Are Canadian Flights to Palm Springs Slowing — and Who’s Filling the Gap?

If you’ve flown in and out of the Desert lately, you may have noticed the airport felt busier — and not just during peak season. That’s led to a common question: are Canadian flights slowing down, or is something else going on?

Passenger traffic has been trending up at Palm Springs International Airport, and 2025 turned out to be another strong year. More than 3.3 million passengers traveled through PSP last year, a 2.4% increase year over year. What’s changed most isn’t the number of travelers — it’s where they’re coming from.

What’s notable is what’s happening at the same time.

Flight Patterns Are Shifting

Domestic flights from U.S. cities are stepping in and filling the gap. Palm Springs continues to add or expand nonstop service from the West Coast, Mountain states, Texas, and parts of the Midwest. Some routes are flying more frequently, others are sticking around longer into the year, and a few have moved closer to year-round service. The end result is a steadier flow of travelers arriving from across the U.S.

That shift is actually changing the feel of the airport. Domestic travelers tend to come for shorter, more frequent visits — long weekends, quick getaways, spur-of-the-moment trips when the weather cooperates. Instead of everything hinging on a tight winter window, traffic is spreading out a bit more across the calendar.

Short-Term Improvements Already Underway

But the airport isn’t resting on its success; they have plans to improve the passenger experience in the short term, with flight info system improvements, smart parking and access upgrades, upgraded baggage systems and ongoing runway and airfield planning studies.  These projects keep the character of the airport, but help the airport function better as traffic increases.

Mid- and Long-Range Expansion Plans

Looking ahead, to mid term and long-range plans The airport’s Master Plan outlines a first major expansion phase that would add a new concourse with additional gates, along with a modernized rental car facility and expanded baggage and landside areas. These changes are intended to increase capacity without overwhelming the airport’s footprint.

Importantly, PSP is also planning for a future Federal Inspection Services facility, which would allow the airport to process international arrivals directly when demand supports it. That doesn’t mean a sudden flood of international flights, but it does signal flexibility — the ability to adapt if international service grows over time.

Looking further ahead, the long-range vision stretches out over roughly a 20-year horizon. Beyond 2035, the Master Plan anticipates additional terminal growth.  The concepts are intentionally phased and conditional, meaning they depend on future passenger demand, airline interest, environmental review, and funding. PSP’s long-term approach is about scalability — having a plan in place without rushing growth before it’s needed.

True to form, Palm Springs is taking a measured approach — improving what’s needed without losing the easy, open-air feel that makes this airport so pleasant to use.

So if it feels like PSP is humming along, that’s because it is. Canadian flights ebb and flow, domestic routes are carrying more of the load, and overall traffic remains healthy. It’s not a dramatic shift — just a quiet evolution that keeps Palm Springs well connected and easy to get to.

Frequently Asked Questions About Palm Springs International Airport

Is Palm Springs International Airport adding new flights?

Yes. While routes change seasonally, Palm Springs International Airport has continued to add and expand domestic nonstop service from U.S. cities. Some flights are flying more frequently, others are staying on the schedule longer into the year, and a few have moved closer to year-round service.

Are Canadian flights to Palm Springs down in 2026?

Canadian flight capacity has eased modestly compared to last season, particularly during parts of the winter schedule. This reflects airline scheduling and economic factors rather than a lack of interest in Palm Springs. Overall inbound traffic remains strong as domestic flights have stepped in to fill much of the gap.

Where are most inbound flights to Palm Springs coming from now?

An increasing share of inbound flights are coming from U.S. cities, especially the West Coast, Mountain states, Texas, and the Midwest. This shift has helped create steadier year-round traffic rather than relying heavily on a short seasonal window.

Is Palm Springs International Airport expanding or remodeling?

Yes. PSP has ongoing terminal improvements focused on comfort and efficiency, including upgraded Wi-Fi, expanded seating and charging areas, and refreshed passenger spaces. Longer-range plans also include future concourse expansion and infrastructure upgrades to support continued growth.

Will Palm Springs International Airport add more international flights?

The airport is preparing for future international capability, including planning for expanded international processing when demand supports it. International routes tend to adjust year to year, but PSP’s planning signals long-term confidence in continued inbound demand.

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