s driving it
The numbers alone are eye-catching, but the patterns behind them matter for travelers and employers. Peak day operations now stretch the airport’s schedule more than ever, and summer 2025 became a real test of how well SMF can meet rising demand while planning future expansion.
Key drivers:
- New routes: Nonstop service to the Midwest, East Coast, Alaska, and Mexico reduces the need to connect through larger hubs.
- Aircraft mix: Increased use of mainline jets and frequent narrowbody flights helps airlines absorb demand on core routes and open niche markets.
- Regional draw: New jobs and residents make Sacramento the default gateway for trips that once flowed through the Bay Area.
Practical passenger guidance:
- Arrive at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights during peak periods.
- Parking can fill quickly—check availability online before leaving home.
- Ground access options include SacRT Route 142, Yolobus Route 42, rideshare, and private drop-off.
- Follow standard TSA rules, including the 3-1-1 liquids rule: 3.4 ounces or less in a single quart-sized bag.
Commercial strategy and long-haul ambitions
Airport commercial leaders are thinking beyond this year’s peak. Stephen Clark, deputy director for commercial development, emphasized long-haul goals:
“Securing SMF’s first transoceanic flight remains a top priority, and we’re working side by side with our Regional Air Alliance to make it a reality.”
With gates busy and airline interest rising, planners are scoping terminal upgrades and other expansion steps to sustain momentum.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, sustained passenger growth strengthens the airport’s case for more service. Airlines use steady demand signals when deciding to add seats, deploy larger aircraft, or launch new routes—giving SMF leverage to court international carriers and more point-to-point service.
High-speed rail’s possible shift — current status and implications
As of September 2025, there is no operational high-speed rail connecting Sacramento to other California cities. The California High-Speed Rail Authority’s Central Valley segment (Merced to Bakersfield) is under construction, with projected completion around 2027–2028. Sacramento is part of the long-term vision, but no construction has started on the extension to the capital region.
Potential impacts and perspectives:
- Supporters: High-speed rail could shift some short flights (especially to the Bay Area and Southern California) to trains, reducing greenhouse gases and road traffic.
- Business/tourism leaders: Want better links between rail, the airport, and local transit for easy modal transfers.
- Airport officials: View rail as complementary, not competitive—if rail takes short-haul pressure off, SMF could redeploy runway and gate capacity to long-haul and international routes.
Policy focus is on integration. Regional planners stress that rail stations, airport terminals, and bus lines must coordinate through:
- Timed transfers
- Clear wayfinding
- Coordinated schedules
Without integration, travelers tend to stick with driving or flying; with it, they may mix modes to save time or reduce emissions.
For more on project updates and alignments, see the California High-Speed Rail Authority at the exact link provided: https://hsr.ca.gov
Important: There were no new announcements in 2025 about construction or funding for the Sacramento high-speed rail extension. The Central Valley build remains the priority for the Authority.
Operational planning and data-driven decisions
Behind the scenes, the airport collects monthly data to guide both short-term fixes and long-term plans:
- Which routes are growing fastest
- Hours with the tightest checkpoint pinch points
- How weather and holiday traffic shift demand
These metrics inform staffing levels, concession hours, gate assignments, and the airport’s arguments to airlines for more seats on high-demand routes.
Historical context and recovery
Before the pandemic, Sacramento was one of the fastest-growing mid-sized airports in the U.S. The recovery began in late 2023 and accelerated through 2025, producing a run of monthly records and many new routes. That rebound came from:
- Pent-up travel demand
- Stable hiring in state and private sectors
- Airlines targeting mid-size markets with strong demand for nonstop options
Traveler tips and near-term outlook
With 202 peak day flights, SMF operates at a level where small disruptions can ripple across the schedule. The airport and airlines emphasize:
- Clear communication from airlines
- Efficient security lines
- Smart parking management
Traveler checklist:
- Check your airline app for gate changes and updates.
- Arrive early—allow extra time for parking and security.
- Pack according to TSA rules and plan for snacks/bathroom breaks after the checkpoint.
- Business travelers: consider booking early flights to avoid late-day delays.
County leaders and airport staff are pressing for better multimodal connections—short walks between links, clear signage, and reliable timetables—so travelers can reach flights, trains, and buses efficiently. That also means coordinating with airlines and future rail planners to align schedules.
Bottom line
The immediate story is air travel: record July traffic, a record June, steady route additions, and a strong fiscal year total illustrate a market leaning into growth. The airport’s economic footprint—now over $4 billion annually—supports jobs across aviation, hospitality, logistics, and construction, affecting families throughout the region.
Looking ahead, SMF’s strategic focus is to:
- Build its role as the region’s primary air gateway
- Protect capacity for long-haul and international growth
- Smooth the customer journey from curb to gate
- Keep costs predictable for airlines
Whether you’re flying to Kansas City, Baltimore, Anchorage, or Puerto Vallarta, expect more choices—and during peak periods, plan a bit more time to move through a busier terminal. The airport signals it will welcome future high-speed rail and use any freed capacity to pursue long-haul goals—most notably, the first transoceanic flight.
This Article in a Nutshell
Sacramento International Airport achieved record passenger volumes in July 2025 with 1,328,712 travelers, building on June’s record and contributing to a fiscal year total of 13,822,315—a 5.1% year-over-year increase and 20 straight months of growth. SMF’s expansion reflects a robust regional economy, population gains, and airline capacity additions across 52 nonstop destinations on 11 carriers, plus 202 peak day flights. Cargo volume also rose sharply to 8,744 tonnes in July (up 20.4%). Airport leaders emphasize investments, partnerships, and planning for terminal upgrades and a potential first transoceanic flight. As of September 2025 no high-speed rail connects Sacramento; Central Valley construction continues with projected completion in 2027–2028. Officials view future rail as complementary, potentially shifting short-haul travel to trains and freeing airport capacity for long-haul routes. Travelers are advised to arrive early, check parking and airline apps, and follow TSA guidelines during peak periods.
