Resolution Would Direct City Staff To 'Take All Actions Necessary' To Close Airport In 2028

Even with a legal challenge pending led by the NBAA, the Santa Monica City Council on Tuesday night had several items on its agenda that would move the city towards its goal of closing Santa Monica Airport (KSMO) by 2028.

The council considered a resolution directing the City staff to "take all actions necessary and proper to ensure that SMO will cease to operate as an airport” by the end of 2028, according to a report appearing in the Santa Monica Lookout. The resolution includes language preventing the city manager from making "any agreements with the FAA, or any other party, that may have the effect of requiring the City to continue to operate KSMO" beyond the 2028 deadline in its agreement with the FAA.

Also on the agenda was a proposed contract for the shortening of the runway from just under 5,000 feet to 3,500 feet, a major component of the agreement with the FAA.

Not everyone on the council was in favor of the agreement with the FAA, but those opposed did not support keeping the airport open. They wanted to be able to close it sooner than 2028. The aviation community, of course, is opposed to its closure.

And as mentioned, there is a legal challenge to the FAA's deal with the city being led by the NBAA and supported by other aviation interests.

FMI: Council Agenda