Palm Springs Int’l Airport to host Master Plan Open House

This week, local residents had the chance to voice their opinions about new changes coming to the Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) at a Master Plan Open House.

According to Harry Barrett, Jr., the Executive Director of PSP, the public open house gave residents the opportunity to hear about the progress made during the master planning process and to provide feedback. 

“Community is vital to the airport's growth, and no airport is successful without having a community behind it," said Harry Barrett, Jr.

Residents heard about short-term and long-term improvements at the airport including a planned five-story rental facility, expanded parking and baggage claim areas, solar panels, transportation advancements and more. 

Some residents in attendance shared their concerns about air traffic due to the airport's plan to go from 19 to 34 gates to accommodate an increase in passengers.

“I'm concerned that they'll expand the hours at the airport so that the noise has become even more intrusive during evening hours and during the early morning hours," said Paul Zak.

Palm Springs Mayor Jeffrey Bernstein said that the airport is carefully considering the plans to expand the airport to reflect the valley's growth.

“Our airport has served us well for 60 years. But we're seeing our whole economy, everything changed in a very positive sense. We have more visitors, people who live here are traveling more, we have new businesses in the area. So we need an airport that really serves those needs," said Mayor Bernstein.

The next two Master Plan Open House sessions will be hosted in the fall of 2024.