Palm Springs Airport Sees Passenger Growth as Southwest Airlines and United Airlines Expand Service Amid Broader Tourism Headwinds from Mexico

Published on November 7, 2025

Palm Springs Airport sees passenger growth as Southwest Airlines and United Airlines expand service amid broader tourism headwinds from Mexico. With its recent surge in passenger traffic and the addition of new flights by major airlines, Palm Springs is quickly becoming an even more attractive destination for travelers. As both Southwest and United Airlines enhance their service to Palm Springs International Airport (PSP), the desert oasis is experiencing greater accessibility and convenience, further solidifying its status as a prime destination for domestic and international tourists. Despite some challenges in the global tourism landscape, particularly from a slight decline in Mexican arrivals to the U.S., Palm Springs continues to shine, offering a blend of luxury resorts, world-class events, and rich cultural experiences. With air services expanding, the hospitality industry thriving, and a steady stream of visitors arriving, this iconic desert city remains one of California’s most enticing and easily accessible retreats for travelers seeking relaxation, adventure, and cultural exploration.

Palm Springs: A Destination Shift as Airlines Increase Services Based on Tourism Growth

Palm Springs, one of California’s desert oases, also located within the Coachella Valley, is seeing increased tourist traffic because of greater air travel and the emerging hospitality industry. Growth heading to Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) is even greater due to new routes opened by Southwest and United Airlines. While the rest of the country is experiencing some declines in tourism—particularly with travelers coming from Mexico—Palm Springs is still offers travelers a litany of cultural, natural, and leisure opportunities to enjoy and is a desirable destination for those wanting to experience a trip featuring relaxing and thrilling activities.

Since 2021, Palm Springs Airport (PSP) Passengers Have Seen 6.1% Growth

PSP is increasing its airline operations and services to meet the growing number of tourists entering the region. For example, in June, the airport tracked a 6.1% year-over-year increase, which clearly highlights the growing interest to travel to Palm Springs for both domestic and international travelers. As California continues to efficiently meet the demands of travelers, Palm Springs International Airport is one of the most accommodating airports.

The growing frequency of flights, especially with Southwest Airlines and United Airlines, showcases the rising popularity of Palm Springs as a key destination. During peak seasons Southwest Airlines, which is known for its low-cost and flexible services, tends to add additional routes. On the other hand, United Airlines has been expanding operations by adding nonstop flights, recently including a direct route from Newark to Palm Springs, which caters to the East Coast clientele.

The increase in air services is about more than just the numbers. The frequency of flights, improvement of connections, and range of departure cities create unprecedented access to Palm Springs. Desert getaways are now easier for visitors from metropolitan areas, including New York, Chicago, and San Francisco, increasing the popularity of Palm Springs. The luxurious accommodations, easy access to high-end entertainment, and world-class entertainment available in Palm Springs make it a prime candidate for a quick escape.

Southwest Airlines and United Airlines Expand Service Amid Mexican Tourism Industry Challenges

Recently, both United and Southwest Airlines have taken steps to increase operations at Palm Springs International Airport, Southwest Airlines also added more nonstop flights to and from Las Vegas, Denver, and Phoenix, and United Airlines added more nonstop service to Newark, giving more options for passengers to reach the East Coast. This expansion seeks to serve the growing customer bases of travelers and residents.

Regardless of the airline expansions, the tourism industry in the US is facing challenges. Mexican travelers, along with the rest of the world, have increasingly stayed home. This is due to higher travel restrictions and rising air fares, both of which have increased post-pandemic. While the domestic tourism market of Palm Springs is strong, the post-pandemic tourism recovery to the rest of the United States has not been as resilient. Palm Springs and the surrounding region has been able to adapt to the new travel dynamics, helping ensure the region remains strong.

The Coachella Valley area did experience a decline in international tourists, but it seems Palm Springs is gaining visitors from all over. Americans and people from nearby states like Arizona, Nevada, and California, are drawn to the area for the sun, high-class golf courses, and the Palm Springs art scene. Palm Springs is also gaining visitors because of the new, direct flights from all over the United States, making it a popular choice for weekend and extended getaway vacations.

Hospitality Boom in Palm Springs: The Heart of Desert Luxury

The expansion of the desert to the east, along the I10 freeway, has also resulted in the expansion of desert hospitality services. Luxury resorts, boutique hotels, and mid-range accommodations are all seeing expansion in bookings. Palm Springs has long been known for its posh resorts, including properties like The Ritz-Carlton and the famed Parker Palm Springs. Now, there are resorts and hotels for all classes to the desert.

The local hotel industry is evolving. Some local hotels have recently completed renovations and expanded their amenities to include remodeled spa facilities, fine dining restaurants, and more social space. Some hotels, like La Quinta Resort & Club, are more picturesque and retain their historical aura and serve contemporary luxury to their guests. La Quinta Resort & Club has a long history of being a luxury hotel and has hosted numerous Hollywood stars and is even more modern and contemporary since their renovations.

