Master Plan Update

The Master Plan Update is a 20-year plan completed about every 10 years that is necessary to reflect changes in aviation demand, technology, regulatory requirements, and community needs. It ensures the airport's future development is aligned with current trends and projections, enabling us to meet the anticipated passenger and cargo traffic grow efficiently and sustainably.

Passenger volume is set to increase at a rate of 5% per year, regardless of any facility improvement. This means that if existing facilities are not improved, the overall passenger experience will deteriorate, and passengers with mobility issues will face even greater challenges accessing and navigating these public facilities. 

Airlines can introduce larger airplanes, enabling them to serve popular destinations with more seats before adding a frequency. Additionally, it is important to note that many existing flights do not depart with all seats filled. Airlines will attempt to fill existing seats, adding to the total number of passengers using the airport.

Environmental sustainability is a key component of SBA’s Master Plan Update. It includes evaluating the environmental impact of proposed development projects and incorporating sustainable practices and technologies to minimize negative impacts on the environment and local community. 

• SBA is working with all possible partners to find creative solutions to noise concerns. These include working with airlines, Fixed Base Operators (FBOs), and flight schools to ensure agreed-upon take-off and landing paths are respected, weather and conditions permitting.  

• The long-term airport layout and the FAA-approved aviation forecasts will be combined in an FAA computer model to develop noise contours reflecting current conditions and the future 20-year condition. SBA will be able to identify areas where noise is expected to change throughout the forecast period.  

• If you live in the neighborhood and want to participate in the Noise Committee, please email SBA_MPU@SantaBarbaraCA.gov to learn how to get involved.  

The suggested changes in the Master Plan Update include restriping Fowler Road to make passenger drop-off more effective and relocating the Rideshare area to a different location.  

The goal of the Master Plan Update is to improve airport facilities based on the predicted number of flights and passengers. The MPU itself does not dictate the number of flights, airline carriers, or destinations. Separate from this plan, SBA has an ongoing air service development program that manages commercial service. 

• The Master Plan Update is funded through a combination of airport revenues, grants from governmental aviation agencies, and possibly other sources, depending on the specific needs and scope of the plan. 

• Taxpayer dollars are not funding the MPU project. 

• Over 90% of the MPU will be funded by the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration). 

• Comments can be emailed to SBA_MPU@SantaBarbaraCA.gov  

• You can also subscribe to email updates on this page. See subscription section to sign up.