Palm Springs airport expansion plan approved, paving way for doubled capacity

The Palm Springs City Council unanimously approved a conceptual development plan for Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) Thursday, setting the stage for a major expansion that could double the facility’s passenger capacity by 2042.

The approval as granted at the council’s regular meeting Thursday evening and follows months of public meetings and feedback. It includes a new hybrid Rental Car Center (RCC) and additional gates, laying lays out a vision for the airport’s growth over the next two decades.

Executive Director Harry Barrett, Jr. hailed the decision as a “bold step forward” for the airport.

“We’re laying the groundwork for thoughtful, community-focused growth while ensuring the airport reflects the values of Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley,” Barrett said in a statement released after the vote.

The approved plan features a single-story RCC with two sub-surface levels, to be located north of the terminal adjacent to baggage claim. This design aims to consolidate rental car operations while maintaining the airport’s reputation for walkability and convenience.

Before construction can begin, the airport must complete an environmental analysis under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). This study, expected to take 12 to 18 months, will evaluate potential environmental impacts of the proposed changes.

Following CEQA approval, detailed design work and financial analysis will commence. If all steps proceed as planned, construction could start by 2027 or 2028, with initial terminal expansions potentially ready for use by the early 2030s.

The first phase of development includes construction of seven new gates, the rental car center, a Federal Inspection Station to facilitate international travel, and an expanded baggage claim area.

PSP served over 3.2 million passengers in 2024, and projections estimate this number could reach 6.4 million by 2042. The master plan aims to ensure the airport can accommodate this growth responsibly while preserving its unique midcentury modern aesthetic.

Development of the master plan, which began in July 2022, involved extensive community engagement. The process included nearly 40 outreach presentations to various stakeholders and three public open houses that welcomed over 350 attendees.

Community feedback played a crucial role in shaping the final plan. Concerns about preserving the iconic Wexler terminal and ensuring walkability directly influenced the creation and selection of the hybrid RCC option.

The Airport Commission unanimously endorsed the conceptual development plan and hybrid RCC before the City Council’s approval, reflecting broad consensus on the vision for PSP’s future.

While the master plan outlines the size, scale, and location of airport components, it does not include specific design details or funding plans. These elements will be developed in later stages, with opportunities for public input throughout the process.

Barrett emphasized the airport’s commitment to ongoing community engagement.

“Public participation remains a cornerstone of the planning process,” he said. “There will be opportunities for community members to provide feedback on the design and implementation of proposed projects.”

The approved plan balances functionality with aesthetics, aiming to meet the region’s growing needs while maintaining PSP’s character as a convenient, passenger-friendly airport.

The hybrid RCC design allows for phased development, with initial construction addressing immediate needs and the potential for future expansion if demand continues to grow.

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