Santa Monica Airport Closure Confirmed for 2028 Despite JSX Charter Service Interest

The Santa Monica Airport stands at the crossroads of federal aviation law, local community interests, and evolving commercial aviation operations. In September 2025, the City of Santa Monica reaffirmed its commitment to close the historic airport by December 31, 2028, even as JSX, a prominent charter Airlines, seeks to establish new service there. This decision is the culmination of decades-long legal battles, reflecting broader tensions between urban development and the aviation industry’s needs in densely populated metropolitan regions.

The closure of Santa Monica Airport (SMO) is not only a local issue but also a significant case study in how communities, regulatory agencies, and private enterprises interact over the future of valuable urban land. The outcome will shape the city’s landscape, public health outcomes, economic prospects, and set a precedent for similar Airports nationwide.

As the city moves forward with its ambitious plans to convert the airport into a “Great Park,” the process highlights the challenges and opportunities inherent in transforming legacy infrastructure to meet contemporary community needs.

Historical Context and Aviation Legacy

Santa Monica Airport, originally known as Clover Field, has played a pivotal role in both local and national aviation history. Officially recognized as a commercial airport in April 1923, it quickly became a hub for innovation and industry. The airport gained early fame as the departure and arrival point for the first aerial circumnavigation of the globe in 1924, an achievement that solidified its place in aviation lore.

The facility’s name change in 1927 from Clover Field to Santa Monica Airport marked the city’s assertion of ownership and foreshadowed decades of tension between municipal control and federal oversight. During the 1930s and 1940s, the airport was home to Douglas Aircraft Company, which developed the revolutionary DC-3 and later the C-47, both of which significantly impacted commercial and military aviation. During World War II, Douglas produced nearly 30,000 aircraft at the site, employing up to 160,000 workers and operating around the clock.

After the war, the airport’s role shifted from manufacturing to general aviation. In 1958, the city’s refusal to extend the runway for Douglas Aircraft led to the company relocating its operations, fundamentally changing the airport’s role in the region. From the late 1970s onwards, the airport became a focal point for political and legal battles involving residents, developers, and government agencies, setting precedents for similar disputes across the country.

“The history of Santa Monica Airport is not just about planes and runways, it’s about the evolving relationship between a city and its residents, and the tension between progress and preservation.”

Legal Framework and Federal Agreements

The legal status of Santa Monica Airport has been shaped by a complex web of federal agreements and decades of litigation. The city’s efforts to close the airport have faced consistent resistance from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which cited federal grant obligations and the Quiet Title Act to argue for continued operation. The FAA’s stance was based on agreements dating back to the 1940s and reinforced by subsequent legal acknowledgments in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s.

The turning point came in January 2017, when the City of Santa Monica and the FAA reached a consent decree. This historic settlement allowed the city to shorten the runway to 3,500 feet (down from 5,000 feet), reducing jet traffic and associated impacts, and set a firm closure date of December 31, 2028. Until then, the city is legally obligated to operate the airport under terms customary for similar general aviation facilities.

The settlement provided clarity for both the aviation community and local residents, balancing federal interests with local demands for change. The runway shortening, completed in December 2017, led to an 81% reduction in jet operations, offering immediate relief to neighboring communities.

The JSX Application and City’s Response

In the final years before the scheduled closure, JSX, a charter airline known for its premium “hop-on” service, has applied to begin operations at Santa Monica Airport. JSX proposes to use environmentally friendly turboprop aircraft and offers a unique model that blends private aviation convenience with the accessibility of scheduled service. The company, founded in 2016, operates 30-seat aircraft and has earned industry recognition for its innovative approach.

Despite JSX’s interest, city officials have made it clear that the airport’s closure date is non-negotiable. Any lease or permit granted to JSX would expire before the end of 2028, and the company would be required to cease operations at that time. The city’s position reflects its commitment to the 2017 consent decree and to the community coalition supporting closure.

As of September 2025, negotiations with JSX are ongoing, but the city’s stance remains firm: no new aviation operations will alter the closure timeline. This approach illustrates the city’s balancing act between fulfilling federal obligations and preparing for the site’s transformation.

“Santa Monica Airport will close at the end of 2028, and nothing about this process with JSX Air changes that fact.” — City Manager, Santa Monica

Environmental and Health Considerations

Environmental and health concerns have been central to the campaign for closing Santa Monica Airport. Studies and community health assessments have identified significant risks associated with continued airport operations, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions.

The airport is a major source of black carbon, ultrafine particles, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), all of which are linked to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, cancer risk, and developmental issues in children. Elevated noise levels from aircraft operations exceed FAA thresholds, leading to hearing loss, psychological distress, and cognitive impacts on children in nearby schools and homes.

