FAA Ban On Parallel Landings Throws SFO Into Major Delay Bottleneck

San Francisco International Airport (SFO), long praised as one of the nation’s most efficient hubs, has become a source of growing frustration for travelers after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) banned simultaneous approaches to the airport’s closely spaced parallel runways.

American Airlines plane at San Francisco International Airport. Anadolu via Getty Images

What Changed

Under the FAA rule, aircraft may no longer make side-by-side landings on SFO’s parallel runways. That prohibition forces air-traffic controllers to sequence arrivals more conservatively—even in clear weather—reducing the airport’s throughput compared with the previous parallel-approach procedure.

Aggrieved passengers are feeling the impacts, and taking to social media to air out their frustrations. Michael Colbruno / X

Compounding Factors

The timing has been especially disruptive: in March SFO began a six-month runway repaving project that imposes additional operational constraints. Taken together, airport officials say the changes have cut SFO’s maximum arrival capacity from 54 flights per hour to 36—a roughly 33% drop.

United Airlines reportedly accounts ​for about half of the passenger traffic at San Francisco. Anadolu via Getty Images

Operational Impact

Airport estimates indicate the capacity reduction could leave about 25% of arriving flights delayed by 30 minutes or more. "Approximately one-third of all flights at SFO experienced a delay in April and May," an SFO spokesperson told The California Post. The FAA says it is "exploring ways to safely increase the airport arrival rate," according to a posted statement.

Traveler Experience

Passengers and airline staff have documented long lines, missed connections and crowded terminals on social media. "SFO is unusable for regional flights since the FAA shut down the parallel runway. Avoid at all costs. I commute weekly. Trust me," wrote Kate Rouch on X. Michael Colbruno posted on X with a photo of the United Airlines check-in area: "The lines are wrapped around the terminal and no customer agents to direct anyone. It is total chaos." Local forums also reflect mounting frustration from travelers.

FAA: "We are exploring ways to safely increase the airport arrival rate."

What Comes Next

Airport leaders warn that even after runway repaving finishes this fall, arrival rates may remain lower because the FAA has permanently eliminated the side-by-side landing procedure at SFO for safety reasons. SFO officials say they are working with the FAA and airlines to mitigate delays and improve operations while prioritizing safety.

Tips For Travelers

• Check your flight status before leaving for the airport and sign up for airline alerts.
• Allow extra time for connections and ground-side processing.
• If impacted by delays or cancellations, contact your airline about rebooking or compensation options.

SFO and the FAA continue to coordinate on measures to restore higher arrival rates safely; passengers are advised to plan for potential disruptions through the fall.