Super Bowl procedures in effect at many California airports
Flying general aviation in the San Francisco Bay Area through February 10, 2026? If your intended destination is on the FAA’s list of airports implementing Super Bowl procedures, you’re strongly encouraged to contact the airport or FBO to ensure space, confirm requirements, and learn about any special event fees you may incur.
During this period, a prior permission required (PPR) program will be in effect. The PPR applies to all visual flight rules and instrument flight rules arrivals, departures, and drop-and-go operations. The FAA does not administer PPR reservations, these are handled at the local level and pilots are instructed to review specific notams at their destination airport and contact the FBO or airport authority before departure.
Because of the expected high traffic volume and specialized procedures, pilots who are not operating under instrument clearances should expect limited air traffic control services and delays. Flight following and traffic advisories will continue to be provided on a workload-permitting basis only.
AOPA continues to receive multiple complaints regarding these “special event” fees. While AOPA understands that the cost of providing additional services may increase during special events, any associated fees should be limited to recovering those actual costs. These fees should not impose economic discrimination on aircraft operators seeking to use airport facilities that are funded and maintained with public dollars.
At airports like Watsonville, for example, VFR pilots who have not received a PPR slot will likely be denied ATC services. Non-based aircraft requiring services at Watsonville must acquire a PPR authorization and an assigned timeslot to arrive and depart. Transient traffic will be charged a $500 fee for the slot or a $250 security fee, or both. Pilots who did not receive a slot will incur a $250 security fee.
At San Carlos, IFR slots are limited to two per hour and are often fully assigned well in advance.
Santa Clara County Airports Manager Scott Riddle said, “Based on our experience with Super Bowl 50 and other large-scale events, we anticipate a modest increase in aircraft activity compared to larger airports outside the Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) that can accommodate bigger aircraft. We expect at least one operator to ferry passengers from other airports, and our primary focus is ensuring pilots plan ahead, particularly because our airports do not provide 100LL fuel. Jet A service must be coordinated through San Jose Fuel. The FAA has provided one IFR arrival and one IFR departure slot per hour. Our team is preparing for an influx by maximizing transient parking and, if necessary, closing a runway. Feedback from tenants and industry professionals suggest Reid-Hillview will not see significant impact beyond TFR and FAA-managed air traffic considerations.”
On February 8, a TFR will be in effect from 2:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. local time and will consist of a 30-nautical-mile outer ring and a 10-nm inner core.