There are a variety of hotels to choose from in Palm Springs, no matter what your preferences are in style and budget, and no matter what your travel objectives are. For those in search of a more boutique hotel, you can choose to stay at the more laid back boutique hotels or the more luxurious ones. Palm Springs has hotels to accommodate guests in a more intimate fashion whether you are looking to relax, have an adventure, or a combination of both. Sitting by the pool relaxing is a treat at hotels like the Sands Hotel & Spa. They have close desert-facing patios and even pools to offer the more intimate desert experience.

Cultural Experiences and Festivals Await Travelers

Cultural tourism has always been an attraction for people coming to Palm Springs. In addition to luxurious hotel resorts and improved air connectivity, Palm Springs is now a center for culture and the arts. It caters to a diverse audience, with an ample supply of culture, museums, and art galleries, as well as live music and theatrical performances. Palm Springs is a cultural tourism community in its own right, with its own arts and culture offerings and a reputation to compete with the high-profile events found within the shadow of Los Angeles.

Cultural tourism has always been an attraction for people coming to Palm Springs. In addition to luxurious hotel resorts and improved air connectivity, Palm Springs is now a center for culture and the arts. It caters to a diverse audience, with an ample supply of culture, museums, and art galleries, as well as live music and theatrical performances. Palm Springs is a cultural tourism community in its own right, with its own arts and culture offerings and a reputation to compete with the high-profile events found within the shadow of Los Angeles. Each January, the Palm Springs International Film Festival puts the spotlight on the arts and culture community of Palm Springs. The festival has gained an international reputation and attracts 90,000 visitors. The festival was one of the first to bring new international cinema into the North American market and has screens, panels, and performances with festival celebrities. It is a perfect blend of the new cinema offerings in the North American market and the beauty of the Palm Springs desert.

The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, held each spring in nearby Indio, increases tourism to Palm Springs as well. This festival, which the world boasts, features top tier musical performances, big art installations, and a pulsating atmosphere which draws over 250,000 to the festival every year. For festival attendees, Palm Springs offers a live performance and event series in the season. There are smaller, intimate concert series and Broadway shows, and everything in between, all the way through the festival season. There are even Palm Springs hosted live performance series, so the festival season in Palm Springs assures there is always an event to attend.

The Coachella Valley Filipino Festival is another Palm Springs event that demonstrates the region’s cultural diversity, providing an opportunity to celebrate the area’s Filipino roots through food, music, and dance. Attending a live performance, participating in an art walk, or taking part in one of Palm Springs’s many yearly festivals, there is something for every kind of tourist.

The Expansion of Air Services to Palm Springs.

Offering an increase in accessible flights, the region has opened up to more half the world. Overseas flights to the region has opened as well. For overseas travelers to the region, there are a few overseas travel tips to ensure a successful trip.

Flight Options: Visitors to the Coachella Valley from major US cities, including New York, Chicago, and San Francisco, can take Southwest airlines and United Airlines direct flights to Palm Springs. It is advised to buy tickets during the holiday and festival seasons like Coachella as early as possible to mitigate the price.

Travel Time: Since Palm Springs International Airport is smaller than San Francisco and Los Angeles International Airports, it is less complicated to travel to and from. Passengers enjoy quick passage through security and to the rental car areas, and little to no waiting time for hotel shuttles. Unlike the major hubs, Palm Springs airport is only a few moments away from downtown, which is a plus when arriving at night.

Peak Travel Seasons: For most people, the most comfortable time to holiday in Palm Springs is between October and April since the temperature is favourable from a vacation perspective. It is essential to book early for any of the local key events like Palm Springs International Film Festival and Coachella festival to guarantee travel and lodging.

4. Transportation: Although Palm Springs is small and easily walkable, having a car is beneficial to access the surrounding desert. There are rental cars at the airport. However, visitors may want to consider rideshare or public transit for getting around.

Palm Springs Airport sees passenger growth as Southwest Airlines and United Airlines expand service amid broader tourism headwinds from Mexico. With increased flight options and a thriving hospitality scene, Palm Springs remains a top destination for travelers seeking relaxation and cultural experiences.

Final Thoughts: Palm Springs—A Desert Oasis for Travelers

Palm Springs is a top tourist destination in the U.S. for a good reason: the desert is filled with the rich culture, glamour, and luxury. Palm Springs is more accessible now than ever with the increasing flight offers by United and Southwest, and the growing hospitality. Regardless if you want to spend your time at a luxury resort, enjoy a concert, or spend your time in the desert, Palm Springs is the destination for you.

With more direct flight offers and a rapidly growing lodging industry, there hasn’t been a better time to visit. Whether you want to spend palm springs for the desert charm, the culture, or high end services, it is the perfect destination. It is time to pack and enjoy your visit to one of the most beautiful places in California.