Palm Springs Int’l Airport prepares for future with Master Plan

At a special meeting, the Palm Springs International Airport Commission focused on the airport's future development.

Updates on the airport's Master Plan, which was reviewed by the public back in September, and their 5-Year Capital Plan were reviewed.

At the last Airport Commission meeting on November 15. there was a particular focus on improving outbound and inbound baggage handling, concessions, gate availability and parking.

PSP has grown significantly over the past five years. In 2022, it was named one of the fastest-growing airports in the country. With this in mind, officials are looking to better accommodate the increased passenger activity to increase public space, improve circulation, and accommodate greater bag claim capacity.

Transformation Plan

Ryan Hayes, the Master Plan Project Manager for Palm Springs International Airport, shared details about the airport's upcoming transformation. Two terminal designs, Alternative 1A and Alternative 3, are currently under consideration, promising a significant upgrade to the airport's facilities.

Alternative 1A: Renovation and Expansion:

The first option, Alternative 1A, proposes a major expansion and renovation of existing facilities, including the iconic Wexler Terminal. According to Hayes, "The Wexler terminal is repurposed or renovated and expanded, and the bottom concourse is renovated and expanded."

This alternative features an increase in the number of gates from 20 to 34, an expanded ticketing area, and the addition of a five-story rental car facility. The potential need for additional lanes on Kirk Douglas Way is also being discussed to accommodate the expanded gates.

Alternative 3: Space for Future Possibilities:

Alternative 3 presents a different vision by creating a "blank slate," removing the Wexler building, Bono, and Regional Jet Concourse. This option includes 32 gates, a four-story rental car facility, and the possibility of land acquisition for expanded parking. Unlike Alternative 1A, Alternative 3 does not utilize the Wexler terminal for a terminal function, allowing the community to reimagine its use.

The two alternatives come with different price points, with Alternative 1A estimated at $2.2 billion and Alternative 3 at $2.8 billion. Furthermore, the timelines vary, with Alternative 1A expected to be completed approximately three and a half years from the end of the master plan, while Alternative 3 would take about six years.

The crucial decision on which alternative to pursue lies with the Airport Commissioners, who are set to discuss and vote on December 20. Hayes emphasized, "The city council is going to receive a recommendation from the airport Commission, and the City Council's official role is to make a decision between these two options of renovate versus replace."

Outside of the Master Plan: Ongoing Improvements

Palm Springs International Airport is already in motion with various changes. This includes the addition of 49 new employees, new carpeting, increased gate utilization, and a partnership with Turo, the vehicle-sharing app. Efforts are also underway to enhance challenged baggage handling systems; this has been a concern since at least 2022.

Read previous coverage: $7M PSP baggage system needs replacing after 1 year

However, not all changes have been met without concerns. Palm Desert resident James Riggins reached News Channel 3 with unease about a possible relocation of a 9/11 display from the TSA area, saying, “I felt it was very inappropriate for them to be taking down a memorial,”

In response, the airport issued a statement explaining the move, stating in part, "Amidst PSP's ongoing enhancements, encompassing updates to dining, retail spaces, and various passenger areas, we are respectfully relocating the memorial within the airport."

Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) stands firm in its dedication to honoring fallen heroes and the tireless first responders who serve not just within our airport but in our local community and across the globe. The 9/11 memorial, originally conceived as an annual tribute surrounding the September 11th anniversary, holds profound significance for both our airport and the City of Palm Springs.

Amidst PSP's ongoing enhancements, encompassing updates to dining, retail spaces, and various passenger areas, we are respectfully relocating the memorial within the airport. This move aligns with our approach to other public art, such as statues, sculptures, and memorial tributes, all being carefully relocated. It's important to note that a prominent exhibit will be displayed each September to honor and commemorate the lives lost, emphasizing our enduring respect for their sacrifice. 

This underscores our unwavering commitment to preserving and honoring the memory of these pivotal events and the heroes they represent. As we navigate necessary changes within the airport, we deeply appreciate the steadfast support of our community. We strive to ensure that these memorials remain poignant symbols of remembrance, respect, and resilience for all who pass through our airport gates.

Harry Barrett, Jr., Executive Director, Palm Springs International Airport