Palm Springs International Airport drives $2.5B boost for Coachella Valley

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Key Takeaways

• Palm Springs International Airport generated $2.5 billion economic output and supported 18,377 jobs in fiscal year 2024.
• The 2025–2029 expansion plan will add over 9,800 jobs and $1.8 billion in economic output.
• 98% of airport’s economic benefits remain within Riverside County, supporting local families and businesses.

Palm Springs International Airport Powers Coachella Valley’s Economic Growth

A new 2025 Economic Impact Study, released on May 22, 2025, confirms that Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) is not just a travel hub—it’s a major economic engine for the Coachella Valley and the surrounding region. The study shows that in Fiscal Year 2024, PSP contributed $2.5 billion in total economic output and supported 18,377 jobs across Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. This news has quickly become a focus for local leaders, business owners, and residents, highlighting the airport’s growing role in the region’s prosperity.

Palm Springs International Airport drives $2.5B boost for Coachella Valley

Airport’s Economic Impact: Billions in Output, Thousands of Jobs

The 2025 Economic Impact Study provides clear numbers that show just how important Palm Springs International Airport is for the local economy:

$2.5 billion in total economic output in Fiscal Year 2024
18,377 jobs supported, with 61% directly tied to visitor activity
$864 million in wages paid to workers
$1.5 billion in value added to the local economy (similar to GDP)
$382 million in tax revenue for local, county, state, and federal governments
Over $1.1 billion in visitor spending directly linked to PSP travelers
98% of economic benefits remain within Riverside County

These numbers make it clear: the airport is a key driver of economic activity, not just for travelers, but for everyone who lives and works in the Coachella Valley.

Why the Airport Matters: More Than Just Flights

Palm Springs International Airport is much more than a place to catch a plane. It’s a source of jobs, a boost for local businesses, and a magnet for tourists. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the airport’s impact goes far beyond its runways and terminals.

Supporting Local Jobs and Wages

The airport supports 18,377 jobs in the region. These jobs include:

Airport staff (security, maintenance, administration)
– Airline employees (pilots, flight attendants, ground crew)
Hospitality workers (hotels, restaurants, shops)
Transportation providers (taxis, shuttles, rental cars)
Construction and maintenance crews

61% of these jobs are directly tied to visitor activity, meaning that tourism is a huge part of the airport’s economic power. The wages paid to these workers—$864 million in total—help families, support local spending, and keep the economy strong.

Boosting Local Businesses

When travelers arrive at Palm Springs International Airport, they spend money on hotels, restaurants, shops, and attractions. In Fiscal Year 2024, over $1.1 billion in visitor spending was directly linked to PSP travelers. This spending supports small businesses, creates more jobs, and helps the entire community thrive.

Generating Tax Revenue

The airport’s activity generates $382 million in tax revenue for local, county, state, and federal governments. This money helps pay for schools, roads, public safety, and other important services.

Keeping Money Local

One of the most important findings from the Economic Impact Study is that 98% of the airport’s economic benefits stay within Riverside County. This means that nearly every dollar spent at the airport or by its visitors helps local families, businesses, and public programs.

Expansion Plans: Preparing for the Future

Palm Springs International Airport is not standing still. In early 2025, the Palm Springs City Council unanimously approved a $2.2 billion airport expansion master plan. This plan sets the stage for major improvements over the next 20 years, including:

Doubling passenger capacity by 2042
Adding new gates to handle more flights
Building a hybrid Rental Car Center
Constructing a new concourse and Federal Inspection Station for international flights

The airport’s 2025-2029 Strategic Plan, released in January 2025, outlines priorities in people and culture, operational excellence, partnerships, infrastructure, and sustainability. This plan shows a commitment to both economic growth and community values.

Future Economic Impact

The planned expansion is expected to bring even more benefits:

Over 9,800 new jobs to be created
$641 million in future labor income
$1.8 billion in additional economic output
$253 million in new tax revenue

These projections show that the airport’s growth will continue to power the region’s economy for years to come.

Voices from the Community: Leaders and Stakeholders Speak Out

The airport’s importance is recognized by leaders across the region.

Harry Barrett, Jr., Executive Director of Aviation, said, “This study demonstrates how deeply PSP is woven into the economic fabric of our community. The airport powers opportunity for thousands of people every single day by creating jobs, supporting small businesses, and drawing visitors who sustain the hospitality industry.”

Palm Springs Mayor Ron deHarte called the airport “a cornerstone of long-term economic growth” and said it is vital to shaping “a stronger, more connected region.”

Both the Palm Springs City Council and the Airport Commission have unanimously supported the airport’s expansion and strategic plans, showing broad agreement and community support.

How the Airport Helps Different Groups

The economic benefits of Palm Springs International Airport reach many different groups in the Coachella Valley.

For Workers and Families

The airport provides thousands of jobs, from entry-level positions to skilled careers. These jobs offer steady income and benefits, helping families build better lives.

