In a unanimous decision, the Port of Oakland Board of Commissioners voted to change the name of Oakland International Airport to San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport, causing a stir among San Francisco officials who plan to take legal action. The finalization of the name change is pending a second vote scheduled for May 9.

Danny Wan, the executive director of the Port of Oakland, expressed his satisfaction with the board's approval, emphasizing the importance of enhancing economic activity and local job opportunities for Oakland residents. Port officials argue that the name change is crucial to sustain the airport's significant impact on the region, including its 30,000 direct jobs and $1.6 billion economic contribution.

Despite the proposed rebranding, the airport code, OAK, will remain unaffected. However, this move has provoked the ire of San Francisco leaders who argue that it will confuse travelers. San Francisco City Atty. David Chiu went as far as promising to file a lawsuit if the name change is officially approved, citing strong legal claims of trademark infringement against the Port of Oakland.

Chiu pointed out that San Francisco International Airport (SFO), which has been operating since 1927, has been commonly known by its current name for nearly its entire existence. He argued that the names "San Francisco Airport" and "San Francisco International Airport" are highly recognizable among consumers in connection with the specific airport services provided by SFO. Chiu expressed concerns that the proposed new name would lead to confusion, particularly for international travelers who may be unfamiliar with English.

Supporting San Francisco's position, San Francisco International Airport Director Ivar C. Satero pledged their backing for a legal battle. San Francisco Mayor London Breed called on Oakland officials to focus on enhancing airport services and boosting revenue, rather than resorting to a name change.

Oakland International Airport spokeswoman Kaley Skantz cited a study conducted by the Port of Oakland, revealing that 30% of domestic travelers were unaware of the airport's proximity to other Bay Area cities, such as San Francisco, which is only 18 miles away by car. Skantz further highlighted the airport's unsuccessful attempts at expanding services over the years due to a lack of geographic awareness among incoming travelers. Out of the 54 new routes introduced between July 2008 and March 2024, 39 have been eliminated, with six preexisting routes canceled due to insufficient passenger numbers.

Oakland officials hope that the name change will promote recognition of the airport's location within the Bay Area. They draw inspiration from the successful rebranding of Bob Hope Airport to Hollywood Burbank Airport in 2016, which reportedly led to a 19% increase in flights between 2018 and 2019, although the sole influence of the name change on this growth remains unclear.

After surveying the residents of Oakland and the surrounding East Bay area, the Port of Oakland received results indicating general support for an airport rebrand. The cost of the name change is estimated to be around $150,000, which will be self-funded by the Port of Oakland without using taxpayer dollars. Major airlines, including Southwest and Spirit, have expressed their endorsement of the rebrand.

Mary Richardson, an attorney for the Port of Oakland, reiterated efforts to ensure clarity for prospective visitors to the Bay Area, asserting that SFO cannot claim exclusive rights to the geographically descriptive term "San Francisco" or the San Francisco Bay.

The controversy surrounding the name change of Oakland International Airport to San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport is likely to intensify as the second vote approaches on May 9. The outcome of this vote will determine whether the airport will undergo a transformation that could potentially influence its economic impact in the region.