Sachin Walls
The question of whether an airport can be saved is a pressing issue for many cities. Airports are often subject to conflicting interests, with some advocating for their closure due to concerns such as pollution and noise, while others recognize their historical, cultural, and economic significance. The Santa Monica Airport, for instance, faced opposition from residents and the city council, despite its crucial role in the city's history and aviation industry. Similarly, the Newport News Williamsburg Airport has experienced a sharp decline in passengers and significant setbacks, leaving its future uncertain. In such scenarios, the involvement of airlines and external investments can play a pivotal role in revitalizing airport operations and maintaining their viability.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport Name | Santa Monica Airport (SMO) |
| Location | Santa Monica, Los Angeles |
| Area | 200 acres |
| Type | Single-runway general aviation airport |
| Importance | A crucial rest stop for the busy skies of greater Los Angeles |
| History | The airport is 90 years old. It was built on a barley field, and by 1917, biplanes were using the field as an informal landing strip. |
| Current Status | The airport may face curtailment of operations or complete shutdown due to decisions at the local and federal levels. |
| Public Opinion | Mixed. While surveys indicate that most Santa Monicans do not oppose the airport, a well-organized minority has control of the city council and is vocal about its intent to shut it down. |
| Reason for Controversy | Environmental concerns and noise and air pollution from jets. |
| Impact of Closure | It could set a precedent for other airports to be shut down due to opposition from nearby residents. |
| Other Airports Facing Similar Issues | Newport News Williamsburg Airport |
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What You'll Learn
Santa Monica Airport's history
Santa Monica Airport, originally called Clover Field, has a long history that dates back to 1919, with some believing it was used as a landing strip as early as 1917. During this early period, it was one of over 66 airports in Los Angeles and Orange County.
Clover Field was once the site of the Army's 40th Division Aviation, 115th Observation Squadron, and became a Distribution Centre after World War I. The field was named after a World War I American aviator. During World War II, the airport area was disguised from the air with the construction of a false "town". The Douglas Aircraft Company was headquartered adjacent to Clover Field, and manufactured several important aircraft, including the entire Douglas Commercial "DC" series of reciprocating-engine-powered airliners.
The airport officially opened as a commercial airport on April 15, 1923, making it one of the oldest airports in the United States. It was believed to have been renamed from Clover Field to Santa Monica Airport around 1927, as city officials wanted the name to reflect its new ownership. In 1936, the Douglas Commercial 3, or DC-3, was developed and mass-produced at the airport, becoming the first plane that could profitably carry only passengers.
In 1968, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) contracted with the City of Santa Monica to ensure the airport land would be used for aviation services until 1988 in exchange for an airport development grant. However, starting in the late 1970s, the airport became the centre of numerous political battles seeking to limit or close it due to noise complaints and the desirable real estate for development.
The airport has remained open, playing a pivotal role in the aviation industry and appearing in various forms of media, including films, music videos, and television shows. It is currently scheduled to close at the end of 2028, with plans to turn the site into a park.
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Local opposition to the airport
Martin Rubin, the founder of Concerned Residents Against Airport Pollution (CRAAP), is the chief organizer of anti-airport activism in the area. Rubin argues that the city of Santa Monica touts itself as an environmentally friendly place, yet it turns a blind eye to the pollution and other negative impacts caused by the airport. He and other activists are calling for the airport to be shut down.
Virginia Ernst, a resident who lives below the approach path, can identify jets like the Cessna Citation and Bombardier Challenger by their sound alone. These jets fly as low as 87 feet above her house. Cathy Larson, of the neighborhood group Friends of Sunset Park, explains that many residents moved to the area during the years of the jet ban, when smaller jets were notorious for being noisy and polluting.
While two surveys, one by the city and one by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, indicate that the majority of Santa Monicans do not oppose the airport, the minority opposition has organized itself well and gained control of the city council. The council is vocal about its intent to shut down the airport, and if successful, this could set a precedent for other airports across the country.
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Environmental concerns
Santa Monica Airport (SMO), one of America's busiest single-runway general aviation airports, has faced opposition from local residents and the city council due to environmental concerns. Martin Rubin, the founder of Concerned Residents Against Airport Pollution (CRAAP), leads the anti-airport activism in the area.
