Airport officials Wednesday said that travelers flying in and out of Palm Springs International Airport on Friday shouldn’t expect to be held up when then Ex-President Barack Obama arrives in the desert with his family.
The airport’s executive director, Tom Nolan, said he could not speak to changes the airport might make to security or operations in regards to Obama’s arrival, but assured travelers that they should not worry about any delays to flights or restricted access to parking lots or terminals.
Two military planes were spotted at the airport Wednesday, possibly hinting at preparations for Obama’s arrival, but that possible connection was unconfirmed.
Nolan said security at the airport would be just as tight whether the traveler was “an acting president or a non-acting president.”
The Coachella Valley has been a frequent relaxation spot for Obama and his family, who have flown into the airport on several occasions in the past for business, golf or other activities throughout the region.
“The president vowed to take his family to a destination that is warmer than Washington D.C. on Friday and Palm Springs fits the bill,” White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said earlier this week. “This is a community that the president has visited on a number of occasions as president of the United States. He and his family have enjoyed the time they spent there in the past.”
Nolan said the city and the airport were “flattered” for such repeat consideration, especially being the first place Obama will visit in the post- presidential chapter of his life.
Nolan said the airport was prepared to welcome him yet again.
“And we hope that millions of tourists will follow him because this is a world-class destination,” he added.
–City News Service
