Santa Monica Municipal Airport Or Santa Monica, CA Airport IATA Code: SMO It is one of the oldest airports in the United States, having opened on April 15, 1928. Santa Monica Airport General aviation, formerly the world's busiest single-runway airport. The place is 2 miles from the scenic Pacific Ocean and 6 miles north of the Los Angeles International Airport. The airport, spanning 215 acres, is an integral aspect of the Greater Los Angeles region. The airport will shut down in 2028. The Barker Hangar is one of the hangars that is now available as a venue for some public events such as awards and concerts.

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Santa Monica Municipal Airport (IATA: SMO) is a general aviation airport in Santa Monica, California. The airport opened as an air mail stop on April 15, 1928, and is one of the oldest airports in the United States. This airport has an interesting history; it was once the busiest single-runway airport on the planet. Approximately two miles from the Pacific Ocean, with a parcel that covers 215 acres, it's located just 6 miles north of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The airport acts as a reliever airport. One facility is the Barker Hangar, which holds public events, award shows, and concerts. Of course, this airport will be closing down at the end of 2028, so hurry up!

Basic information about airport

Airport code: KSMO
Type: small
Continent: NA
Country code: US
Country: United
City Santa
IATA: SMO
Longitude: -118.450996399
Latitude: 34.015800476100004

Santa Monica Municipal Airport on Google Maps

metkaSanta Monica
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Santa Monica Airport: The Key to the City on the Sea

Introduction

Due to a topographic feature that is just 2 miles from the ocean, Santa Monica Municipal Airport (SMO) has enjoyed almost nine decades as an aviation hub. Founded in 1928, this historic airfield has been a cornerstone of the growth and development of Los Angeles County, providing capacity relief for some economic activity at the busier LAX.

Airlines and Destinations

Most of the operations at SMO are geared towards general aviation, but there is commercial activity as well. Jet Edge and Wheels Up are examples of private charter companies that provide service to destinations throughout the US, along with other countries. In addition, a number of flight schools — including the prestigious Santa Monica Flight Academy — call SMO home to offer pilot training and aircraft rentals.

Number of Passengers and Flight Requests

While getting the Service Level it provides at a general aviation airport is uncommon due to its relatively low passenger capacity compared with airports in major cities, in 2019, the facility saw more than 200K aircraft operations—putting it among the busiest single-runway airports on earth. SMO has continued to show activity in terms of private and recreational aviation, which has been a bright spot for the airport amid an otherwise depressed year due to the pandemic.

How to Get Here

SMO is conveniently situated only 6 miles north of LAX and easily reachable from all the Los Angeles area. The airport is just off the 10 Freeway, so right as you get to town when headed down from Arizona. The airport does have a public transportation connection: Big Blue Bus service with routes to the Expo Line light rail station that eventually will link SMO users and employees.

Parking

There are many types of parking in SMO, including short-term and long-term, which make it easy for visitors. Prices start at $2 per hour, and the daily maximums for lots range from around $12 to about $20. The airport also hosts a convenient cell phone lot for anyone in a hurry to pick up someone without paying for parking.

Transportation Prices

The airport is relatively inexpensive both to travel from and to—there are a host of ways you can get here. A one-way trip to most local stops probably costs $10-$20 using a rideshare service like Uber and Lyft. Taxi and shuttle services are also available, though they start at around $25 for transport into Downtown Santa Monica.

Terminal Layout

The terminal plan is pretty simple for a single-runway airport like SMO. Located in the main terminal building are also businesses such as a flight school, pilot supply shop, and airport administrative offices. You may also see a couple of private hangars and FBO (Fixed-Base Operator) facilities operating on either side of the terminal to meet more personalized needs for general aviation pilots, as well as aircraft owners.

Navigate the Airport

SMO is small enough and well-marked to be simple in- and outbound. Arriving visitors will be directed to the terminal building, numerous parking lots, and FBO facilities. The airport website and the mobile app are also very useful as they contain information on flights in real time and terminal maps.

Getting Between Terminals

And while it only has one terminal, at least you won't have to worry about getting from an express parking area on the south side to a long-term parking lot way over on the other side. What makes the onsite facilities here so attractive is that all passenger services and amenities are housed in a single main terminal building, ensuring easy access to everything.

Services and Amenities

The smallest of its kind, SMO still offers a variety of services and amenities for users. The modern terminal building offers a pilot lounge with comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and a flight planning area. Moreover, the airport has car rental agencies on-site that help facilitate travel.

Restaurants and Shops

While SMO boasts choice dining and shopping options, there are a handful of notable establishments inside the terminal building. The historic aircraft hangar is used as a popular event space, hosting pop-ups for food and retail. Near the airport is Santa Monica, a bustling town with plenty of restaurants, shopping, and things to do.

Security and Customs

Although it is a general-aviation facility with no TSA security—for better or worse—the airport is subject to strict security measures and access control, as well as regular patrols. For international travelers, the airport serves as a port of entry where they can clear customs and immigration processing into the United States.

Accessibility

SMO strives to make the airport accessible for all. Among other things, the terminal building and adjacent structures are handicap-accessible with ramps for access to the upper floors of buildings where there is not direct external level-entry. The airport also offers services to meet the needs of passengers who require special attention, such as wheelchair use or interpretation in other languages.

Travel Tips

Due to SMO's location, parking and check-in can take longer than at larger airports, so visitors are encouraged to arrive early. Also, remember the noise abatement procedures of the airport to minimize the impact on those around you. Check out the colorful city of Santa Monica with its world-renowned beach, lively promenade, and diverse arts scene.