Sacramento International Gets a Parking Upgrade: What's Coming to SMF Before Thanksgiving

Sacramento County’s airports are in the middle of a transformation. The crown jewel of this $1.4 billion modernization effort is a new parking garage at Sacramento International Airport that’s opening before Thanksgiving 2026. Built by a local woman-owned business, this isn’t just another concrete structure. The garage is designed to look like an orchard, complete with fruit imagery and the names of project participants incorporated into the design. It more than doubles parking capacity, and it’ll feature real-time parking space indicators so you can actually find an open spot without driving in circles.

But parking is just the start. SMF is adding up to six new gates at Terminal B to bring more flight options to Sacramento. The airport has installed smart curbside camera systems to manage drop-off traffic more efficiently, and they’ve brought in new local restaurants and shops in both terminals. By 2030, a $480 million consolidated rental car facility will open, eliminating the hassle of shuttling between different pickup locations. The airport is also planning significant improvements to international customs facilities to support direct international flights into Sacramento. These changes reflect the county’s commitment to making SMF a more convenient and enjoyable hub for regional travelers.

The modernization isn’t without challenges. Sacramento Executive Airport in Land Park faces an uncertain future with Aviator’s Restaurant, a 30-year-old institution, closed indefinitely due to serious structural damage discovered during inspections. Department of Airports Director Cindy Nichol indicated repairs could take years. Despite this setback, the broader airport modernization signals the county’s long-term vision. The airport is currently soliciting public feedback on its 20-year Master Plan, so if you have thoughts on Sacramento’s aviation future, now’s the time to weigh in. What aspect of the airport improvements matters most to you as a Sacramento traveler?