Santa Monica Airport closure a step closer

THE CITY of Santa Monica, the Federal Aviation Authority and the Department of Justice have reached a settlement allowing a municipal airport west of Los Angeles to close. After two weeks of negotiations the FAA conceded that decisions about use of Santa Monica Airport (SMO) should be transferred to the city on December 31, 2028 - although a small section of land known as the Western Parcel should be handed over immediately. The move means the runway is likely to be shortened from 4,973ft (1,516m) to 3,500ft (1,067m) – making it unsuitable for many jet aircraft – within the next six months. However, the agreement stipulates that “stable and continuous operations” must be maintained at SMO for the next 12 years after which the city may repurpose the airport.

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