Community members have reported daily quality-of-life disruptions, from unbearable noise to concerns over air quality affecting gardens and outdoor activities. The airport’s proximity to residential neighborhoods, schools, and parks amplifies these risks, making environmental justice a key argument for closure.

Community Planning and Conversion Process

The transformation of the airport into a “Great Park” is guided by Measure LC, passed by Santa Monica voters in 2014. This measure restricts future development on the airport land to parks, public open spaces, and recreational facilities. The conversion project encompasses 227 acres, about 4% of the city’s total area, making it one of the most significant urban redevelopment efforts in Southern California.

Sasaki Associates leads the planning process, employing extensive community engagement to shape the park’s design and uses. The project’s guiding principles emphasize ecological restoration, inclusivity, economic sustainability, flexibility, and honoring the site’s layered history, including its indigenous and aviation heritage.

The planning process must also satisfy California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requirements, including an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) that is expected to be completed by mid-2028. Community input is integral to defining the preferred scenario and ensuring the project aligns with residents’ aspirations.

“The airport’s conversion offers an unprecedented opportunity to create a vibrant, accessible, and sustainable new green space for Santa Monica.” — Sasaki Associates, Project Planners

Economic Implications and Revenue Analysis

The economic impact of closing Santa Monica Airport and converting it to park use is multifaceted. The airport currently generates about $20 million annually in revenue through leasing, a significant turnaround from earlier years when it operated at a loss. Since 2015, direct city leasing has replaced aviation landlords, increasing profitability and reducing debt.

Upon closure, airport-generated revenues, currently restricted to the Airport Fund, will become available for broader municipal use, including funding park operations and servicing debt for park construction. The site, now a hub for technology companies such as Snap, is expected to generate even more revenue as commercial leasing restrictions are lifted and more land becomes available for non-aviation uses.

Initial park development will require substantial investment, but the city has already allocated several million dollars for planning and anticipates incremental, phased construction. The underlying land, purchased in the 1920s, is conservatively valued at $2 billion, providing a strong financial foundation for the project.

Opposition and Political Dynamics

The airport’s closure and conversion face organized opposition from aviation interests and segments of the community concerned about potential housing development on the site. In 2014, aviation interests spent nearly $1 million on a ballot measure to keep the airport open, though it was ultimately defeated.

Some residents and advocacy groups support using part of the site for affordable housing, reflecting Santa Monica’s broader housing affordability crisis. Others oppose any housing development, fearing it could lead to luxury apartments and increased density. This division has created new political alignments and could threaten the unity of the coalition that initially supported airport closure.

The risk of competing ballot measures, one for housing, another to keep the airport open, could complicate the conversion process. The financial resources and political experience of aviation interests present a formidable challenge for park and housing advocates alike.

Future Timeline and Implementation Challenges

Successfully closing the airport by the end of 2028 requires the city to complete a series of regulatory and operational steps. The CEQA process and certification of the EIR are critical milestones, expected by June 2028. Federal notification requirements, tenant communications, and decommissioning of aviation facilities must also be carefully managed.

Site remediation, infrastructure conversion, and phased park development present significant technical and financial challenges. Maintaining community engagement and navigating potential legal or political obstacles will be crucial for keeping the project on track.

The project’s incremental approach allows for flexibility but may result in extended construction periods. The city’s commitment to transparency and ongoing public participation will be key to addressing emerging concerns and ensuring the long-term success of the conversion.

Conclusion

The scheduled closure of Santa Monica Airport marks a transformative moment for the city and sets a precedent for urban airport conversions nationwide. The process has been shaped by a unique combination of legal negotiation, community activism, and forward-looking planning. The 2017 consent decree with the FAA ensures regulatory compliance and provides a clear timeline for closure.

The conversion of the airport into a major public park promises significant environmental, health, and economic benefits for Santa Monica. However, the project’s success will depend on maintaining community consensus, overcoming political and financial challenges, and delivering on the promise of a truly inclusive and sustainable urban green space.

FAQ

Q: When will Santa Monica Airport officially close?
A: The airport is scheduled to close on December 31, 2028, as per the 2017 consent decree between the City of Santa Monica and the FAA.

Q: Will JSX or other airlines be able to operate at Santa Monica Airport after 2028?
A: No. Any leases or permits granted to airlines like JSX will expire before the closure date, and all aviation operations must cease by December 31, 2028.

Q: What will happen to the airport land after closure?
A: The site will be converted into a “Great Park” with a focus on public open space, recreation, and ecological restoration, as mandated by Measure LC and the community-driven planning process.

Q: Are there plans to build housing on the airport site?
A: While some groups advocate for affordable housing, Measure LC currently restricts development to parks and recreational uses. Any changes would require voter approval.

Q: How will the city fund the park conversion?
A: Funding will come from existing airport revenues, future leasing opportunities, and potentially municipal bonds or other sources. The project is designed for incremental, phased development based on available funds.

Sources: City of Santa Monica