Ruth Haines
Sacramento International Airport (SMF) is an airport located 12 miles from downtown Sacramento, California. SMF is the airport code for Sacramento International Airport. The airport initially opened as Sacramento Metropolitan Airport in 1967 and has since undergone several expansions and improvements. It is a major gateway between Northern California and the rest of the United States, offering service from 12 major carriers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Sacramento International Airport |
| Location | Sacramento, California |
| Address | 6900 Airport Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95837 |
| Opening Date | October 21, 1967 |
| Former Name | Sacramento Metropolitan Airport |
| Distance from Downtown Sacramento | 12 miles |
| Number of Carriers | 12 |
| Expansion Plans | $1.3 billion expansion called SMForward, including new gates and a pedestrian walkway |
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What You'll Learn
SMF stands for Sacramento International Airport
The 1980s were a significant decade for the airport, with several new developments, including the in-flight catering facility (1980), an FAA Flight Inspection Field Office (1985), a second air cargo facility (1985), and the east runway (1987). The opening of the east runway was marked by the landing of a Concorde. During this time, several airlines joined the original carriers at Sacramento Metropolitan Airport, including America West, Continental, Morris Air, and American Eagle.
In the 1990s, the airport continued to evolve with the opening of the consolidated rental car terminal and Terminal A in 1998. The consolidated rental car terminal was a pioneering concept, housing all rental car companies in one building serviced by airport shuttles. This innovation improved bus operations, reduced congestion, enhanced air quality, and elevated customer service.
Sacramento International Airport has continued to expand and thrive in the 21st century. Despite the challenges posed by the events of September 11, 2001, the airport witnessed growth, with four new airlines added: Continental, Frontier, Mexicana, Hawaiian, and Aloha Airlines. The arrival of Mexicana initiated international nonstop service, leading to the completion of the International Arrivals Building to accommodate federal inspection services.
In recent years, Sacramento International Airport has seen further developments and expansions. In 2018, the airport commissioned a solar array rated at 7.9 MW, which is expected to supply around 30% of its electricity needs. In 2023, Air Canada expanded its service by introducing nonstop flights to Toronto throughout the year. Additionally, the airport announced a $1.3 billion expansion plan, SMForward, which will include new gates, a pedestrian walkway, and a new air traffic control tower.
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The airport's history, including its opening in 1967
Sacramento International Airport (SMF) opened on 21 October 1967 as Sacramento Metropolitan Airport. The airport's opening was significant as it was the first public-use airport west of the Mississippi that had been built entirely from scratch. The site for the airport, which covers 6,000 acres, was purchased north of downtown Sacramento. This location was initially considered extravagant, risky, and poorly located, but these concerns were unfounded. In its first year of operation, the airport served over one million passengers, exceeding initial estimates. The airport was initially served by five airlines: Pacific, PSA, United, Western, and West Coast. The first runway was on the west side of the airfield and is now named 17R/35L.
The 1980s and 1990s were a time of great change and construction, with the addition of an in-flight catering facility, an FAA Flight Inspection Field Office, a second air cargo facility, and the east runway. The east runway's opening was marked by the landing of a Concorde SST. During this time, several new airlines joined the original carriers, including America West, Continental, Morris Air, and American Eagle. In 1996, Terminal A opened, complete with its own car rental area, and in 1998, the airport was relaunched as Sacramento International Airport (SMF).
In the 2000s, the airport continued to expand and improve, with the addition of new airlines and the completion of a new parking garage in 2004. The tragic events of September 11, 2001, brought about significant changes to airport security procedures, but this did not deter the growth of Sacramento International Airport. Between 2000 and 2003, four new airlines were added, including Continental, Frontier, Mexicana, and Hawaiian. The arrival of Mexicana Airlines in 2002 marked the beginning of international nonstop service to the airport.
In 2006, plans were announced to replace Terminal B with a new terminal, and in 2008, construction began on "The Big Build," the largest capital improvement project in the history of Sacramento County. The expanded Terminal B, with 19 gates, was completed in 2011, along with a renovation and expansion of Terminal A. Today, Sacramento International Airport continues to serve as a gateway to Northern and Central California destinations, offering a range of transportation options and accommodating increasing passenger traffic.
