San Francisco International Airport started May Day with a headache, not a holiday. Hundreds of unionized airport workers flooded the roadway outside the International Terminal on Friday morning, blocking vehicle access to the departures curb, tangling traffic and delaying pickups as confused drivers circled for options. Baggage handlers, wheelchair agents, aircraft cleaners and catering crews stepped into the lanes, and travel around the terminal stayed bumpy for hours while cars were redirected and pickup spots shifted.
According to SFGate, the demonstration began just before 11 a.m., with vehicles pushed away from the International Terminal departures curb and funneled to the arrivals level and departure drop-offs at other terminals. By about noon, one lane had reopened to cars, but there was still no estimate for when the roadway would fully clear.
Taxi Routes And Curb Changes
In an advisory to drivers, SFMTA told taxi operators that all commercial ground transportation would be shifted to the domestic terminals starting at 11 a.m. and possibly running as late as 5 p.m. The notice said TaxiVQ operations would remain in place, with curbside staff on hand to help riders and override missed entries if traffic delays fouled up the normal system.
Airport Recommends 'Kiss & Fly' Pickup
An airport spokesperson urged travelers headed to or from the International Terminal to use the Rental Car Center's "Kiss & Fly" lot for pickup and drop-off while the rally continued, emphasizing that domestic terminals were not affected. Airport officials and staff worked to reroute travelers around the demonstration to keep flights on schedule, according to SFGate.
Why Workers Rallied
The action was part of broader May Day demonstrations and tied to contract talks by the Service Employees International Union — United Service Workers West, with workers pressing for higher minimum pay and stronger protections. KQED reported that SFO passenger service workers were taking a lead role in the day's events. David Huerta of SEIU-USWW said, "I think right now, this resistance is coming to a head."
How Travelers Should Plan
Travelers headed for the International Terminal were advised to build in extra time and, when possible, to use the Rental Car Center Kiss & Fly lot and connect to the terminals via AirTrain. For drivers and taxi operators, SFMTA reiterated that commercial pickups should stick to the domestic terminals, with airport staff guiding passengers to alternative drop-off and pickup points. Flyers were urged to check airline notices and SFO advisories for the latest on traffic and schedules.
