PALM SPRINGS, CA

Palm Springs International Airport has broken ground on a $93.6 million replacement of its outbound baggage handling system, a major infrastructure project intended to ease screening bottlenecks and accommodate future passenger growth.

City, airport and project officials marked the start of construction Tuesday, October 20. Airport officials say the new equipment will increase baggage processing capacity from approximately 440 bags per hour to 1,300, nearly tripling what the current system can handle.

At busy times, demand reaches approximately 920 bags per hour, more than twice the capacity of the existing system, according to the airport. That mismatch has made the baggage operation a priority as the airport prepares for continued growth.

What the project will change

The project includes approximately 10,000 square feet of additional space, updated baggage screening technology and improvements aimed at reliability and employee working conditions. The system will move checked luggage through the screening process and toward departing aircraft.

Although travelers may never see the equipment, its performance affects the airport’s ability to handle large numbers of departing passengers. The new system is designed to provide capacity beyond current peak demand and help accommodate growth over the coming years.

How the $93.6 million project is funded

More than $66.5 million of the project’s cost will come from federal funding, representing over 70% of the total. The airport identifies support from Federal Aviation Administration and Transportation Security Administration programs, including a $3 million congressional earmark.

Approximately $14.4 million will come from passenger facility charges and another $12.6 million from airport funds. Airport officials say the project will not use city general-fund dollars. Passenger facility charges, however, are collected from eligible travelers for approved airport improvements.

The funding breakdown also highlights how much of the project depends on federal aviation programs. The airport announced a final $5.5 million federal grant in September to support remaining work, including system integration and testing.

Construction through late 2028

The airport expects the replacement system to be completed in late 2028. To keep regular airport operations running during construction, baggage screening will move temporarily to another facility while the permanent system is built.

AECOM is providing design and construction administration services, Swinerton Builders is the general contractor, and Mead & Hunt is providing construction management services.

The project is part of Progress PSP, the airport’s broader modernization program under its long-term master plan. Airport officials describe the baggage replacement as an investment in operational resilience as well as passenger convenience.

What remains to be watched

While the airport has announced a budget and completion target, construction will require temporary operational changes over the next two years. The extent of passenger disruption, the performance of the temporary screening arrangement and whether the project stays on budget will be important measures of success.

For the Coachella Valley, the investment reflects the airport’s role as a major gateway for residents, visitors and the region’s tourism economy. The most immediate goal is straightforward: move more checked bags through screening without the capacity constraints of the current system.