Santa Monica airport hosts Douglas Day

The event celebrating the first flight around the world in an aircraft made by the Douglas Aircraft Co. will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Pacific time at the Atlantic Aviation FBO at Santa Monica Municipal Airport.

Marking the 101st anniversary of the historic flight, this year’s event will also pay tribute to the heroic first responders who battled the 2025 Los Angeles wildfires. Santa Monica Mayor Lana Negrete will present commendations to several departments for their roles in the firefighting and recovery efforts. The airport itself played a critical role during the firefighting operation, credited with saving "many lives.”

The celebration will feature aircraft displays and future mobility innovations. Live music, food trucks, and family-friendly entertainment are also planned. There will be science, technology, engineering, aviation, and math hands-on activities for younger attendees.

The event is free and open to the public. To RSVP and learn more about the event, visit the Spirit of Santa Monica’s website. The Spirit of Santa Monica (a nonprofit organization) accepts donations to help further its mission of preserving the rich legacy of aviation and innovation at the Santa Monica Airport.

The airport in Santa Monica is one of the nation’s oldest, dating to 1923. In 1924, Douglas Aircraft Co. launched the circumnavigation celebrated a century later, followed by many more aeronautical milestones such as the first flight of the DC–3. Today, the airport serves the region as a general aviation hub, and the aptly named Douglas Day honors the history and future of the local aviation community.

Santa Monica's historic airport continues to face significant challenges, and the city of Santa Monica has the option to close the airport after December 31, 2028. The Spirit of Santa Monica, AOPA, and various other organizations are actively advocating to keep the airport open. The airport serves as not only a lifeline for first responders and economic hub but also supports an active community of aviators.