SAN FRANCISCO— The San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is preparing to temporarily close one of its four runways as part of a major airfield modernization program valued at $180 million. The project is scheduled to begin in March 2026 and will focus on improving long-term safety, reliability, and operational resilience.
The airport serves as a major hub for United Airlines (UA) and several international carriers. Airport officials confirmed that while the closure will reduce airfield capacity, the overall impact on passengers is expected to remain limited due to careful operational planning.
Photo: San Francisco International SFO Airport
San Francisco Airport Runway Closure Timeline
Runway 1R/19L will close on March 30, 2026, and is expected to reopen on October 2, 2026, following a full repavement and systems upgrade, according to Simple Flying.
The six-month construction window will extend through the peak summer travel season, traditionally the busiest period for air traffic in the Bay Area.
Despite the timing, airport authorities project that fewer than 10 percent of flights will experience delays, primarily during high-demand periods.
SFO has recent experience managing runway closures, having completed comparable projects in 2023 and 2024 with minimal disruption.
During the closure, flight operations will shift to the remaining three runways. This adjustment will require revised departure sequencing and increased coordination during peak traffic hours.
Photo: Richard Silagi | Wikimedia Commons
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:United_Express_(Skywest)_Embraer_E175_N134SY_at_SFO_April_2017.jpg
Scope of Improvements
The $180 million project includes resurfacing the runway, upgrading adjacent taxiways, improving airfield lighting, and repainting runway markings. These enhancements aim to extend pavement life while supporting modern aircraft performance requirements.
Approximately half of the project funding will come from the Federal Aviation Administration, reflecting the runway’s national operational importance.
Airport planners noted that newer materials and construction techniques will improve resistance to heavy aircraft loads and weather-related wear.
Once completed, three of SFO’s four runways will have been fully repaved within four years. This approach reflects a long-term infrastructure strategy rather than reactive maintenance.
Photo: John Tikka / Flickr
Operational Impact
Runway 1R is commonly used for narrowbody aircraft departures, operating in parallel with Runway 1L. With 1R unavailable, departures will shift primarily to Runway 1L and the longer Runways 28L and 28R, potentially increasing taxi and queue times.
Some neighboring communities may notice changes in aircraft noise patterns as traffic redistributes across the airfield.
Arrival operations could also face constraints during rare weather conditions that normally require use of the closed runway.
Airport officials emphasized that safety margins remain unchanged and that contingency plans are in place for irregular operations. Airlines operating at SFO have been briefed well in advance to adjust schedules and crew planning.
Photo: By Richard Silagi – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=76300185
Bottom Line
The temporary closure of Runway 1R/19L is a calculated step in San Francisco International Airport’s broader infrastructure renewal plan.
While minor delays are possible, the project is expected to deliver long-term operational and safety benefits.
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