UPDATE: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) officially closes Terminal 5 today, marking the start of a significant demolition project aimed at revitalizing the airport ahead of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. This urgent development was confirmed by Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), which oversees the city’s airports.
As of today, American Airlines will relocate to Terminal 4, completing the exit of three airlines from Terminal 5. This follows JetBlue‘s recent move to Terminal 1 and Spirit Airlines’ transition to Terminal 2. With these relocations, LAX is poised to begin major demolition efforts, reshaping the airport to accommodate an influx of visitors during upcoming global events.
The closure of Terminal 5 is described by Doug Webster, Chief Airport Operations and Maintenance Officer at LAWA, as a pivotal step towards delivering a world-class airport experience. In his statement, he emphasized the commitment to minimizing disruption:
“Our goal is to minimize disruption during this transition, and we are working closely with our airline partners to ensure continued operations and smooth travel for our passengers.”
This transformation coincides with the recent opening of the Midfield Satellite Concourse South, which expands the West Gates at the Tom Bradley International Terminal by more than 150,000 square feet and adds eight new gates. These enhancements are part of LAWA’s ambitious $30 billion Capital Improvement Program, designed to upgrade LAX in preparation for the 2026 World Cup, 2027 Super Bowl, and the 2028 Olympics.
In addition to infrastructure upgrades, LAWA is also rolling out a new branding campaign for LAX over the next three years, focusing on themes that celebrate Los Angeles culture, history, and sports. This initiative aims to refine the airport’s retail and dining offerings while enhancing the overall passenger experience.
As the demolition of Terminal 5 begins, travelers and airport staff are urged to stay informed about ongoing changes. This project not only impacts airport operations but also symbolizes a major investment in the future of travel in Los Angeles.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops, and prepare for an exciting transformation at LAX that aims to accommodate the millions expected to flock to the city for these historic events.
