Airports
FAA Rules that Santa Monica Must Keep Airport Open
The latest decision is the FAA's response to the city of Santa Monica's appeal in a complaint brought by airport tenants and operators.
Santa Monica Airport gained a reprieve and must stay open until at least Aug. 27, 2023. (Photo: Matt Thurber/AIN)
Santa Monica Airport gained a reprieve and must stay open until at least Aug. 27, 2023. (Photo: Matt Thurber/AIN)

The FAA associate administrator for airports yesterday affirmed an earlier director’s determination that requires the city of Santa Monica, Calif., to keep its airport (SMO) open until 2023. In a final decision and order, the associate administrator responded to the city’s appeal of the Dec. 4, 2015 director’s determination, which found that the city was obligated by receipt of grant funds to keep the Santa Monica Airport open at least until Aug. 27, 2023. The city appealed that determination, and the FAA re-examined the record. “Based on this re-examination,” the final decision and order noted, “the FAA concludes that the director’s determination is supported by a preponderance of reliable, probative and substantial evidence, and is consistent with applicable law, precedent and FAA policy.”


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