Santa Monica Municipal Airport | Santa Monica, California
Santa Monica Airport (SMO), a landmark airport in the heart of Santa Monica, California, has been a contentious point of debate for decades. With its prime location near the coast and proximity to downtown Los Angeles, SMO became a focal point for a growing urban environment that both valued the historical and practical aspects of the airport and also grew frustrated with its environmental impact and noise concerns. After years of wrangling, the airport’s future has been secured for closure, and a new chapter for the land is being written.
Santa Monica Airport was established in 1922, making it one of the oldest airports in the United States. Over the years, it became a hub for general aviation, serving as a base for private planes, flight schools, and small aircraft. Situated just 2 miles from the Pacific Ocean, with an unobstructed view of Santa Monica Beach, the airport became iconic, offering a unique look at aviation history and growth.
In its early years, the airport played a role in aviation development, hosting famous aviators and even serving as a training ground during World War II. For much of its existence, it provided easy access to L.A.’s Westside, a vital lifeline for people seeking private flights, business trips, or simply enjoying the convenience of a smaller, less crowded airport.
However, as the city of Santa Monica grew—and as the surrounding area transformed into one of the most desirable and densely populated urban spaces in the country—the small airport started to clash with its surroundings. As the city’s population swelled, so did concerns over noise, pollution, and safety risks associated with operating an airport in such a highly developed residential area.
The noise from aircraft, particularly small planes taking off and landing, began to disturb local residents. The airport’s proximity to high-end residential areas meant that complaints from homeowners about noise disruptions became more frequent. Additionally, concerns about air pollution—generated by aircraft emissions—became another key issue.
Another major concern for local residents and activists was safety. Due to the airport’s small size and the nature of general aviation, there were occasional accidents and near-misses, further elevating concerns that a crash could result in significant harm to residents or property.
Santa Monica, being located in one of the most valuable real estate markets in the United States, began to see development pressures on the land the airport occupied. The airport’s prime location—just a stone’s throw from the beach and central to major L.A. freeways—made the land ripe for potential real estate projects, particularly as the city explored ways to tackle its housing and economic needs. Real estate developers began eyeing the space for high-density housing, mixed-use developments, and business complexes.
Over the years, the future of Santa Monica Airport became an ongoing legal and political battle. The airport had been operating under a lease agreement with the city, but in 1984, a significant legal milestone took place: the federal government agreed that the airport’s lease would expire in 2023. This opened the door for Santa Monica to potentially close the airport and repurpose the land. While the city’s efforts to close the airport were initially met with resistance from aviation groups, many residents and local officials supported the idea of transitioning the space into something more fitting for the area’s growing needs. In 2017, the Santa Monica City Council voted to close the airport by 2028, citing safety concerns, noise pollution, and the airport’s outdated infrastructure.
In 2021, after years of debate, negotiations, and lawsuits, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the airport could be closed by 2028, allowing Santa Monica to reclaim the land and make plans for its redevelopment. While the airport closure wasn’t without controversy, and the FAA’s approval was a major milestone in a decades-long struggle, the transition began in earnest. As the closure date looms closer, the city of Santa Monica is exploring several potential uses for the land.
As the closure date for Santa Monica Airport approaches, the city has unveiled several proposals for redeveloping the site. One of the most prominent proposals is for a large-scale, mixed-use development. This would combine residential housing, commercial spaces, and public amenities. Given the acute housing shortage in Los Angeles and the high cost of living, new residential units on the airport land would likely include a mix of affordable housing and market-rate units. Another key aspect of the redevelopment plan includes open space. Santa Monica is known for its commitment to sustainability and green initiatives, and the city is considering a public park or recreational area on part of the site. This would provide residents with green space in an increasingly urbanized area, giving them access to the outdoors while still being close to the city center and beach.
As part of the redevelopment efforts, the city has emphasized sustainable design. The vision includes eco-friendly buildings, solar-powered infrastructure, and public transportation hubs to reduce traffic and the environmental impact of new development.Some proposals also envision cultural and educational spaces , such as art galleries, museums, or community centers. These spaces would create a dynamic, cultural center that could enrich the local community and attract visitors to Santa Monica. In addition to housing, the land may be used for commercial and office spaces. This would create a new economic hub for the area, supporting small businesses, creative industries, and potentially attracting tech startups, given Santa Monica’s proximity to Silicon Beach.
While many residents of Santa Monica have long advocated for the airport’s closure, there are still those who feel that the airport represents an important part of the city’s history and its aviation culture. Aviation groups, pilots, and flying enthusiasts have fought against the closure, arguing that the airport’s general aviation role serves a vital function for the region. Despite this opposition, the city is pushing forward with plans to repurpose the land in ways that align with Santa Monica’s future goals of sustainability, livability, and economic growth.
The closure of Santa Monica Airport marks the end of an era for the city, but it also signifies the beginning of a new phase. With housing shortages, environmental concerns, and the need for more public amenities, the city has a unique opportunity to transform this prime piece of land into a space that serves the needs of its residents while contributing to the greater Los Angeles area. The redevelopment will be a delicate balancing act, ensuring that it honors the city’s rich history while addressing the modern challenges of growth, sustainability, and quality of life.
