San Francisco International Airport Announces Six-Month Closure of Runway 1R in 2026 for Repaving

Image courtesy: SFO – San Francisco International Airport

The San Francisco International Airport (SFO) announced plans last week to close runway 1 Right for six months in 2026 to repave the runway surface and make adjacent taxiway improvements. The runway closure will begin on March 30, 2026, and is expected to reopen on October 2, 2026.

During this period, SFO will operate all arrivals and departures on runways 28 Left and 28 Right. This is a common configuration, often used during clear windy days, and is the configuration preferred by both airlines and air traffic controllers. The runway parallel to the construction area, 1 Left, will not be used for takeoffs and landings but instead will serve as an additional taxiway to reduce ground congestion.

SFO expects less than 10% of flights to be delayed as a result of the runway closure, with delays averaging less than 30 minutes and most likely to occur during peak periods at 9:00am and 8:00pm – 9:00pm.

Because all flights will use runways 28 Left and 28 Right for takeoff, some communities will experience a temporary increase in departing air traffic overhead.

The closure is being conducted to repave the surface layer, make improvements to adjacent taxiways, upgrade lighting, and paint new striping and markings.

On May 6, 2025, Granite Construction Company, was awarded the contract for this work. The total construction cost is expected to be $180 million, of which $92.1 million will be funded by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).