Updated Feb. 3, 2025
Super Bowl LX will take place at 3:30 p.m. (PST) on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, CA. The following information has been gathered by NBAA’s Air Traffic Services team to assist business aircraft operators planning their trips in and out of the San Francisco Bay area during the days surrounding the event.
Slot Reservation Program
Due to the high volume of flights anticipated immediately preceding and following Super Bowl LX, a slot reservation program has been instituted for arrivals and departures (including drop-and-goes) to and from selected airports in the region from Wednesday, Feb. 4, through Monday, Feb. 9. There are exceptions for regularly scheduled air carriers and air taxi operations (including flights operating under Title 14, Chapter II, Subchapter D, Part 380), as well as law enforcement and public safety flights, but a vast majority of general aviation flights will be required to obtain slot reservations.
Each FBO among the slot-controlled airports has been given an allocation of times from their respective airport directors per the FAA’s established hourly arrival and departure rates. Because of parking constraints, drop-and-go reservations may be the only choice for some or all of the San Francisco Bay Area airports once long-term/overnight parking reaches capacity. The slot system requires these types of flights to obtain reservations for both the inbound and outbound segments. VFR flights are not exempt and are required to obtain reservations.
NBAA also recommends that operators call ahead to FBOs before departure to confirm services, particularly when traveling to areas impacted by specific, event-related requirements. Key checks include ensuring fuel availability, verifying fees and services, including for parking, ground handling and other support.
The following airports are included in the slot program:
- SFO – San Francisco International Airport
- OAK – Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport
- SJC – Norman Y Mineta San Jose International Airport
- MRY – Monterey Regional Airport
- SNS – Salinas Municipal Airport
- HWD – Hayward Executive Airport
- SQL – San Carlos Airport
- PAO – Palo Alto Airport
- NUQ – Moffett Federal Airfield
- RHV – Reid-Hillview Airport of Santa Clara County
- SCK – Stockton Metro Airport
- WVI – Watsonville Municipal Airport
- APC – Napa County Airport
- CCR – Buchanan Field Airport
- LVK – Livermore Municipal Airport
- CVH – Hollister Municipal Airport
Airports in the surrounding area that are not included in the slot program will likely experience an increase in traffic as well, and flight operators are highly encouraged to secure parking as soon as possible.
Airports with Extended Hours
In order to help accommodate the departure push at the end of the game, the following airports will be operating extended hours as follows:
| Airport | Sunday, Feb. 8 | Monday, Feb. 9 |
|---|---|---|
| SJC | — | 0000-0200 PST / 0600-2359 PST |
| LVK | 0700-2359 PST | 0600-2100 PST |
| HWD | 0700-2300 PST | 0600-2100 PST |
FAA Initiatives
Airspace volume will likely challenge ATC’s ability to deliver flights to the regional airports, and crews should anticipate the possibility of a variety of air traffic management initiatives. Additionally, any poor weather conditions will amplify the issue and exponentially increase the likelihood that any of the following air traffic management strategies will be employed to keep demand levels reasonable:
- Ground Delay Programs (GDP)
- Airspace Flow Programs (AFP)
- Ground Stops (GS)
- Time Based Metering (TBM)
- Miles-in-Trail / Minutes-in-Trail Restrictions (MIT/MINIT)
- Airborne Holding
Required Route Structures for Arrivals and Departures
From Wednesday, Feb. 4 until Tuesday, Feb 10, IFR aircraft arriving and departing the San Francisco Bay Area should file and expect to be routed in accordance with the FAA’s Required Routes section within the Domestic Notice.
Review the FAA’s Super Bowl LX Traffic Management Procedures
Since weather is often a factor in available routing options, please reference the FAA’s Current Reroutes page for any daily updates on what to file.
Special Event TFR Prohibiting General Aviation Operations
Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) NOTAM 6/9552 has been published for Super Bowl LX. A 10 nautical mile ring centered near the Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, CA will prohibit general aviation flight operations at RHV, PAO, NUQ, and SJC from 1430 PST (2230z) until 2030 PST (0430z/9) on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026. The only exception is for SJC departures that follow the TSA screening and gateway procedures stipulated in the NOTAM.
To arrange TSA departure screening out of SJC during the TFR effective time, operators must first secure a departure reservation through either Signature Aviation or Atlantic Aviation. After obtaining a departure reservation, a screening appointment must be set up at least 24 hours prior to departure time by calling the TSA at 408-961-0385 or 408-961-0386.
FAA and FBI Announce Strict ‘No Drone Zones’
The FAA and FBI have designated Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara and major portions of downtown San Francisco as “No Drone Zones” for Super Bowl LX to ensure the safety and security of the event. These strict TFRs begin on Feb. 3, 2026, targeting high-profile San Francisco locations like the Moscone Center and the Ferry Building, before expanding to a 30-nautical-mile radius around the stadium on game day, Feb. 8. In a coordinated effort, the FBI will use specialized technology to detect and mitigate unauthorized drone activity, and officials have warned that operators who violate the restricted airspace face severe consequences, including drone confiscation, federal criminal charges and civil fines of up to $75,000. Review the FAA and FBI announcement.
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.