Waymo Approved to Test Autonomous Vehicles at San Francisco International Airport
Waymo has secured a critical permit allowing it to begin testing autonomous vehicles (AVs) at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), advancing plans to introduce commercial self-driving ride services at the major transportation hub.
The permit, officially designated as a “Testing and Operations Pilot Permit,” was announced by the San Francisco mayor’s office on September 16, 2025, following several years of negotiations between Waymo and airport authorities. This approval comes shortly after Waymo received clearance to test autonomous vehicles at San Jose Mineta International Airport, highlighting the company’s strategic push to expand autonomous mobility options across key Bay Area airports.
Phased Testing Approach
The permit outlines a structured three-phase rollout. Initially, Waymo will conduct autonomous driving tests with trained safety specialists behind the wheel to monitor operations. The second phase involves testing passenger services limited to Waymo employees and airport staff, allowing the company to refine its service in a controlled environment. The final phase will enable Waymo to offer paid rides to the public, initially operating from the airport’s “Kiss & Fly” area, which connects to terminals via the AirTrain system. Waymo has indicated plans to explore additional pickup and drop-off locations within the airport in the future.
Chris Bonelli, a spokesperson for Waymo, confirmed to TechCrunch that testing is set to begin imminently but did not provide a specific timeline for progression through the phases. He noted that paid ride services will commence on a month-to-month basis as Waymo collaborates with SFO to secure a sustained commercial operations permit.
Context and Competitive Landscape
Waymo has been operating autonomous vehicle services at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport since 2023, marking one of its earliest deployments in airport environments. The San Francisco airport has been a longstanding target for Waymo due to its proximity to the company’s Silicon Valley headquarters and its status as a major international gateway.
Earlier efforts to gain approval at SFO faced resistance, but recent progress—including a permit to begin mapping the airport earlier this year—signaled an improving relationship. The approval also arrives amid competitive pressures, with Tesla actively pursuing similar ride-hailing opportunities at Bay Area airports.
Waymo’s expansion this year includes entry into multiple new metropolitan areas and partnerships with ride-hailing services such as Uber. Its growing presence in Silicon Valley further underscores the strategic importance of integrating airport transportation into its network.
Looking Ahead
As Waymo prepares to launch autonomous rides at SFO, the company’s phased approach will be closely watched by industry stakeholders, regulators, and competitors. The transition from testing to commercial service involves navigating regulatory approvals, operational challenges, and customer adoption hurdles.
Successful integration at SFO could accelerate broader acceptance of autonomous vehicles in complex, high-traffic environments and set a precedent for similar deployments nationwide.
FinOracleAI — Market View
Waymo’s permit approval to test autonomous vehicles at San Francisco International Airport represents a positive development for the company’s commercial expansion in a strategically important market. The phased approach mitigates operational risks while enabling gradual scaling of services. However, regulatory uncertainties and competitive dynamics, notably Tesla’s ambitions, remain key factors to monitor. Successful execution at SFO could reinforce Waymo’s leadership in autonomous mobility and catalyze further partnerships and market growth.
Impact: positive
