Oakland International Airport’s rebrand has failed to reverse steep passenger declines, a trend closely tied to its dependence on Southwest Airlines, which carries more than 83 percent of OAK travelers. With Spirit Airlines’ recent exit, airport officials now face mounting pressure to rebuild stability. Hospitality Management Professor Linchi Kwok says the airport must reposition itself: “Becoming a hub for a major airline like Delta or American would bring a lot more traffic and draw customers who are loyal to the airline...everyone can benefit from healthy competition.”

This article was originally published by The San Francisco Standard on December 11, 2025.