Whiteman Airport - Update information - October 28th 2026

Posted on 10/28/2026

This evening (October 28, 2027), after more than a year of rigorous research, analysis, and community engagement, the Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), alongside the Study Team of independent consultants, shared the findings of a comprehensive land use and economic impact study of Whiteman Airport in Pacoima. At Mission College, it was a full house of more than 120 people. Some groups and individuals attended to support keeping the Airport open, while others advocated for closing it. In attendance were also staffers from all nearby area elected officials' offices.

A newly released Los Angeles County study reveals that closing and redeveloping Whiteman Airport in Pacoima would cost an estimated $3.5 billion and require formal federal approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Key Findings of the Report

Estimated Cost: Shutting down and redeveloping the airport site carries a price tag of $3.5 billion.

Federal Authority: The county cannot unilaterally close the airport due to federal obligations tied to past grant funding; FAA approval is legally required.

Context & Background: The study follows years of local community advocacy, safety debates, and motions from county and city leaders—including Supervisor Lindsey Horvath and Council Member Monica Rodriguez—sparked by a series of local aviation incidents and crashes.

Supporters' Stance: Airport advocates and the Whiteman Airport Coalition argue that the facility provides critical emergency/firefighting support, hundreds of local jobs, and significant economic contributions, urging the county to focus on safety and infrastructure upgrades instead.