San Francisco International Airport (SFO) has continued to experience persistent flight delays on September 4, 2026, due to the ongoing closure of Runway 1 Right, which began on March 30, 2026. The closure supports a six-month project focused on runway repaving and taxiway improvements, costing approximately 180 million dollars and subsidized by more than 92 million dollars in Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grants.
FAA-Imposed Flight Caps Reduce Arrival Rates
During the Runway 1 Right closure, all landings and takeoffs have been directed mainly to Runways 28 Left and 28 Right. This configuration is less efficient during peak hours, further constrained by FAA restrictions intended to enhance
safety. The FAA has lowered peak arrival rates from roughly 54 to about 36 aircraft per hour by limiting certain closely spaced parallel landings, reducing overall arrival capacity at SFO.
Operational Impact and Runway Reopening Timeline
Runway 01R/19L and adjacent taxiways are expected to remain closed through at least October 2, 2026. The combined effect of the repaving project and FAA arrival caps has tightened the sequencing of flights and reduced runway capacity, exacerbating delay risks at peak times. Runway 1 Right is scheduled to reopen in early October, which should ease some operational constraints, although FAA arrival limits on parallel approaches will remain as safety
reviews continue.
Delays and Passenger Experience
On-time performance at SFO has declined notably in 2026, with just over 50% of flights arriving within 15 minutes of their scheduled time in some months. Weather conditions such as low ceilings and coastal fog frequently worsen arrival delays, especially during the morning and evening peak travel periods. The FAA Air Traffic Control System Command Center has issued repeated ground delay programs and arrival delay advisories throughout summer 2026 to manage the impact.
Travel Advisories and Airport Modernization Efforts
Travelers should anticipate ongoing delays and longer wait times at the airport while the construction and federal restrictions remain in effect. Airlines may adjust schedules
or extend connection times to accommodate the reduced runway availability. The runway project is part of a multiyear modernization plan at SFO involving runway rehabilitation, taxiway realignments, and lighting upgrades continuing through at least 2027. These efforts aim to improve safety and infrastructure but involve staged closures that constrain airport capacity during peak activity.
