Airport commission updates Palm Springs International projects; resident urges city review of FAA flight‑path changes

Commissioner Kevin Weisman reported to the Palm Desert City Council on June 25 that Palm Springs International Airport is seeing steady passenger growth and is pursuing master‑plan projects but is currently in a financial feasibility phase. He listed recent customer‑experience improvements such as art installations and upcoming EV chargers, and said the airport plans to close escalators in August for about two months to replace dated equipment and minimize disruption before the fall season.

Airport staffer "Jake" answered logistics questions about the escalator timing and interim passenger assistance (staff at the bottom of escalators, elevators available). Weisman cautioned airlines' route and frequency decisions are influenced by jet fuel prices and other headwinds, which could affect near‑term growth.

In non‑agenda public comment, Todd Spitzer urged the City Council to agendize a public briefing on the airport master plan, FAA flight‑path changes and projected passenger growth. Spitzer asserted Palm Springs Airport currently serves about 3 million annual passengers and said Indian Wells had retained an outside law firm to seek flight‑path adjustments; he asked that Palm Desert consider the noise and flight‑path implications publicly.

Council did not take immediate action on the request but the remarks were entered into the record; staff and commissioners noted the master plan is at a financial feasibility stage and that any large master‑plan projects will require extended planning and environmental review processes.