The airport, which sits on over 200 acres overlooking the city and the Pacific Ocean, has a long history in Santa Monica. It was once a barley field where biplanes began using the field as an informal landing strip as early as 1917. Over the years, the airport became a crucial part of the local economy and culture, providing steady jobs during the Great Depression. However, the increased aircraft traffic has also brought negative environmental impacts to the surrounding community.
The main environmental concern regarding the airport is the noise and air pollution caused by the jets operating there. In the 1960s, small jets like the Lears and Rockwell Jet Commanders were known for being extremely noisy and polluting. In response, the city of Santa Monica imposed curfews on jets in 1967 and even banned them completely in 1981. While a downturn in general aviation kept jet traffic low in the 1980s, the ban was eventually overturned by a federal judge.
Today, residents like Virginia Ernst, who lives below the approach path, deal with jets flying as low as 87 feet above her house. The noise and pollution from these jets have become a major source of frustration for the community, with groups like Friends of Sunset Park expressing their grievances. The opposition has gained enough support to influence the city council, which has vocalized its intent to shut down the airport.
While the majority of Santa Monicans do not oppose the airport, according to surveys cited by Joe Justice of Justice Aviation, the organized minority has gained a strong foothold in the city's decision-making process. The potential closure of the airport due to environmental concerns sets a precedent for other airports facing similar pushback from local residents.
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The airport's future
Santa Monica Airport (SMO) is one of America's busiest single-runway general aviation airports, providing a crucial rest stop for flights in and out of Los Angeles. However, its future is uncertain, with local and federal decisions potentially curtailing operations or leading to its closure. The airport has a rich history, dating back to the 1930s when Douglas Aircraft provided steady jobs during the Great Depression. The DC-3 transformed aircraft and air travel, and the factory became the heart of Santa Monica's economy and culture.
Today, the airport faces opposition from residents concerned about noise, pollution, and environmental impact. Anti-airport activism, led by groups like Concerned Residents Against Airport Pollution (CRAAP), has gained traction, with the city council vocal about its intention to shut down the airport. However, surveys indicate that the majority of Santa Monicans do not oppose the airport, and its closure could set a precedent for other airports facing similar pressures.
The airport has implemented measures to address concerns, such as imposing curfews and banning small jets in the 1960s. While the jet ban was overturned in 1981, a decline in general aviation kept operations relatively low. The airport is also a significant training ground for pilots, with Justice Aviation operating there for 22 years.
Despite the current challenges, there is hope for Santa Monica Airport's future. With a mix of legacy and non-traditional airlines operating from the facility, it remains a competitive mid-market airport. The support of major airlines like Southwest has been instrumental in modernizing the airport and attracting more carriers.
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Newport News Airport's decline
Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport in Virginia has been struggling to attract and retain commercial airlines and passengers. The airport has seen a sharp decline in passengers, from over 1 million travellers in 2012 to about 150,000 in 2023. In 2019, the airport handled 431,077 passengers, while in 2023 that number dropped to 144,966.
The loss of dominant air carriers such as AirTran in 2012 and competition from low-cost airlines at nearby Richmond International and Norfolk International Airports have contributed to an over 85% drop in the annual number of passengers since 2011. Additionally, Avelo Airlines discontinued its service from the airport in 2023, citing "market factors" beyond the control of the airport, leaving American Airlines as the sole carrier servicing Newport News.
The airport has also faced financial struggles, operating at a loss for 16 of 17 months in a period ending in November 2023, with a total loss of $4.2 million. The airport's financial woes have been further exacerbated by declining revenue and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to additional layoffs in 2020.
Despite these challenges, airport officials remain hopeful for the future. They acknowledge the need for strategic changes and are working to improve the airport's profitability and protect its long-term economic health. The airport was also the first in the nation to undergo a sustainability project, incorporating green technology into all facets of its operations.
With a history of being America's fastest-growing airport in the 1980s, Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport aims to regain its success and sustain its operations through strategic planning and adaptations.
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Frequently asked questions
Santa Monica Airport is among America's busiest single-runway general aviation airports and is a crucial rest stop for the busy skies of greater Los Angeles. The airport also has a rich history, providing thousands of jobs during the Great Depression.
The airport has faced criticism for being noisy and polluting. Martin Rubin, the founder of Concerned Residents Against Airport Pollution (CRAAP), is the chief organiser of anti-airport activism in the area.
It is difficult to say. While the majority of Santa Monicans do not oppose the airport, the minority opposition has organised itself well and has control of the city council, which has expressed its intent to shut down the airport.
