Oakland Airport Seeks Name Change Despite San Francisco Opposition

Oakland officials voted to change Oakland International Airport's name to San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport to attract more travelers who may confuse it with San Francisco's airport.

San Francisco officials oppose the name change and threaten to sue, arguing it violates their trademark and will confuse travelers, especially international ones.

Supporters say the name change will make clear OAK is the closest major airport for over 4 million East Bay residents and attractions like UC Berkeley, wine country, etc.

Once approved, airport staff will formally change the name in airline systems, working with carriers and other airports.

Oakland believes the name change is needed because it has lost routes when airlines find demand lacking due to travelers' lack of geographic awareness about Oakland airport.