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SMF's expansion plans, including a new air traffic control tower
SMF stands for Sacramento International Airport, which is located 12 miles from downtown Sacramento, California. The airport has been in a state of growth and expansion since the 1980s, with new developments and airlines joining the airport over the years.
SMF's recent expansion plans are outlined in the $1.3 billion SMForward project, which includes seven major expansions over four years. These expansions include a new exit road for Terminal A, allowing for better traffic flow and a more efficient shuttle system. Terminal A will also be expanded to accommodate the growing number of passengers. Additionally, new gates, a ticketing area, a baggage claim carousel, and office space are set to be constructed, with completion expected in winter 2027.
Another key component of the SMForward project is the improvement of the walkway between Terminal B and Concourse B, with ADA compliance in mind. This will be accompanied by the addition of 5,500 parking spaces west of Terminal B. Furthermore, the relocation of rental car facilities to the terminal area will streamline the rental car process and reduce roadway congestion.
One of the most significant aspects of SMF's expansion plans is the construction of a new air traffic control tower. The current tower, owned and operated by the FAA, was built in 1967 and is one of the oldest in the country. The new tower, funded by the FAA's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will stand at 192 feet and be located on the north side of the airport. The new state-of-the-art tower will enhance working conditions for air traffic controllers and ensure the safe and efficient management of aircraft operations. The expected completion date for the new tower is 2026.
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Airlines that have joined SMF over the years
Sacramento International Airport (SMF) is located 10.5 miles (16.9 km) northwest of downtown Sacramento, California, United States. The airport covers 6,000 acres (2,400 ha) and serves the Sacramento Metropolitan Area. It is a gateway to various attractions in Northern and Central California, such as Lake Tahoe, Yosemite National Park, and Wine Country.
Over the years, several airlines have joined SMF, offering nonstop and direct flights throughout North America and connecting flights to almost any destination. The original carriers at SMF included Southwest and United (United Express). In 2011, American Airlines (American Eagle Airlines) and Delta (Delta Connection) joined, providing service to and from LAX. Frontier Airlines previously offered service between SMF and Redding.
In the 1980s, an era of construction and growth brought several new developments to SMF, including the addition of America West, Continental, Morris Air, and American Eagle Airlines to the list of carriers. The 1990s saw further expansion, with the opening of the consolidated rental car terminal and Terminal A.
Despite the immediate effects of the September 11, 2001 attacks on air travel, SMF continued to grow. Between 2000 and 2003, four new airlines were added: Continental, Frontier, Mexicana, Hawaiian, and Aloha Airlines. Mexicana's arrival initiated international nonstop service, requiring the completion of the International Arrivals Building for federal inspection services.
In recent years, SMF has continued to expand its route network. In 2016, American Airlines announced nonstop service between Sacramento and Chicago O'Hare. In 2017, Southwest added nonstop flights to Long Beach and Spokane, while United added a nonstop route to Newark. In 2018, Southwest expanded further with nonstop service to Austin, New Orleans, Orlando, San Jose del Cabo, and St. Louis. By 2019, Southwest had added highly anticipated service to Honolulu and Kahului.
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Transportation options to and from the airport
SMF is the airport code for Sacramento International Airport, located 12 miles from downtown Sacramento, California. The airport is open 24/7 and is serviced by 12 major carriers.
There are various transportation options available to and from Sacramento International Airport. For those seeking a quick departure from the airport, taxis are available. App-based rideshare services such as Lyft and Uber are also simple to use at SMF. Shuttle, van, or sedan services are available for those who prefer more legroom.
If you are travelling as a large group, you can book a private van or SUV in advance. Limo services are also available for reservation, offering upfront pricing and availability for as long as you need.
For those on a budget, SacRT's Route 142 runs an express bus service from the airport to downtown Sacramento. This airport shuttle bus runs every 20-30 minutes, seven days a week, in combination with Yolobus Routes 42A and 42B.
Paratransit offers airport transportation for registered disabled customers. Local customers must be registered with Paratransit in advance, while out-of-town visitors may use Paratransit if registered with a similar service in their hometown. Med Star also offers a shuttle service for passengers with disabilities.
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Frequently asked questions
SMF is the airport code for Sacramento International Airport.
Sacramento International Airport opened on 21 October 1967 as Sacramento Metropolitan Airport.
The first runway at Sacramento International Airport was on the west side of the airfield. It was named 17R/35L and was 8600 feet long.
