Air Service
The U.S. domestic airline industry saw substantial growth compared to 2022. Domestic passenger volumes in 2023 approached pre-pandemic levels, a notable increase from 2022 when the industry was still grappling with the aftermath of COVID-19. TSA checkpoint throughput increased from about 5 percent below 2019 levels to about 3 percent above by the end of the year. Strong demand from domestic leisure along with increased flights to Europe and Latin America were the main sources allowing the TSA to exceed 2019 levels. In the business segment, activity increased as many employees began to return to the office on a more regular basis and in-person meetings and conferences resumed. Despite the growth, the industry continued to face challenges such as pilot shortages, delayed airplane deliveries, and higher fuel prices. In addition, excess capacity suppressed yields and the ranks of new employees depressed productivity.
Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) welcomed 3,237,325 total passengers in 2023, a new annual record. The airport also benefited from 6% more seat capacity versus 2022 as the airlines enjoyed an average load factor of 77% for their PSP routes. PSP currently boasts 16 new markets versus 2019 and welcomed back the seasonal return of 20 routes in the fall of 2023.
In addition to welcoming a record number of travelers in 2023, PSP updates included;
- A naming rights sponsorship agreement re-naming the airport’s RJ concourse to the Agua Caliente Concourse
- An open house to solicit public feedback on the airport’s Master Plan
- Renovation of the gate hold rooms in the Sonny Bono Concourse
- Renovation of two coffee shops, as well as all three existing airport restaurants, along with the introduction of three additional eateries, effectively doubling the dining options at the airport
- Transforming the fountain area on the Sonny Bono Concourse to a circular bar called Cactus to Clouds
- The launch of a new website design along with new branding and logo.
Finally, the City of Palm Springs launched a new long-term planning effort for the Palm Springs International Airport (PSP). The Airport Master Plan is a comprehensive look at the entire airport facility and its potential over the next two decades. The plan will build on the current Airport Master Plan, approved in 2015, and consider short-, medium-, and long-term efforts to improve circulation, address constraints, and elevate the customer experience. Key features include the addition of two new concourses for a total of 35 gates, a consolidated rental car facility, a customs and border protection facility, and improved access to ground transportation options. Visit PSP's project page for additional details.
Click the image below or view the multipage PDF for overview data for PSP.
