Travel

Palm Springs International Airport Has Strong Pandemic Rebound

Airport officials did not expect passenger numbers to rebound to pre-pandemic levels until 2023, but since June the airport has set records.

Palm Springs International Airport
Palm Springs International Airport (Renee Schiavone/Patch)

PALM SPRINGS, CA — Palm Springs International Airport surpassed its all-time passenger record for the month of December, the seventh straight monthly record broken, officials announced Monday.

The total passenger count for December was 276,527, an 8.6 percent increase from the previous record set in December 2018, according to officials. The total passenger count for the entirety of 2021 was 2,092,943, an increase of 67 percent compared to 2020.

Airport officials did not expect passenger numbers to rebound to pre-pandemic levels until 2023, but since June, the airport has set passenger records each month.

Find out what's happening in Palm Desertfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

PSP officials attributed the streak of records to more year-round flights, more airlines at the airport and decreasing fares.

"PSPs route growth has created greater access for locals who were asking for more flight options," said Harry Barret, interim executive director of aviation. "It is also revealing opportunities for our region. We are astounded by the record passenger numbers we've experienced, and we're eager to work toward translating those numbers into job opportunities and economic progress for our community."

Find out what's happening in Palm Desertfor free with the latest updates from Patch.