Palm Springs Airport is managing for multi -billion -dollar upgrading

Palm Springs International Airport is beginning an expansion of $ 2.2 billion, now that the Palm Springs City Council approved a project plan.

With its distinctive modern architecture from the middle of the century and an ethereal, open design, the airport has been a landmark of the city since it opened in 1966. The Master Plan approved on January 23 has been trying to keep this character by adding new functions and doubles the numbers to passengers annually.

“Our efforts to modernize are more than simply improving infrastructure – it is about creating an experience that embodies the unique spirit and hospitality of Palm Springs, while supporting the prolonged growth of our economy and tourism industry,” said Mayor of Palm Springs Ron Deumate S

The airport was built for about 1.5 million passengers a year, said airport spokesman Jake Ingasia. Passenger traffic jumped to 3.2 million in 2023 and 2024 and is expected to double to 6.4 million to 2042, as the population and tourism industry in the region is expanding, he said.

The population of Palm Springs has increased by 5% between 2021 and 2024, Dehaharte said, and tourism generates approximately $ 9 billion a year in the Coachel Valley.

Thehe Airport Master Plan Includes numerous projects for adapting increased air traffic. The number of gates will almost double from 18 to 32, and the airport will win the North Constitution, expand its luggage request, build a car rental area and create a federal inspection station to comply with the expansion of international routes S

The airport is now offering flights to and from Canadian airports, which female passengers traveling from the United States, Ingasia said. With the new station the airport can film them.

“Getting a federal inspection station would allow us to be really international, with this processing available here,” he said.

These upgrades would make up the first phase of construction, estimated at $ 754 million. The second phase will add a congregation to the south, a car rental and airport improvement facility, which will lead to a total cost of about $ 2.2 billion. Ingasia said the final price would depend on the design.

“We do not want to see planes delayed on asphalt, overpopulated terminals or travelers, disappointed with waiting times,” Dehate said. “This project will provide the experience that our community and visitors deserve.”

Officials have not yet determined how to pay for it, but they can use private funding, federal grants or bond funding. The airport will analyze the environment next year and a half, start construction in 2027 or 2028 and open the extended terminals in early 2030, airport officials said.

“Investing in transport infrastructure is crucial for attracting a new business, creating jobs and assisting tourism – vital components of our local economy,” said State Senator Rosilisi Ochoa God, who represents the Coachela Valley. “This plan confirms Palm Springs as a leading destination and strengthens the role of our region as an economic center.”

Air traffic at regional airports is immersed after the pandemic, as the main airlines pulled the smaller jets that often served these routes, in favor of larger aircraft intended for urban airports, NPR reportsS

But regional airports seek to attract passengers by expanding international routes. Ontario International Airport aims to compete with LAX with a new international terminal and possible flights to Europe and Japan, San Bernardino Sun reportedS

Palm Springs International Airport is trying to increase its game while keeping its story. The central terminal designed by the famous modernist architect Donald Wexler is included in National Register of Historic PlacesS

“The hope is that the airport will remain within the same modern style of the middle of the century and will preserve the unique charm that people loved,” Ingasia said.