Oakland authorities have given the green light to renaming the city’s airport as San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport, despite potential legal hurdles from San Francisco over trademark issues.
The unanimous decision by the Board of Commissioners for the Port of Oakland paves the way for a final vote on May 9 to formalize the name change. Presently known as Oakland International Airport, officials argue that rebranding it as San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport will alleviate traveler confusion, especially among those flying into the region who mistakenly head to San Francisco’s airport instead of the closer Oakland one across the Bay. Notably, the airport’s existing three-letter code, OAK, will remain unchanged.
Barbara Leslie, President of the Port Commission, emphasized that the new name aims to assert Oakland’s significance within the Bay Area, serving as the closest major airport for millions of residents, academic institutions, and tourist destinations like California’s Wine Country.
Public input during the commission meeting highlighted both support and opposition to the name change, with some suggesting placing “Oakland” before “San Francisco” in the new name. Upon final approval next month, airport staff will coordinate with airlines, neighboring airports, and local agencies to update signage and systems accordingly.
The decision comes amidst broader challenges facing Oakland, including a rise in crime and the recent departure of the Athletics baseball team. With no major sports franchises remaining in the city, the airport’s rebranding represents a bid to maintain its regional significance.
However, the proposed name change has sparked concerns from San Francisco officials, who fear it could confuse travelers and potentially infringe on the trademark of “San Francisco International Airport.” San Francisco’s City Attorney, David Chiu, has warned of legal action if Oakland proceeds with the renaming, citing the federal incontestability of San Francisco’s trademark registrations.
Critics, including San Francisco residents, echo these concerns, emphasizing the potential for confusion among visitors to the Bay Area. State Senator Scott Wiener and San Francisco’s Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin have also voiced opposition to the move, urging the port commission to reconsider.
Despite the controversy, proponents of the name change argue that it’s necessary to boost Oakland’s visibility and attract more air routes, citing market research indicating a lack of geographic awareness among travelers. Craig Simon, interim aviation director for the Port of Oakland, underscores the airport’s struggle to retain and expand routes due to this issue, making rebranding a strategic move to address longstanding challenges.
