Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) generated approximately $2.6 billion in economic output and supported more than 16,000 jobs in the Coachella Valley last year, according to a recent economic impact study commissioned by the airport itself.
Victoria Carpenter, interim executive director of aviation at PSP, stated that the airport is more than just a gateway. She described it as "one of the Coachella Valley’s most important economic engines," noting that continued investment in the airport's future helps fuel local jobs, businesses, and long-term opportunities across the region.
The study identified three primary sources for the airport's economic activities: direct airport services, capital investments, and visitor spending.
Airport services, which encompass a range of operations including airlines, concessionaires, rental car companies, and various government agencies operating within the airport, were responsible for a substantial portion of the impact. These services alone supported 6,223 jobs and generated $1 billion in economic output throughout the past year.
Visitor spending emerged as the largest contributor to the overall economic impact. This category includes expenditures from both commercial service and general aviation visitors to the area. Officials highlighted that the $1.5 billion generated from visitor spending supported 10,082 jobs across the region. This financial influx directly benefits a wide array of local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, retailers, transportation providers, and other service-oriented establishments throughout the Coachella Valley.
In addition to the ongoing services and visitor activity, the airport also made significant capital investments. Last year, airport officials invested $47.2 million into various capital improvements. These projects, while focused on infrastructure and development, also had a direct economic effect, supporting 294 jobs and generating $59 million in output.
Palm Springs Mayor Naomi Soto underscored the human element of these figures, saying the numbers reflect "thousands of people whose livelihoods are connected to PSP." She added that the airport's growing impact translates into new employment opportunities for residents, increased business for local establishments serving visitors, and facilitates the movement of a remote workforce flying in and out for business purposes.
The findings illustrate the airport's far-reaching economic presence, extending beyond its runways and terminals to affect employment and business vitality across the wider Coachella Valley community.
