One Of The Oldest Airports In The U.S., Oakland International Airport In Northern California Is Now 96 Years Old
By Kate Freeman
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Published May 22, 2023
One of the nation’s oldest airports is in Northern California. Oakland International Airport was established in 1927 and is one of the oldest continually operating airports in the United States. Over the decades, the airport has undergone a lot of improvements and has been the location of significant moments in California’s history.
Originally called Oakland Municipal Airport, the airport was used as a test facility for aircraft manufacturers including Boeing and Lockheed.
The airport served as a base for aviation pioneers like Amelia Earhart and Charles Kingsford Smith.
The airport began offering commercial flights in 1929. Today it is the fourth busiest airport in California.
The original passenger terminal, known as the Oakland Airport Administration Building, is an iconic example of Art Deco architecture. Opened in 1934, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
In 1946, the airport was renamed "Oakland International Airport" to reflect its increasing number of international flights.
In the early 1960s, renowned architect John Carl Warnecke designed Terminal 1, a flying-saucer design that is an architectural icon.
The airport has been featured in some notable movies, including “Up in the Air” starring George Clooney and “Moneyball” starring Brad Pitt, as well as “Matrix Reloaded”.
Oakland International Airport has come a long way since its beginnings, now boasting a wide range of domestic and international destinations.
The airport is a major hub for Southwest Airlines, making it a convenient place to depart from. Oakland International Airport is directly connected to the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system.
Oakland International Airport is one of the oldest airports in the United States.
It is tied for the oldest airport in California with San Francisco International Airport, which opened in 1927 (the same year as Oakland).
Its strategic location in the Bay Area contributes to its popularity, offering convenient access to both San Francisco and Silicon Valley .
Oakland International Airport is a major transportation hub in the Bay Area. It serves as an alternative to the busy San Francisco International Airport.
Did you know that one of the oldest airports is in Northern California? What is your favorite airport in Northern California? Let us know!
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Oakland International Airport, 1 Airport Dr, Oakland, CA 94621, USA