Palm Springs airport tarmac hits record temperature amid Western U.S. heatwave

Despite these challenges, Palm Springs International Airport was ranked as the 35th best airport in America for 2025 by the Washington Post. The airport features an open terminal design with dining and shopping options that aim to provide comfort even during peak summer heat. During major travel seasons such as Thanksgiving and Christmas, several thousand passengers pass through PSP each day.

KCRW News has described PSP’s outdoor desert garden as “the best waiting room in American aviation.” The private aviation terminal includes amenities like a swimming pool, while the all-outdoor layout contributed to increased traffic during the COVID-19 pandemic—a period when many smaller airports saw declines.

Passengers can still experience discomfort during delays caused by extreme weather. On August 7, travelers waited up to ninety minutes aboard Boeing 737s running reduced air conditioning while awaiting departure clearance from air traffic control, as reported by KESQ 3 News.

At other hot-weather airports like Las Vegas International (LAS) or Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX), airlines often rely on commercial models from Boeing and Airbus equipped with robust systems designed for high-temperature operations. These flights sometimes require reduced cargo loads or fuel levels to ensure safe takeoff within runway limits.

Airport staff—including aircrews, controllers, and operations teams—are trained to manage these complex conditions with extra precautions taken during extreme heat events to protect both equipment and passenger safety.