Los Angeles International Airport’s (LAX) plans for expansion have been put on hold after passenger traffic forecasts revealed that growth through 2028 is less than expected. Instead, the airport will renovate and update core infrastructure to improve passenger comfort and experience.
Switching focus
While the world’s aviation industry is enjoying the post-COVID-19 aviation boom, certain airports have yet to reach pre-pandemic traffic levels. Unfortunately, LAX is one of these airports. In addition, it seems that passenger levels will only exceed pre-pandemic numbers around 2028.
Photo: Los Angeles International Airport
According to the Los Angeles Times, initial forecasts put 110 million passengers traveling through the airport in 2028. However, that number has since been revised to 90 million. In 2023, more than 75 million passengers traveled through the airport, significantly less than pre-pandemic values. In contrast, LAX saw more than 88 million passengers before the pandemic in 2019.
Though passenger numbers are down compared to pre-pandemic levels, LAX is still one of the busiest airports in the world. In 2023, it was the eighth-busiest airport in the world. It’s no surprise, given that it is the largest and busiest international airport on the US West Coast.
John Ackerman, Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) Chief Executive, spoke to the Los Angeles Times about the shift in focus, saying:
“We previously expected 110 million passengers in 2028. We now expect slightly more than 90 million. While our traffic’s improving, it’s not improving at the rate that we need it to be successful. So, we simply don’t need additional capacity at this point. We don’t need additional terminals — we need to fix our core infrastructure.”
The airport is undergoing a $30 billion overhaul. Billions of dollars were allocated to construct another terminal and a new concourse branching off the current Terminal One. The project was going to increase capacity by adding more than 12 gates. Construction on the new terminal and concourse project was to begin in 2022 but is currently behind schedule. The project was supposed to be completed in time for the 2028 Olympics.
Simple Flying has contacted the airport regarding future projects and fund allocation.
Funding remains the same
In light of the reduced passenger numbers, the new terminal and concourse project has been scrapped, freeing up money to be allocated to other projects. Should demand increase, the airport will look into restarting the project.
The overhaul includes plans to modernize the terminals and improve how travelers navigate through LAX. According to Ackerman, the plan change will not affect the spending costs. Instead, funds will be redistributed to other less-glamorous areas, such as plumbing.
Currently, half a billion dollars is allocated to update the infrastructure. Michael Christensen, LAWA Chief Development Officer, said this value will surely rise as funds are redistributed. He said, “You’re going to see a lot of movement in this happening over the next six to 12 months.”
Another important project is the renumbering of the gates and terminals and improving the airport’s signage, as LAX is currently confusing for passengers to navigate through. The airport previously designated $43 million for this project, but this number is expected to rise.
Los Angeles International Airport
- IATA/ICAO Code
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LAX/KLAX
- Country
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United States
- CEO
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Justin Erbacci
- Terminals
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Terminal 1 |
Terminal 2 |
Terminal 3 |
Tom Bradley International Terminal | Terminal 4 |
Terminal 5 |
Terminal 6 |
Terminal 7 |
Terminal 8