FAA Revises SFO Restrictions to Allow More Landings Amid Runway Maintenance
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced a revision to the operating procedures at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), allowing for an increase in the number of aircraft landings. This change, effective Wednesday, introduces staggered arrivals to maximize the use of existing runways, as one runway is currently used as a taxiway due to ongoing maintenance. The new rules permit up to 42 aircraft landings per hour, an increase of six from the previous limit, though still below the capacity during parallel landings. Doug Yakel, SFO's spokesperson, confirmed the implementation of staggered arrivals, which will help manage the airport's capacity more efficiently. United Airlines, the largest carrier at SFO, has expressed support for the FAA's decision, highlighting the collaborative efforts to enhance landing rates safely.