Originally Posted by
Infinite1K
I would think if there is a need to shift/add capacity, SJC would be a better fit.
For one UA already has an operation there (albeit small) and right now nothing in OAK.
Secondly San Mateo + Santa Clara + San Francisco counties have roughly 3.5M residents, whereas Alameda + Contra Costa is roughly 2.8M. And add the further outlying counties like Marin, Sonoma, and Santa Cruz and SFO+SJC are more desirable for a larger chunk of Bay Area than OAK would be.
There are a variety of reasons OAK has struggled recently, but it is the most centrally-located and most convenient airport for the largest population in the area. The airport notes this in every press release. Corporate demand is higher on peninsula and south bay, but population is not.