Despite ongoing controversy surrounding scheduled passenger service at Santa Monica Airport, JSX is expanding its operations with new nonstop flights to Oakland beginning this fall.
The public charter carrier announced this week that it will begin offering up to three daily roundtrip flights between Santa Monica Airport and Oakland International Airport starting September 14. Introductory fares begin at $149 each way, with service operated using JSX’s 30-seat ATR 42-600 aircraft.
“Our Customers tell us they want less friction and more speed when they travel within California,” said JSX CEO Alex Wilcox. “This new service between Santa Monica and Oakland is truly California’s high-speed plane. From door-to-door, there’s no faster, more convenient way to go from the west side of Los Angeles to the North Bay than with JSX.”
The new route expands JSX’s growing network from Santa Monica, which already includes service to Burbank, Carlsbad, Las Vegas, and Orange County. Unlike traditional commercial airlines, JSX operates from private terminals, allowing passengers to arrive roughly 20 to 30 minutes before departure while avoiding standard airport terminals.
The expansion comes as the airline remains at the center of one of Santa Monica’s most contentious transportation debates.
Supporters argue JSX provides a valuable regional travel option while generating revenue for the city during the airport’s remaining years before its planned closure at the end of 2028. They point to the convenience of short-haul flights from Santa Monica, particularly for business travelers heading to Northern California and other western destinations.
Opponents counter that scheduled passenger service increases aircraft operations, noise, traffic, and environmental impacts at an airport surrounded by residential neighborhoods. Some neighborhood groups have also argued that expanding commercial service conflicts with the city’s long-term vision for the airport property, which voters approved for conversion into parks, recreation space, and other public uses after aviation operations cease.
The controversy intensified last year when the Santa Monica City Council approved a three-year lease and operating permit allowing JSX to begin scheduled passenger service. City officials maintained the agreement was consistent with the 2017 federal consent decree governing airport operations through 2028 and did not alter the city’s commitment to closing the airport at the end of that year. The decision nevertheless sparked lawsuits and organized opposition from residents concerned about increased aviation activity.
For JSX, however, the Oakland route represents another step in expanding its California network.
“We’re excited to welcome JSX’s new nonstop service between Oakland and Santa Monica, expanding convenient and seamless travel options for our passengers,” said Port of Oakland Director of Aviation Craig Simon. “JSX’s continued growth… enhances connectivity and provides travelers with more flexible, comfortable choices for reaching key destinations.”
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