Palm Springs airport study finds economic impact tops $2.55 billion
Nearly 97% of the airport’s overall economic impact stayed within the Coachella Valley, the study found, and more than half occurred within the city of Palm Springs.
Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) generated about $2.55 billion in regional economic output last year and supported 16,598 jobs, according to a new economic impact study commissioned by the airport.
The report, prepared by Unison Consulting Inc. and completed in July, found the airport contributed $871 million in labor income and $1.53 billion to the region’s gross domestic product in 2025. It also generated an estimated $175 million in state and local tax revenue, including $103 million for the state and $73 million split among county and sub-county jurisdictions.
Local reporting and journalism you can count on.
Subscribe to The Palm Springs Post
“PSP is more than our community’s gateway to the world. It is one of the Coachella Valley’s most important economic engines,” said Victoria Carpenter, interim executive director of aviation. “As we invest in the airport’s future, we are also fueling jobs, local businesses and long-term opportunity in the Coachella Valley.”
Visitor spending was the largest driver of the airport’s impact, according to the study. Travelers arriving through PSP spent an estimated $1.16 billion in the region, supporting 10,082 jobs and generating nearly $1.5 billion in output. Airport services — airlines, concessionaires, rental car companies and government agencies among them — supported another 6,223 jobs and just over $1 billion in output.
Nearly 97% of the airport’s overall economic impact stayed within the Coachella Valley, the study found, and more than half occurred within the city of Palm Springs, which alone accounted for about 8,500 jobs and $1.32 billion in output.
“These numbers reflect thousands of people whose livelihoods are connected to PSP,” said Palm Springs Mayor Naomi Soto. “The airport’s growing impact means new employment opportunities, local businesses serving our visitors, and a remote workforce flying in and out for business.”
The findings reflect a record year for the airport, which recorded 1.7 million enplanements in 2025 — its highest total on record — and offered nonstop service to 34 destinations in the United States and Canada.
The study also credited the airport’s capital program with supporting economic activity. PSP spent $47.2 million on capital improvements during fiscal year 2025, supporting 294 jobs and generating $59 million in output. The airport is continuing work on a new baggage handling system and is planning a new concourse, international arrival facilities and additional rental car facilities.
The complete 2025 Palm Springs International Airport Economic Impact Study and a one-page summary are available at flyPSP.com/impact.
Author
Related Articles
New Palm Springs airport escalators ready for final inspection, on track to open by month’s end
The Sonny Bono Concourse project aims to cut noise and improve reliability, with a ribbon-cutting celebration expected within weeks.
Palm Springs prepares for strong El Niño with growing CERT ranks
Hundreds of residents have already received emergency training, and demand remains high as the city and volunteer groups brace for possible flooding and other severe weather.
Desert Healthcare District board to gain at least three new members after Nov. 3 election
Board President Kimberly Barraza and longtime Director Carole Rogers are stepping down, and a seat vacated by Greg Rodriguez’s resignation also awaits a new occupant.