As the airport makes way for a redefined Santa Monica, the transformation of the airport site into a dynamic mix of housing, parks, commercial spaces, and cultural institutions will undoubtedly be a defining moment in the city’s future—one that will be felt by both long-time residents and newcomers for decades to come.
Santa Monica Airport was established in 1922, making it one of the oldest airports in the United States. Over the years, it became a hub for general aviation, serving as a base for private planes, flight schools, and small aircraft. Situated just 2 miles from the Pacific Ocean, with an unobstructed view of Santa Monica Beach, the airport became iconic, offering a unique look at aviation history and growth.
In its early years, the airport played a role in aviation development, hosting famous aviators and even serving as a training ground during World War II. For much of its existence, it provided easy access to L.A.’s Westside, a vital lifeline for people seeking private flights, business trips, or simply enjoying the convenience of a smaller, less crowded airport.
However, as the city of Santa Monica grew—and as the surrounding area transformed into one of the most desirable and densely populated urban spaces in the country—the small airport started to clash with its surroundings. As the city’s population swelled, so did concerns over noise, pollution, and safety risks associated with operating an airport in such a highly developed residential area.
The noise from aircraft, particularly small planes taking off and landing, began to disturb local residents. The airport’s proximity to high-end residential areas meant that complaints from homeowners about noise disruptions became more frequent. Additionally, concerns about air pollution—generated by aircraft emissions—became another key issue.
Another major concern for local residents and activists was safety. Due to the airport’s small size and the nature of general aviation, there were occasional accidents and near-misses, further elevating concerns that a crash could result in significant harm to residents or property.
Santa Monica, being located in one of the most valuable real estate markets in the United States, began to see development pressures on the land the airport occupied. The airport’s prime location—just a stone’s throw from the beach and central to major L.A. freeways—made the land ripe for potential real estate projects, particularly as the city explored ways to tackle its housing and economic needs. Real estate developers began eyeing the space for high-density housing, mixed-use developments, and business complexes.
Over the years, the future of Santa Monica Airport became an ongoing legal and political battle. The airport had been operating under a lease agreement with the city, but in 1984, a significant legal milestone took place: the federal government agreed that the airport’s lease would expire in 2023. This opened the door for Santa Monica to potentially close the airport and repurpose the land. While the city’s efforts to close the airport were initially met with resistance from aviation groups, many residents and local officials supported the idea of transitioning the space into something more fitting for the area’s growing needs. In 2017, the Santa Monica City Council voted to close the airport by 2028, citing safety concerns, noise pollution, and the airport’s outdated infrastructure.
In 2021, after years of debate, negotiations, and lawsuits, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the airport could be closed by 2028, allowing Santa Monica to reclaim the land and make plans for its redevelopment. While the airport closure wasn’t without controversy, and the FAA’s approval was a major milestone in a decades-long struggle, the transition began in earnest. As the closure date looms closer, the city of Santa Monica is exploring several potential uses for the land.
As the closure date for Santa Monica Airport approaches, the city has unveiled several proposals for redeveloping the site. One of the most prominent proposals is for a large-scale, mixed-use development. This would combine residential housing, commercial spaces, and public amenities. Given the acute housing shortage in Los Angeles and the high cost of living, new residential units on the airport land would likely include a mix of affordable housing and market-rate units. Another key aspect of the redevelopment plan includes open space. Santa Monica is known for its commitment to sustainability and green initiatives, and the city is considering a public park or recreational area on part of the site. This would provide residents with green space in an increasingly urbanized area, giving them access to the outdoors while still being close to the city center and beach.
As part of the redevelopment efforts, the city has emphasized sustainable design. The vision includes eco-friendly buildings, solar-powered infrastructure, and public transportation hubs to reduce traffic and the environmental impact of new development.Some proposals also envision cultural and educational spaces , such as art galleries, museums, or community centers. These spaces would create a dynamic, cultural center that could enrich the local community and attract visitors to Santa Monica. In addition to housing, the land may be used for commercial and office spaces. This would create a new economic hub for the area, supporting small businesses, creative industries, and potentially attracting tech startups, given Santa Monica’s proximity to Silicon Beach.
While many residents of Santa Monica have long advocated for the airport’s closure, there are still those who feel that the airport represents an important part of the city’s history and its aviation culture. Aviation groups, pilots, and flying enthusiasts have fought against the closure, arguing that the airport’s general aviation role serves a vital function for the region. Despite this opposition, the city is pushing forward with plans to repurpose the land in ways that align with Santa Monica’s future goals of sustainability, livability, and economic growth.
The closure of Santa Monica Airport marks the end of an era for the city, but it also signifies the beginning of a new phase. With housing shortages, environmental concerns, and the need for more public amenities, the city has a unique opportunity to transform this prime piece of land into a space that serves the needs of its residents while contributing to the greater Los Angeles area. The redevelopment will be a delicate balancing act, ensuring that it honors the city’s rich history while addressing the modern challenges of growth, sustainability, and quality of life.
As the airport makes way for a redefined Santa Monica, the transformation of the airport site into a dynamic mix of housing, parks, commercial spaces, and cultural institutions will undoubtedly be a defining moment in the city’s future—one that will be felt by both long-time residents and newcomers for decades to come.