Summer 2026 Newsletter
San Francisco International Airport

What’s in store at SFO? We’ve got exciting new destinations launching, award-winning eats, local bands playing music in the terminals, a brand-new exhibition, and so much more.

Air Service Updates

Aerial view of Sapporo

First Nonstop Service to Sapporo from Continental US Coming Soon
Mark your calendar for this historic launch! On December 11th, United will start the first nonstop service from the continental U.S. to Sapporo, Japan (CTS). Fly from SFO to Sapporo, your gateway to world-class skiing and snowboarding, picturesque mountain landscapes and resorts, and renowned Hokkaido-style ramen. Flights will operate three times a week on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

United to Launch Two Cross Country Routes this Fall
Beginning October 25th, United will resume service to Cincinnati, Ohio (CVG), operating three times a week on a Boeing 737-800. This route expands the airline's service from SFO to the Buckeye State, with existing flights to Cleveland and Columbus. 

On November 7th, United will debut brand-new seasonal service from SFO to West Palm Beach, Florida (DJT). This weekly route to the coastal South Florida city will be operated on a Boeing 737 MAX 8 on Saturdays through April 2027.

El Al Returns to SFO with Nonstop service to Tel Aviv
Starting October 25th, El Al returns to SFO with nonstop service to Tel Aviv, Israel (TLV). The flight will operate three times a week on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

Celebrating 60 Years of the USO at SFO

Airport Director Mike Nakornkhet celebrates the 60th anniversary of the SFO USO Center

Congratulations to the United Service Organization (USO) at SFO on 60 years of service! 

SFO’s USO Center remains the USO’s only location in Northern California. Over 240,000 service members and their families have passed through its doors. In 2020, the center moved to its current SFO location in Harvey Milk Terminal 1, which offers an expanded 5,300-square-foot space.

SFO Sounds of the City promotion
SFO Celebrates: Sounds of the City

SFO’s Sounds of the City program brings live music into the terminals with award‑winning performers. This year, the series expanded beyond Bay Area artists to include three bands in conjunction with the Stern Grove Festival: Peter Cat Recording Co. from India, Bomba Estéreo from Colombia, and The Beths from New Zealand. Sounds of the City performances run through September 3, 2026. Non‑travelers are able to enjoy the in‑terminal performances by using the Gate Explorer Pass, which allows guests to go through security checkpoints.

Stay tuned for a full program of SFO Celebrates festivities this year: Fleet Week, Dia de los Muertos, and more!

View the Performance Schedule
Say Cheese: The Melt is Now Open!

SFO is proud to welcome The Melt’s first airport location, now in Harvey Milk Terminal 1. Founded in San Francisco, The Melt features MeltBurgers, grilled cheeses, chicken sandwiches, salads, and breakfast bites. Try one of their milkshakes for the perfect sendoff! The Melt is located near Gate B4.

Grab a Bite to Eat
SF Eats
SF Eats Named Airport Food Hall of the Year

SF Eats Food Hall in Harvey Milk Terminal 1 is now an award-winning dining destination, having been named 'Airport Food Hall of the Year' at the 2026 FAB + Hospitality Awards. Opened in July 2025, SF Eats brings together homegrown Bay Area favorites—Equator Coffees, Kitava Kitchen, Kona’s, Napa Farms Market, and Tony’s Pizza Napoletana—under one roof.

Aerial photo of SFO with Bay Area in the distance

SFO’s Economic Engine Keeps Growing 

Did you know SFO is a major driver of the Bay Area economy? Our latest economic impact report highlights SFO's strong role in the regional economy, driving job creation, generating income, and boosting visitor spending. In fact, in fiscal year 2024, SFO generated more than $14.4 billion in on‑airport business revenues and supported over 42,000 jobs. Want to learn more? Read the full report.

SFO Museum – Heroes of the City: Early Firefighters of the San Francisco Fire Department

SFO Museum Heroes of the City shows the history of San Francisco Fire Department


See objects and artwork reflecting the grit, courage, and dedication of early firefighters who protected San Francisco. This exhibition explores the early decades of the San Francisco Fire Department and pays tribute to those brave firefighters who, driven by duty, battled danger, smoke, and flames to save lives and protect their city. See the exhibition post-security in Harvey Milk Terminal 1 and online. 

Plane & Simple: Faster Processing for U.S. Citizens

Did you know that the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Enhanced Passenger Processing (EPP) program at SFO has cut wait times for returning U.S. citizens by 25%? 

Here’s how it works: when returning U.S. Citizens enter passport control, auto-capture cameras (with CBP officers present) snap a quick photo. In seconds, the system matches it to existing passport images in CBP’s database. With the process streamlined, CBP officers now spend more time helping travelers and keeping lines moving, and passengers can head to their next destination faster.

Additional Details
San Francisco International Airport P.O. Box 8097, San Francisco, CA 94128
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