Palm Springs Airport breaks ground on nearly $94 million baggage system

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) -Palm Springs International Airport broke ground on its new $93.6 million outbound baggage handling system designed to triple its baggage processing capacity.

City, airport, federal, state, and project leaders gathered Tuesday morning for the ceremony. The project is supported by more than $66.5 million in federal funding, covering over 70% of the total cost.

"Palm Springs International Airport is one of our community's greatest assets and an important economic engine for the entire Coachella Valley," said Palm Springs Mayor Naomi Soto. "The replacement of the baggage handling system is an investment that will strengthen and increase the airport's capacity, as well as ensure PSP remains a welcoming, convenient place to travel for generations to come."

The project will help PSP keep pace with growing passenger demand. Airport spokesperson Jake Ingrassia says the current system can process only about half the number of bags the airport needs to handle.

"Most passengers never see what happens to their luggage after check-in, but our baggage handling system is essential to keeping the airport moving," said PSP Interim Executive Director Victoria Carpenter. "Our existing system was built for a much smaller airport. This project gives PSP the capacity and technology to meet today's demand while preparing for the future."

The new system will increase capacity and improve reliability over the next 15 years. The airport expects to complete construction in late 2028.

To maintain normal airport operations and minimize disruptions to passengers during construction, PSP will transition baggage screening to a temporary facility while the permanent system is built.

For more information and construction updates, visit ProgressPSP.com.

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