For Local Businesses

Hotels, restaurants, shops, and service providers all benefit from the steady stream of visitors who arrive through PSP. Many small businesses rely on airport travelers for a large part of their income.

For Tourists and Visitors

The airport makes it easy for people to visit the Coachella Valley, whether they are coming for festivals, golf, hiking, or just to relax. This keeps the region’s tourism industry strong.

For Local Government

Tax revenue from airport activity helps fund important public services, making the community safer and more attractive for residents and visitors alike.

Community Engagement: Listening to the People

The airport’s leaders know that big changes need community support. That’s why the 2025-2029 Strategic Plan was developed with input from many different groups:

Nearly 40 outreach presentations were held
Three public open houses gave residents a chance to ask questions and share ideas
Over 350 people attended these events and provided feedback

This process ensures that the airport’s growth reflects the needs and values of the community.

Step-by-Step: How the Expansion Will Happen

The airport’s expansion will take place in several stages:

Planning: Experts and community members work together to set priorities and design improvements.
Approval: The City Council and Airport Commission review and approve the master plan.
Public Input: Residents and stakeholders can attend meetings and share their thoughts.
Design and Funding: Specific projects are designed, and funding is secured.
Construction: New facilities are built in phases, with updates shared along the way.
Ongoing Engagement: The public can continue to provide input as the project moves forward.

This step-by-step approach helps make sure the expansion meets the needs of everyone in the Coachella Valley.

Sustainability and Community Values

Growth is important, but so is protecting the environment and the character of the community. The airport’s leaders have made sustainability a top priority in their strategic plan. This means:

Using energy-efficient designs and materials
Reducing waste and pollution
Supporting public transportation options
Protecting local wildlife and natural resources

By focusing on sustainability, the airport aims to grow in a way that benefits both people and the planet.

The Airport’s History: From Regional Facility to Economic Powerhouse

Palm Springs International Airport has come a long way over the past decade. Once a small regional airport, PSP has grown into a major gateway for the Coachella Valley. Record-breaking passenger growth has driven the need for expanded services and infrastructure.

As the region’s reputation as a top tourist destination has grown, so has the airport’s economic impact. Visitor spending and job creation are closely linked to airport activity, making PSP a key part of the area’s success.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Palm Springs International Airport?

The future looks bright for PSP and the Coachella Valley. Over the next decade, the airport will add:

A new concourse to handle more flights and passengers
A Federal Inspection Station to expand international service
A new rental car center for easier access to transportation

These projects are expected to create nearly 10,000 new jobs and generate $1.8 billion in additional economic output. Ongoing public meetings will give residents a chance to help shape these changes.

The airport’s leaders are also committed to making sure growth is managed responsibly, with a strong focus on sustainability and community values.

Practical Guidance for Stakeholders

If you’re a resident, business owner, or community leader in the Coachella Valley, here’s what you can do:

Stay Informed: Visit the official Palm Springs International Airport website to read the full Economic Impact Study and learn about upcoming projects.
Get Involved: Attend public meetings and share your ideas about the airport’s future.
Support Local Businesses: Choose local hotels, restaurants, and shops when you travel or host visitors.
Watch for Job Opportunities: As the airport expands, new jobs will become available in many fields.

Official Resources and Where to Learn More

For more information about Palm Springs International Airport, its economic impact, and future plans, you can visit:

These resources provide up-to-date, reliable information for anyone interested in the airport’s role in the community.

Conclusion: A Foundation for Prosperity

The 2025 Economic Impact Study leaves no doubt: Palm Springs International Airport is a foundation of the Coachella Valley’s economy. With billions in economic output, tens of thousands of jobs, and a clear plan for future growth, the airport is set to remain a key driver of prosperity for years to come.

Leaders, business owners, and residents are united in their support for the airport’s expansion and commitment to sustainability. As the region continues to grow, Palm Springs International Airport will play a central role in connecting people, creating opportunities, and building a stronger, more vibrant community.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, the airport’s story is one of partnership, progress, and promise—a true cornerstone for the Coachella Valley’s future.

Learn Today

Economic Output → The total value of goods and services produced due to airport activities in one fiscal year.
Fiscal Year → A 12-month period used for accounting and reporting financial results, here 2024 for the study.
Visitor Activity → Economic actions and spending by travelers that directly generate jobs and income locally.
Federal Inspection Station → Facility at airports for customs and immigration processing of international travelers.
Expansion Master Plan → A strategic document outlining development projects and infrastructure improvements over a set timeframe.

This Article in a Nutshell

Palm Springs International Airport drives Coachella Valley’s economy with $2.5 billion output and 18,377 jobs in 2024. Its $2.2 billion expansion plan aims to double capacity, create nearly 10,000 jobs, and promote sustainability, ensuring continued regional growth and community benefits through 2042 and beyond.
— By VisaVerge.com