San Francisco International Airport (SFO) will close Runway 1 Right for six months in 2026 as part of a major runway repaving and taxiway improvement program.
The closure will run from March 30 to October 2, 2026. During this period, all aircraft arrivals and departures will operate on Runways 28 Left and 28 Right, a configuration already used regularly during clear and windy conditions and preferred by both airlines and air traffic control.
Runway 1 Left, which runs parallel to the construction area, will not be used for take-offs or landings during the works but will instead operate as an additional taxiway to help manage ground congestion.
SFO said it expects fewer than 10% of flights to be delayed as a result of the closure, with average delays of less than 30 minutes. Delays are most likely during peak periods, particularly around 9:00am and between 8:00pm and 9:00pm.
Because all departing aircraft will use Runways 28 Left and 28 Right, some surrounding communities may experience a temporary increase in departing aircraft overflight during the construction period.
The project includes repaving the runway surface, upgrading adjacent taxiways, improving lighting systems and repainting runway striping and markings.
Granite Construction Company was awarded the contract for the work in May 2025. The total project cost is estimated at US$180m, with US$92.1m funded by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
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