A November 2025 County presentation on the future of Whiteman Airport confirmed that the airport cannot be closed without approval from the Federal Aviation Administration and that a past FAA land acquisition grant may obligate the airport to remain in operation.

The presentation, delivered during focus group sessions for the County’s Whiteman Airport Land Use Study, outlined the legal hurdles surrounding closure and the airport’s continuing role in the regional aviation system.

Among the most significant points: the FAA rarely approves closure of federally obligated airports, and a 1999 FAA grant used to acquire land in the airport’s Runway Protection Zone may require continued airport operation unless the County receives a federal release and repays the funding.

Los Angeles County engaged Trifiletti Consulting in October 2024 to conduct a comprehensive feasibility and economic analysis of potential future uses for the Whiteman Airport property.

The study is examining several major factors, including:

• The financial and practical feasibility of maintaining airport operations
• The legal and procedural steps required for closure
• Existing operational, economic, and environmental conditions
• Economic impacts associated with different future scenarios

Three conceptual pathways are currently under review:

• Maintaining airport operations with required maintenance and sustainability improvements
• Maintaining airport operations with improvements and compatible development
• Full closure and redevelopment of the site

County officials emphasized that no final decision has been made.

The presentation also reviewed the airport’s current operational role.

Whiteman Airport is one of five general aviation airports operated by Los Angeles County. It supports approximately 424 based aircraft and serves as a reliever airport within the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems.

The airport supports pilot training, aircraft maintenance businesses, emergency operations, and community aviation programs. County forecasts project modest growth in operations through 2035.

A 2025 Aeronautical Rent Study found that many airport hangars are in poor to average condition, with only the medium T hangars rated in good condition.

The study reported an overall vacancy rate of approximately 39 percent across airport facilities, including a 68 percent vacancy rate for aircraft tie downs.

At the same time, there is a waiting list for hangars that are in good condition, suggesting that modernization and facility improvements could influence future demand.

The presentation also reviewed local demographics and potential redevelopment markets.

Pacoima has a majority Hispanic or Latino population and a lower median household income compared with the broader San Fernando Valley.

Market analysis identified potential demand for uses such as healthcare, bioscience, manufacturing, warehousing, and housing. However, environmental review and soil testing would be required before determining whether residential development would be feasible on the site.

The focus group presentation confirms that Los Angeles County is studying multiple future scenarios for Whiteman Airport, including continued aviation operations and full redevelopment.

However, federal grant obligations and FAA oversight remain central to any potential closure process. These requirements mean that decisions about the airport’s future involve not only local land use considerations but also federal aviation policy and compliance with existing grant obligations.