Here’s an important heads-up for San Carlos Airport pilots. The FAA has issued special air traffic procedures for the week of Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara. These procedures will significantly affect operations at San Carlos Airport (KSQL) and other Bay Area airports.
Please take a few minutes to read this notice and plan ahead. Traffic levels will be much higher than normal, and additional security and reservation requirements will be in effect.
Dates in Effect
The special procedures run from February 4 through February 10, 2026. The reservation (PPR) program window for KSQL operates from Feb 4 (0000 PST) through Feb 9 (2359 PST).
Prior Permission Required (PPR) at KSQL
All arrivals and departures at KSQL will require a reservation through your FBO or the Airport during the event period. This includes drop-and-go operations.
No reservation means you should expect significant delays or possible denial of service. Exemptions apply only to law enforcement, public safety, and scheduled commercial operators — not general aviation.
Action required: Please contact your KSQL FBO as early as possible to secure arrival/departure slots and confirm parking availability.
What to Expect
Traffic levels across the Bay Area will be much higher than normal. VFR arrivals should expect lengthy delays, and nearby airports may have limited or no transient parking.
Training activities such as practice approaches, touch-and-gos, and flight training may be restricted during peak periods to accommodate event traffic.
Security and Airspace Restrictions
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) will be issued near the event. Pilots operating in affected airspace will be required to maintain two-way radio communication and use a discrete transponder code.
NOTAMs may change frequently. Please check NOTAMs before every flight during this period.
IFR Flight Planning Notes
No airborne IFR filings or destination changes will be accepted within 200 NM of the Bay Area (except emergencies). Flight plans should be filed at least four hours before departure, and ATC will enforce special routing for Bay Area arrivals and departures.
Recommended Pilot Actions
- Reserve KSQL arrival and departure slots early.
- Confirm overnight parking availability well in advance.
- Check NOTAMs daily in the week leading up to the event.
- Plan alternates and extra fuel in case of airborne holding.
- Avoid nonessential training flights during peak event dates.
For more Information:
The full FAA notice and updates are available at:
https://www.faa.gov/superbowl
Thanks for your cooperation in keeping operations safe and orderly during this high-traffic event.
