Monday, March 6, 2023 at 9:06 AM - For Immediate Release
SMF sees record-breaking passenger numbers in 2022, announces major expansion program to meet needs
Sacramento International Airport (SMF) served 12,313,370 passengers in 2022 – nearly reaching the record-setting numbers achieved in 2019, the busiest year in SMF’s history. The continual resurgence in passenger traffic emphasizes the need for SMForward, the Airport's $1.3 billion expansion project that was announced last month.
2022 represented a return to near pre-pandemic passenger numbers, which had seen SMF celebrate six consecutive years of year-over-year record-breaking passenger growth through 2019.
SMForward is an ambitious project, adding new gates, ticket counters, baggage claim space, a pedestrian walkway between Terminal B and Concourse B, a consolidated rental car facility, and a new parking garage, among other exciting features.
“2022 was an incredible year for SMF. Not only did we add new routes and improve efficiency, we were named the country’s top midsize airport by The Wall Street Journal,” said Cindy Nichol, Sacramento County Department of Airports Director. “Looking ahead to 2023, we’re thrilled to add a new international nonstop to Toronto and to kick off SMForward so we can continue to be the best choice for travelers in Northern California.”
Aeromexico, Alaska Airlines, Delta Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, jetBlue, Southwest, Spirit, United and Volaris all registered double-digit year-over-year traffic growth in 2022.
SMF is forecasted to see over 13 million passengers in 2023 with steady passenger growth averaging 4.3 percent annually for the next eight years.
“I am proud to have one of the nation’s best airports in Sacramento County,” said Rich Desmond, District 3, Sacramento County Board of Supervisors. “The growth of the airport also means growth for the local economy and as SMForward takes off, we will be able to offer even more choices and services to travelers who fly SMF.” [JS2]
The Sacramento County Department of Airports is responsible for planning, developing, operating and maintaining the county’s four airports: Sacramento International Airport, Executive Airport, Mather Airport and Franklin Field. Sacramento International Airport offers more than 155 daily nonstop flights on 12 domestic and international carriers to 36 destinations. The regional economic impact of the Sacramento County Department of Airports is more than $4 billion annually. For more information, visit sacramento.aero.
The Sacramento County Department of Airports is responsible for planning, developing, operating and maintaining the county’s four airports: Sacramento International Airport, Executive Airport, Mather Airport and Franklin Field. Sacramento International Airport offers more than 155 daily nonstop flights on 12 domestic and international carriers to 36 destinations. The regional economic impact of the Sacramento County Department of Airports is more than $4 billion annually. For more information, visit sacramento.aero.