One Of California's Coastal Airports Will Be Shutting Down For Good

Santa Monica Airport (SMO), a popular aviation hub on the coast of Southern California, is scheduled to close permanently on December 31, 2028. This is due to a long-running legal and community call to remove the facility from one of the state's most densely populated urban neighborhoods. Consequently, the City of Santa Monica and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reached a settlement known as the "Consent Decree," which finalizes the closure. Under the terms of that agreement, the airport will maintain operations until its 2028 deadline.

Santa Monica officials, as well as residents and community groups, have long argued that the airport creates excessive noise, air pollution, and safety concerns for people living nearby. And this stance is also backed by environmental studies showing high levels of fine airborne particles near the field. Instead, city officials plan to use the space for non-aviation activities. A park and recreational facilities are two proposed alternatives. Santa Monica is already home to Westlake Village, a charming city perfect for a weekend getaway.

Although SMO is not among the oldest operating airports, the call to close it dates back to the 1980s. For years, residents and city leaders insisted that the travel hub no longer made sense in such a crowded, urban area. Some of their complaints included loud jet noise, aircraft emissions, and, most importantly, the risk of accidents near homes. But closing the airport was always going to be a herculean task. And that's because the rules and past agreements with the FAA required the city to keep the facility open. As such, every attempt to limit or shut down the airport's operations has always led to lawsuits and legal challenges, most often from aviation groups or federal agencies.

However, after years of battles and negotiations in court, the breakthrough finally came in January 2017. The settlement with the FAA ended all legal disputes, and a firm closure date was set. Not only that, but the city also succeeded in shortening the runway to limit larger jets. And that signals the airport's eventual, inevitable end.

Once Santa Monica Airport closes in 2028, city leaders already have a plan to convert the land into public space, with parks, green areas, and community facilities reigning supreme. Voters have already given their consent. They have supported keeping the land open and accessible to the public rather than selling it for private development.

Although the closure of Santa Monica Airport will be a major change for the region, supporters believe it's the right call, as it will improve air quality, reduce noise, and give the city a rare chance to make use of the large piece of land to the public's advantage. While critics might be worried about the loss of aviation access, residents can now continue rejoicing after decades of arguments and battles. Who knows, what we know as Santa Monica Airport today may be a future home to California's largest state park.