If you’ve traveled through Sacramento International Airport (SMF) lately, you’ve probably noticed it feels more crowded than ever. Long TSA lines, full parking garages, and jam-packed gates have become the norm. In fact, June 2025 was the busiest month in the airport’s history, with more than 1.3 million passengers moving through SMF.
That kind of demand shows how important our airport is; not just for vacationers and business travelers, but for Sacramento’s growing role as a hub for commerce and economic opportunity. It also shows why expansion is overdue.
The SMForward program, a $1.3 billion expansion now underway, is the largest upgrade in the airport’s history. Planned improvements include more gates in both Terminal A and Concourse B to handle more flights, a new pedestrian walkway connecting the terminals, expanded parking to reduce congestion in the garages and lots, and streamlined TSA checkpoints to make security faster and less stressful. When completed, these upgrades will make travel more efficient, give airlines more room to expand service, and boost Sacramento’s economy.
One of the most important details: no local tax increases will fund this expansion. Instead, the project is financed through airport revenue, things like parking, concessions, and airline fees, along with federal grants. That means travelers and the airlines that serve them are paying for the improvements, not Sacramento County residents.
Construction on a project of this size is bound to cause some inconvenience in the short term. Airport leaders have committed to keeping travelers informed with updates on designs, timelines, and tips for navigating SMF during construction. I encourage residents to stay engaged and share feedback about the current challenges they experience at the airport. Your voice can help shape priorities and ensure this investment delivers on its promise: a bigger, better, and more efficient Sacramento International Airport.
If you’d like to share your thoughts or concerns about SMF or the SMForward expansion, my office is always open to you. You can reach me at 916-874-5491 or email me at SupervisorRodriguez@saccounty.gov. Your feedback helps shape priorities and ensures Sacramento’s airport grows in a way that truly serves our community.
Rosario Rodriguez authored this community commentary that appears in Folsom Times. Rodriguez is the Sacramento County District 4 Supervisor, which includes the communities of Folsom, Citrus Heights, Orangevale, Antelope, Rio Linda, Elverta, Gold River, Rancho Murieta, North Highlands, Carmichael, Foothill Farms, and Fair Oaks.
