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At SANeR, our volunteers have spent thousands of hours understanding the dynamics between LGB, the City of Long Beach, and the FAA, SANeR has become the de facto voice for airport issues affecting the airport.
SANeR believes it is irresponsible for LGB not to charge landing fees at a time when the airport is deeply in debt and revenues are projected to drop by $2.2 million in 2027 alone.
🏡 HOW WILL LANDING FEES AFFECT LONG BEACH RESIDENTS?
Landing fees for general aviation could make flying out of LGB less expensive for commercial passengers. Airline tickets reflect fees charges by airports and right now, only commercial airlines are charged landing fees.
🔇 WILL LANDING FEES REDUCE NOISE?
No, landing fees are not a noise related issue.
The purpose of landing fees is to ensure the airport’s financial stability. Given the decrease in revenue, this is of great importance to LGB.
More than 87% of operations at LGB come from general aviation, including private jets, but they pay nothing to use the airfield.
SANeR’s position is that the cost of running an airport should be distributed across ALL users, including general aviation and private jets.
💰 WHO PAYS FOR THE AIRPORT NOW?
YOU DO!
The airport’s funding comes from passengers’ ticket fees, parking fees, concessions, taxi fees, and other airport fees levied on commercial carriers. LGB increased all these fees in 2026.
❓ ❓ WHY DID LGB RAISE FEES FOR EVERYTHING EXCEPT LANDING FEES?
We don’t understand it ourselves.
🛩️ HOW MUCH SHOULD GENERAL AVIATION PAY IN LANDING FEES?
SANeR suggested matching the fee to commercial landing fees of $6.14 per 1,000 pounds, applied equally to all users, whether they are based in Long Beach or fly in from elsewhere.
Landing fees could generate over $3.5 million in new revenue for LGB. With the new hangars for private jets and the anticipated increase in private jet traffic, this revenue could increase considerably.
Other airports charge up to $6.44 per 1,000 pounds. Austin airport charges surge fees for large events, and SANeR believes this is a relevant strategy given the Olympics in 2028.
🛠️ WHAT WOULD LANDING FEES PAY FOR?
Landing fees would help offset the cost of maintaining the runways and airfield and potentially lessen the need for federal tax backed FAA grants that come with obligations.
LGB is currently repairing one of the aprons for Runway 26L, at a cost of over $26 million so far.
📊 IMPORTANT FACTS REGARDING LANDING FEES
• The airport is in debt by over $100 million.
• The interest on that debt is over $8 million per year.
• LGB has accepted over $143 million in FAA grants since 2017.
✈️Airport Advisory Commission News
On Thursday, October 15, the Airport Advisory Commission approved the formation of a Landing Fee Ad Hoc Committee to examine landing fees and determine whether to recommend that the matter be brought before City Council for further consideration.
👥Committee Members
The following members volunteered and were selected from those present at the meeting:
- Vice Chair Ryan Gales
- Commissioner Phyllis Arias
- Commissioner Randy Zarn
📝 Members Absent
The following commissioners were absent from the meeting and did not participate in the vote:
- Commissioner Katie Larson
- Commissioner John Mosquera
- Commissioner Kenneth Brown
What’s Next?
The Landing Fee Ad Hoc Committee is expected to report its findings and recommendations at the February Airport Advisory Commission meeting.
Stay tuned for future updates as the committee examines this important issue and considers potential next steps regarding landing fees
Stay tuned for opportunities to attend the upcoming Airport Advisory Meetings (AAC) when SANeR needs you!
