Santa Monica residents argue historic airport is 'critical' for public safety

Some locals are asking the city to reconsider its planned closure of the airport in late 2028.

1 minute read

May 19, 2026, 8:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Yellow and white small planes on tarmac at Santa Monica Airport.

Planes at the Santa Monica Airport. | Philip Pilosian / Shutterstock

Supporters of the Santa Monica Airport, a small airfield that first opened in 1923, are arguing against its proposed closure in 2028, reports Jocelyn Fiset for KTLA. "Currently, the airport mainly serves private flights and smaller aircraft and acts as a “reliever airport” for the L.A. area. It also has art spaces, event venues and offices on the property, including the 35,000-square foot Barker Hangar."

Residents who oppose the closure say the airport is "a critical asset for our public safety" that could serve as a base of operations in the case of emergencies such as wildfires. "The airport itself sits on 192 acres of land and is roughly two miles from the Pacific Ocean, making up about 3.5% of Santa Monica’s total land area."

The city plans to convert the airport site to multiple uses including public parks, athletic fields and other civic amenities following a public input process. 

Monday, May 11, 2026 in KTLA

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

October 28, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

A car drives through a puddle, making a large splash. Rain pours down.

California plans to bury El Niño’s downpour

If the state plays its cards right, it may be able to store a billion acre-feet of El Niño’s water in aquifers.

October 28, 2026 - Grist

Lake Powell with much of the water evaporated.

Desperate measures: Advocates weigh draining Lake Powell to fill Colorado River

Draining the reservoir could reduce evaporation losses by a couple hundred thousand acre-feet.

October 30, 2026 - Yale Environment 360

: Construction of massive Samsung semiconductor fabrication plant

In Texas, data centers are swallowing promised parkland

Residents who moved to Taylor, Texas for a rural community now have to contend with three data centers in their backyard.

5 hours ago - Inside Climate News

A construction crew working on SunZia.

How a Chicago-sized wind farm beat the odds and powered on

The project spanned five presidential administrations and a standoff with a U.S. military base.

6 hours ago - Grist

A rendering of the basketball court, a green court under a blue sky.

MTA gives itself 30 days to transform pit into basketball court

The site has been under construction since 2022; the city originally estimated it would finish the court in 2024.

7 hours ago - Gothamist