AIN Blog: We Shouldn't Say Goodbye To So Many Airports | Aviation International News

AIN Blog: We Shouldn't Say Goodbye To So Many Airports

The U.S. is losing too many airports, and the big reason is lack of support from local communities.

Perhaps downtown Banning, Calif., would see a resurgence if the city decided to support its airport instead of closing the valuable facility. Photo: Matt Thurber

By Matt Thurber

June 10, 2017

Here we go again. Yet another city has decided that its airport is no longer needed and should close so the property can be developed. This time it is the city of Banning, Calif., a small burg, population approximately 30,000, that most Californians know as a blip on the freeway on the way to Palm Springs or the nearby Morongo Casino. The city itself offers a unique southern California high-desert charm, with a pleasant downtown area populated with non-chain restaurants and even a charming little movie theater. Property in Banning is relatively inexpensive, especially in California terms.

The airport is a decent facility, although a bit inconveniently located in a windy slot between San Gorgonio and San Jacinto mountains. The runway is 4,955 feet long and in decent condition. There aren’t a lot of amenities at the airport, although it is handily close to the city.

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The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

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Matt Thurber

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