List of airports in California
Welcome to California’s Airport Landscape
California is a sprawling state where aviation meets adventure. From the sunny coasts of Los Angeles to the winding highways of the Sierra Nevada, the state’s airports connect millions of travelers and thousands of cargo shipments every year. Whether you’re planning a trip, studying aviation trends, or just curious about where planes land and take off in the Golden State, this post provides an up‑to‑date, keyword‑rich guide to the list of airports in California—from major hubs to charming regional stops.
California’s Major International Airports
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) – The busiest in the state and one of the world’s top gateways.
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO) – A vital hub for trans‑Pacific travel and tech‑industry business.
- San Diego International Airport (SAN) – Known for its scenic views and close proximity to the harbor.
- Oakland International Airport (OAK) – A key connection point for the San Francisco Bay Area.
- Sacramento International Airport (SMF) – The state capital’s primary airport, serving both regional and international flights.
Regional and General Aviation Airports
California’s smaller airports cater to business jets, flight training schools, and scenic tours. Highlights include:
- Long Beach Airport (LGB) – Popular for aviation maintenance and a gateway to the Southern California flight community.
- Burbank/Los Angeles Municipal Airport (BUR) – A preferred spot for film industry pilots.
- Southwest Oregon Regional Airport (SWR) – Serves communities in the Northern California‑Oregon border region.
- Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) – Known for its beautiful runway views over the Pacific.
Comprehensive List of Airports in California
Below is a detailed table presenting key airports across the state. Use this as a quick reference for travel planning, aviation research, or general curiosity.
| IATA Code | Airport Name | City / Region | ICAO Code | Passenger Traffic (2023) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LAX | Los Angeles International Airport | Los Angeles | KLAX | 87.9 M |
| SFO | San Francisco International Airport | San Francisco | KSFO | 48.2 M |
| SAN | San Diego International Airport | San Diego | KSAN | 20.1 M |
| OAK | Oakland International Airport | Oakland | KOAK | 7.5 M |
| SMF | Sacramento International Airport | Sacramento | KSMF | 7.2 M |
| LGB | Long Beach Airport | Long Beach | KLGB | 5.0 M |
| BUR | Burbank/Los Angeles Municipal Airport | Burbank | KBUR | 1.8 M |
| SBA | Santa Barbara Municipal Airport | Santa Barbara | KSBA | 1.5 M |
| SJD | San José International Airport | San José (Silicon Valley) | KSJD | 4.8 M |
| SNA | John Wayne Airport | Santa Ana (Orange County) | KSNA | 6.4 M |
| FSH | Fresno Yosemite International Airport | Fresno | KFCS | 3.3 M |
| RNO | Reno/Tahoe International Airport | Reno (Northern CA) | KRNO | 2.6 M |
Data sourced from the FAA and individual airport annual reports (2023).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How many commercial airports are there in California?
A1: California hosts 13 major commercial airports (IATA) that handle scheduled passenger flights, plus dozens of smaller general‑aviation facilities.
Q2: Which California airport sees the most international traffic?
A2: San Francisco International Airport (SFO) serves the largest number of international flights, covering routes to Asia, Europe, and the Pacific Islands.
Q3: Are there any airports that support both cargo and passenger services?
A3: Yes—Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and San Diego International Airport (SAN) manage significant cargo operations while also handling passenger flights.
Q4: Where can I find airport codes for California airports?
A4: Airport codes can be found in the FAA’s National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS) or on each airport’s official website. The table above lists the most common IATA and ICAO codes.
Q5: Is there a quick way to compare California airports by size or traffic?
A5: The passenger traffic column in our table provides a simple metric; higher numbers indicate larger airports. For more detailed metrics, consult the FAA’s “Airport Data & Contact Information” portal.
Resources
- FAA National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS) – Comprehensive database of U.S. airports.
- California Transportation Commission – Airports – State‑level airport performance reports.
- AirNav.com – Real‑time weather, runway data, and flight information for California airports.
- SkyVector – Free flight planning tool with California airport charts.
- U.S. Department of Transportation DOT Data – Airport traffic statistics by year.
Feel free to explore these resources for deeper insights into California’s aviation infrastructure, flight patterns, and future developments. Happy flying—or planning!
