The Federal Aviation Administration has approved a new staggered parallel landing procedure for San Francisco International Airport, effective August 12, 2026. This procedure permits landings on Runways 28L and 28R in a staggered sequence, replacing the side-by-side visual landing method previously used at the airport.
FAA Restriction and Runway Construction Reduce Capacity
On March 30, 2026, the FAA banned closely spaced side-by-side visual landings at San Francisco International Airport to align operations with current aircraft separation standards. The enforcement coincided with the closure of Runway 1R for a $180 million rehabilitation project that includes resurfacing and lighting upgrades, scheduled to reopen in early October 2026. During the
construction, Runway 1L has been temporarily converted into a taxiway, concentrating arrivals and departures on Runways 28L and 28R, which are roughly 750 feet apart.
Delays Surge Following Operational Changes
After April 1, 2026, 41% of flights arriving or departing San Francisco International Airport experienced delays of at least 15 minutes, up from 18% the previous year. Departure delays were more pronounced, with 45% of departing flights delayed 15 minutes or more. Arrival delays affected 37% of inbound flights. The airport’s maximum arrival capacity dropped from approximately 54 aircraft per hour before the restrictions to around 36 per hour due to runway construction and FAA
separation requirements.
The airport’s reduced capacity heightened vulnerability to weather-related disruptions. On May 28 and July 6, 2026, Ground Delay Programs were implemented, causing delays for over 400 flights each day and numerous cancellations. The May 28 program included 47 cancellations and average delays exceeding two hours 40 minutes, while the July 6 event triggered average delays over one hour.
Expected Improvements from New Parallel Landing Procedure
With the new staggered parallel landing procedure, aircraft will maintain FAA-mandated separation by approaching Runways 28L and 28R offset rather than simultaneously. San Francisco International Airport officials expect this method to increase arrival frequency and reduce congestion, though it will
not fully restore pre-restriction landing capacity. The adjustment primarily benefits carriers such as United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Southwest Airlines operating at SFO.
Airport spokesperson Doug Yakel described the new procedure as a significant operational improvement that should provide noticeable relief for passengers and airlines during the remainder of the summer travel season.
Runway 1R Reopening to Further Restore Capacity
Runway 1R, closed since March 30, 2026, for rehabilitation, is expected to reopen in early October 2026. Its return to service alongside the staggered landing procedure is projected to help incrementally restore the airport’s arrival capacity to levels closer to those before the restrictions and construction
began. The full restoration of runway availability aims to alleviate the congested conditions experienced during the peak travel months following the FAA’s operational changes.
