A Refreshed Palm Springs International Airport Is Coming Soon
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You can’t help but smile when Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos go on their nationally televised show and start raving about the Palm Springs International Airport. Kelly can’t get over how great it is to step off the plane and be in the open air while Mark talks about how you can walk in real grass with your dog at the foot of the escalator.
We residents don’t take it for granted; we know we have a unique airport. Apparently, many others do, too, as it has become necessary to expand the facility. The Palm Springs City Council recently approved a master concept and the design process has begun in earnest.
If you book your stay at one of our Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels, you’ll be pleased that the ride from the airport to your place is between five and 15 minutes.
Future plans for the Palm Springs International Airport

Art is on display around the airport, including in the courtyard. Photo: Kathy Condon
Looking ahead, there will be a single floor with two sub floors, space for rental cars, and a special section for hybrid rental vehicles north of the soon-to-be-expanded luggage claim area. Other new additions include seven new gates and a federal inspection station, which will be a welcome addition for international travelers.
Expect to see some construction in the courtyard. As you walk out of security, look to the left. You’ll see the new Las Casuelas Terraza, a Mexican restaurant with a lovely patio. By the way, there are now three of these restaurants in the city, so you know we Palm Springs residents approve.
Recently, a coffee kiosk was added to the left side of the escalator. From a recent line-up at 5 a.m., I predict this will be a staple for the courtyard in the future.
Changes to the South Concourse
Now named the Agua Caliente Concourse, the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians and airport staff are working together to make improvements that will enhance traveler comfort. It will no longer look barren, but instead have a new relaxing lounge area. You can expect to discover state-of-the-art technology workstations — the days of looking for a place to charge your phone are gone. You want to grab a cup of coffee to wake you up? You can get one and a snack at Nine Cities Craft.
Additions to the Palm Springs International Airport entrance and Sonny Bono Concourse

Find your gate and then grab your coffee. Photo: Kathy Condon
If you haven’t been to our airport in a while you’ll be surprised — it has a new look. Right in the center of the gates on the Sonny Bono Concourse is Cactus to Cloud Bar and Restaurant. Here, you can sit and watch people with your favorite drink in hand. Hungry? They also serve light snacks. If you get to the airport before your flying colleagues, it’s a great meeting place. Order one of the shareable plates and watch the smiles. They will appreciate your thoughtfulness.
Other dining spots in the concourse include Santa Rosa Kitchen and Spirits and PSP Self-Serve, where you grab your favorite sandwich and drink and go to one of the comfy, plentiful seats in the open-air area of the concourse.
Need a little retail therapy?
Hey Joshua is a good place to pick up a souvenir of the area or a gift for your pet sitter. They also probably have your favorite chips and candies to feed your hunger pains during the flight. Need new apparel? Check out Las Palmas Oasis, where you can find Palm Springs casual attire. Did you forget to pack a crucial piece of technology for your presentation? You will likely find it at InMotion. Browsing this store to see the latest technology is always fun.
New airline routes added
- PSP to Portland, Oregon, on Alaska. Nonstop, year-round.
- PSP to New York JFK on Delta. Nonstop, seasonal through May 3, 2025.
- PSP to Dulles, Washington D.C., on United. Nonstop.
- PSP to Denver and San Francisco on Frontier. Three times a week.
- PSP to Toronto Pearson Airport on Porter Airlines. Seasonal.
Yes, a lot is going on at our Palm Springs International Airport. The number of arrivals keeps growing, and we are pleased to see the airport’s board looking to the future.
When you make your reservations for one of our Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels, you might want to visit the airport’s website for updates. Frankly, lately, it has been a little hard to keep up with all these forward-looking improvements.