San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is seeing a return in international travel, nearing 97% of the activity compared to pre-pandemic 2019, according to the City of San Francisco. This is due in part to relationships developed during Mayor London N. Breed's European tour in March 2022, which aimed to expand alliances with airlines, airports, and regional leaders.
The initial shock of the pandemic brought global air travel to the brink of collapse. As widespread vaccination ensued and the world adjusted, the travel sector began its gradual recovery.
San Francisco has strived to reclaim its status as California's international gateway and a European market hub. Mayor Breed's visit played a significant role in this development, resulting in new flights from London and seven additional airlines at SFO during the pandemic. These airlines encompass Air Transat, Breeze, Flair, ITA, Qatar, Vietnam, and ZIPAIR.
November expects Chinese carriers' return, including Air China, China Eastern, and China Southern. This increases international flights at SFO, housing 43 global carriers. Additionally, Starlux and Porter airlines are set to commence operations in December and January.
The reinstatement of nonstop flights from various Chinese cities is a significant achievement. Specifically, Air China restarted operations after a pause of over three years which will soon be followed by the reactivation of China Southern flights to Wuhan and China Eastern to Shanghai.
In addition to robust leadership and partnerships, San Francisco's international travel rally is fueled partly by an uptick in demand from pivotal markets, including the UK, Europe, and India. Canada and Mexico also contribute considerably, with SFO offering more flights to India than all other major west coast cities combined.
Furthermore, San Francisco prepares to host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in the upcoming weeks. It will be the city's largest gathering of world leaders since 1945, highlighting San Francisco's global prominence.
Encouraged by these developments, international travel spending is predicted to tally $4.2 billion this year. A 14.6% year-over-year increase in overnight visitation is also anticipated, attesting to San Francisco's enduring appeal for tourists.
