Whiteman and Santa Monica Airports Rally Communities Amid Closure Debates

Whiteman Airport in Pacoima and Santa Monica Municipal Airport, situated just 30 miles apart in Southern California, recently hosted major community events that highlighted their aviation heritage and roles within their regions. Both airports face uncertain futures due to ongoing political and public debates over their continued operation, but their recent events attracted thousands and showcased strong local support for aviation.

Established in 1946, Whiteman Airport became one of Los Angeles County's five general aviation airports by 1970. It serves a vital role with over 100,000 annual aircraft operations involving emergency response, flight training, news helicopters, and community aviation initiatives. On June 27, Whiteman held a free Community Aviation Family Festival featuring a broad mix of general aviation aircraft displays, demonstrations including a Cal Fire OV-10 Bronco and airtanker, aerobatic performances, and over 100 Experimental Aircraft Association Young Eagles participants experiencing introductory flights.

Despite its community engagement, Whiteman Airport faces opposition from a small group advocating for its permanent closure. The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has expanded a $2.1 million taxpayer-funded study exploring potential closure and alternative uses for the site. This is despite a January 2026 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) letter affirming that federally funded land at Whiteman legally must remain an airport unless formally released by the FAA.

Recent incidents including a pilot hitting power lines during landing in April and a gear-up landing in May led Supervisor Lindsey Horvath to call for halting operations at the airport until safety improvements are completed. Horvath also previously voted to freeze federal funding that could have supported such improvements. However, airport advocates emphasize the importance of ongoing operations for community safety and pilot training.

The Whiteman Airport Coalition, active in grassroots advocacy, used the festival to mobilize supporters, enabling attendees to easily send messages to local leaders urging the preservation and modernization of Whiteman. Coalition spokesperson Tara Finestone highlighted the festival as an opportunity for residents to express their support, noting the broader significance of safeguarding community airports nationwide from closure threats.

Meanwhile, Santa Monica Municipal Airport, the former home of Douglas Aircraft dating to 1923, hosted the grand reopening of the Museum of Flying, a three-hour family event celebrating the airport's legacy with immersive exhibits and simulators. Like Whiteman, Santa Monica faces an uncertain future following a 2017 FAA settlement allowing the city to close the airport by the end of 2028 and the shortening of its runway from 5,000 to 3,500 feet.

The airport also serves approximately 65,000 annual operations and is home to JSX, a charter airline expanding scheduled flights to destinations including Las Vegas, Napa, Scottsdale, and soon Oakland. Local nonprofit Spirit of Santa Monica has spearheaded efforts to gather community support, organizing events with thousands of attendees and rallying residents to advocate for keeping the airport operational.

Recent polling commissioned by Spirit of Santa Monica indicates shifting public sentiment, with nearly 67 percent now favoring keeping the airport open in some capacity, contrasting past assumptions of majority support for closure and conversion to parkland. This development reflects growing appreciation among residents of the airport's economic, educational, and transportation benefits.

National organizations like the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) collaborate with local groups to advance advocacy efforts. AOPA has supported Whiteman through dialogues with county officials, emphasizing safety and operational improvements while challenging closure proposals. At Santa Monica, AOPA amplifies outreach alongside Spirit of Santa Monica, ensuring decisions and public discussions receive widest exposure and informed community input.