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Sacramento International Airport (SMF) has reached an all-time high. Over 20 months of consecutive growth in passengers have seen SMF establish itself as one of the fastest-growing regional airports in the United States.
According to a recent Sacramento County report, July 2025 was the busiest month ever for the airport, with more than 1.3 million passengers traveling through its terminals. This is a 3.3%-point improvement over July 2024, and it comes after an all-time high in June.
This continued expansion is an indication of the increased status of Sacramento as a business, tourist, and regional economic hub. We will take a look at the major factors that contributed to this success and how it impacts the local community and economy.
A Record-Breaking Summer Travel Season
The surge in passengers was no accident. Several factors contributed to this historic summer travel season:
1. Expanded Flight Routes
Sacramento International Airport continues to add new nonstop routes to meet demand.
Recent additions include:
- Kansas City (MCI) – Expanding domestic business and leisure travel opportunities.
- Baltimore (BWI) – Connecting Sacramento to the East Coast more directly.
- Anchorage (ANC) – Supporting tourism and travel to Alaska.
- Morelia, Mexico (MLM) - enhancing international relations.
- Puerto Vallarta, Mexico (PVR) – The promotion of leisure traveling.
These new routes make it more accessible and make SMF a critical link between business and leisure travelers.
2. More Carriers and Flight Frequency
SMF now features 202 daily departures offered by 11 different airlines, covering 52 nonstop destinations.
With this expanded network, Sacramento can now compete with larger West Coast airports like San Francisco (SFO) and Los Angeles (LAX), providing travelers with more options without having to deal with crowded terminals or long drives.
3. Strong Regional Demand
The greater Sacramento region has seen rapid population growth and a thriving economy in recent years.
Factors driving demand include:
- A growing tech and healthcare sector is attracting business travel.
- Increased tourism is driven by Northern California’s wine country and outdoor recreation.
- Strong community support for SMF as a convenient alternative to Bay Area airports.
Economic Impact of SMF’s Growth
The ripple effects of SMF’s passenger boom extend well beyond the airport.
Job Creation
With more flights and higher passenger volumes, SMF has become a major source of jobs, including:
- Airline staff and pilots
- TSA and security workers
- Retail, restaurant, and hospitality positions
- Ground transportation and logistics roles
These jobs support both the local economy and the broader Sacramento region.
Boost for Local Businesses
An increase in air travel also benefits surrounding businesses.
- Hotels and resorts see higher occupancy rates.
- Restaurants and entertainment venues experience more foot traffic from visitors.
- Local tourism organizations gain opportunities to market Sacramento as a destination.
Support for Regional Development
SMF’s success also strengthens Sacramento’s position in attracting:
- Business conferences and conventions
- New corporate headquarters
- International investment opportunities
Sacramento can more effectively compete with larger urban centers for economic development projects if it has dependable connectivity.
Challenges of Sustained Growth
While the growth streak is exciting, it comes with challenges that airport leadership must navigate carefully.
1. Infrastructure Expansion Needs
With passenger numbers soaring, SMF must ensure its facilities keep up with demand.
Key considerations include:
- Expanding terminal space to reduce congestion.
- To make room for new routes, more gates should be added.
- Improving the efficiency of baggage handling systems.
2. Sustainability Concerns
Higher flight volumes raise environmental concerns, including:
- Increased carbon emissions.
- Noise pollution in surrounding neighborhoods.
- Greater energy demand for airport operations.
Sacramento County officials are investigating green initiatives like eco-friendly airport operations and investments in renewable energy in an effort to strike a balance between sustainability and growth.
3. Maintaining Passenger Experience
Growth can strain resources, potentially leading to longer lines and delays.
SMF is focusing on:
- Hiring additional staff for TSA and customer service roles.
- Implementing new technology to speed up check-in and security screening.
- Expanding parking and ground transportation options.
How SMF’s Growth Reflects Larger Travel Trends
The success of Sacramento is a part of the larger national recovery of air travel.
- Post-pandemic demand: As individuals resume vacationing and visiting their families, leisure travel has shot up.
- Workforce mobility: Hybrid work models have created more flexibility for travelers to combine business and leisure trips.
- International growth: International travel is recovering at a solid pace as global travel bans are eased.
The 20-month growth streak that Sacramento has experienced indicates that regional airports are becoming a more and more significant part of this recovery.
What Travelers Can Expect in the Coming Months
With record-breaking numbers already in 2025, travelers can expect more exciting developments at SMF.
1. Even More Routes
Airlines are likely to continue adding nonstop flights, particularly to high-demand domestic hubs and popular international vacation spots.
2. Upgraded Facilities
To maintain passenger satisfaction, SMF is expected to invest in:
- Expanded lounges and waiting areas
- Upgraded food and retail options
- Modernized terminal designs with smart technology integration
3. Smarter Travel Technology
Travelers can look forward to innovations like:
- Mobile boarding passes with real-time updates
- Biometric screening for faster security
- AI-powered systems to reduce delays and improve scheduling
Why This Growth Matters to Sacramento Residents
SMF’s success isn’t just about air travel; it’s about building a stronger community.
- Better connectivity makes it easier for families to visit loved ones.
- Economic opportunities emerge because the companies regard Sacramento as a potential business center.
- When the local institutions gain national recognition, then civic pride increases.
The airport development strengthens the image of the city of Sacramento as a progressive city.
Tips for Navigating SMF During Busy Periods
If you’re flying through SMF during this historic growth period, here are a few tips to make your journey smoother:
- Arrive Early- Budget to arrive two hours ahead of domestic flights and three hours ahead of international flights to compensate for longer line.
- Use Mobile Tools – Download airline apps for real-time updates on gate changes and delays.
- Pre-Book Parking– Book parking in advance to ensure it is free at the most significant moments of traveling.
- Use TSA PreCheck or CLEAR - Bypass the security line by joining a faster screening program.
- Check Nonstop Options – With new routes being added regularly, you may now find direct flights to your favorite destinations.
Conclusion: Growth and Opportunity Ahead
The fact that Sacramento International Airport has experienced 20 months of passenger growth is a testimony to the level of activity in the region, the attractiveness of the area as a traveler destination, and the robustness of the business community.
With the growth of SMF, both passengers, and companies are going to enjoy better connectivity and new opportunities.
But the increased travel comes with increased responsibility, particularly in the area of keeping organized with travel expenditures, tax returns, and compliance. That is where a tool such as TaxProNext may come in handy. TaxProNext can save time and prevent expensive errors by automating the process of tracking travel-related costs and tax liabilities, which can benefit frequent travelers and business owners as well as companies and professionals.
Since the air travel industry in Sacramento is soaring to greater heights, TaxProNext makes sure that your financial and tax obligations are taken care of just as efficiently and with the same level of accuracy that SMF delivers to the skies.
