A321
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
ATC Issue All Types; Conflict Ground Conflict; Less Severe
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Executed Go Around / Missed Approach
Procedure
While flying a visual approach to runway 28R at SFO; Tower cleared an aircraft for takeoff from the crossing runways. The Tower asked us to slow to final approach speed; but we were already at final approach speed. The Tower then told us to go around. A normal go-around was flown followed by vectors to an ILS 28R. We were vectored only 3 miles behind the next landing aircraft. The aircraft in front was asked to expedite exiting the runway. They seemed to be confused by the request and failed to exit the runway in a timely manner. The Tower then told us to make another go-around. A normal go-around was flown followed by an ILS to 28R with a normal landing.I feel this event was caused by ATC pushing the limits of the volume of traffic they can safely handle; coupled with poor judgment of the Tower Controller; as well as the tight vectoring and separation provided by the Approach Controller.Suggestions - Review and training needs to be provided to ATC of realistic separation for landing aircraft as well as proper spacing when clearing aircraft to depart from crossing runways.
A321 pilot reported executing two ATC-directed go-arounds at SFO; and expressed concern that SFO controllers were attempting to maximize operations at the expense of safety.