Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

Los Angeles International Airport, widely referred to as LAX because of its IATA code, is the major airfield serving Southern California as well as one of the most significant airports globally. Located about 15 miles (24 km) southwest of central Los Angeles, it acts as the major entry point into the western part of the United States for travelers from the Asia Pacific, Latin America, Europe, and elsewhere.

Overview For LAX Airport

A Brief History

The City of Los Angeles acquired a 640-acre wheat field in Westchester on August 13, 1928, and informally named it Mines Field, the name it had been using since real estate agent William W. Mines had bought the property. The site had recently been used for the National Air Races in 1928, and city planners were confident that it was a good location for aviation.
The plant continued to grow throughout the 1930s and 1940s. 

The first major transformation was in 1984 when the city of Los Angeles hosted the Olympics, and the airport’s iconic landmark, the Theme Building, a futurist, space-age building, was built. Additional expansions were completed following the Northridge earthquake recovery in 1994, and a comprehensive $30 billion modernization program was started in 2008 and is ongoing.

Terminal Layout & Airlines

LAX is organized in a unique U-shaped configuration known as the Central Terminal Area (CTA), consisting of nine terminals (1–8) and the flagship Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT). The upper level of each terminal is used for departures, the lower level for arrivals.

All terminals are now linked, with passengers moving between flights typically not going through security again, which was a major improvement that was completed in 2024 with the Delta Sky Way connector between Terminal 3 and TBIT. A capital improvement program closed and demolished Terminal 5 in October 2025, with the airlines that previously used the terminal moving to Terminals 1, 2, 4, and a new Midfield Satellite Concourse South (MSC South).

Key Airlines at LAX

• American Airlines — Terminals 4 & TBIT (international)
• Delta Air Lines — Terminals 2, 3 & TBIT (Delta Sky Way)
• United Airlines — Terminals 7 & 8
• Southwest Airlines — Terminal 1
• Alaska Airlines — Terminal 6
• International carriers — mostly TBIT (Air France, Cathay Pacific, Korean Air, Qantas, and 60+ others)

Passenger Traffic & Global Standing

In 2024, LAX handled around 76.6 million passengers, and in 2025, this figure was revised to 73.71 million, representing a 3.76% drop, with domestic traffic making up 68% and international traffic 32% of the total. Although there are occasional ups and downs, the airport continues to be one of the most important aviation centres in the world.

LAX is the world’s busiest origin and destination airport, with almost 88% of its passengers departing or arriving from Los Angeles, not just connecting from another airport.
LAX was the 11th busiest airport in the world in 2023, serving more than 75 million passengers, according to Airports Council International. It is the busiest airport in California and the second busiest in the U.S. for international traffic, trailing only New York’s JFK.

The $30 Billion Modernization

LAX has been engaged in a massive modernization effort since 2009, aimed at making the airport ready for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games. The key elements are an Automated People Mover (APM) system that will link terminals to the regional Metro Rail system, a new consolidated Rental Car Center (RCC), and extensive road rehabilitation to alleviate the chronic congestion in the Central Terminal Area.

In 2025, the APM (SkyLink) was fully operational, linking the terminal loop, the new LAX/Metro Transit Center, and the Rental Car Center. The transit connection is a game-changer for the area, providing a direct train service to downtown Los Angeles and beyond for LAX for the first time. The airport will have 182 gates by the time the Games open, compared to 146 now.

As part of its “Boldly Moving to Zero” program, Los Angeles World Airports has also set bold sustainability goals, such as eliminating all non-renewable energy consumption and becoming a zero-carbon airport. The Automated People Mover’s Maintenance and Storage Facility was one of the highest green building standards in the world to receive the LEED Platinum certification.

Cargo & Economic Impact

LAX is among North America’s leading cargo airports. In 2025, the airport handled 2.29 million metric tons of cargo, which was slightly less than 2.40 million tons in 2024, but broadly comparable to pre-pandemic levels. LAX’s operating revenue for the fiscal year that ended in June 2025 totaled $2.05 billion, and operating income increased to $233.9 million, demonstrating financial strength.

The airport’s economic impact is not limited to the aviation sector. It provides hundreds of thousands of jobs throughout the region and billions of dollars in wages, tourism, and logistics activity throughout Southern California.

Tips for Travelers

Here are some of the expert’s tips that can make your journey from the airport itself mesmerising

Peak Travel Tips

• Always arrive early at the airport during peak traveling periods, particularly in July.
• The busiest month in the history of the airport was July 2025, with almost 7.18 million passengers.
• Additional time should be allocated for check-in, security check, and terminal changes.

Transportation & Connectivity

• The SkyLink APM should be used for fast and convenient terminal connections.
• The SkyLink connects passengers directly to the Metro K Line (Crenshaw/LAX Line).
• It is possible to use rail services to reach downtown Los Angeles and its surroundings.
• Rideshare pickup zones are designated for efficient transport service usage.

Premium Airport Lounge Service

• There are multiple premium airport lounges at LAX for travelers desiring comfort.
• The One Lounge by Delta Airlines, opened in October 2024, provides premium services.

The One Lounge offers:

• À la carte menu
• Massage chairs
• TSA pre-check lounge
• Quick boarding for Delta One international travelers

Food & Shops

• Most food and shopping venues are located post-security within the terminals.
• Travelers have a wide variety of places to eat and shop before their flights.
• Both local Los Angeles brands and popular national chains are available.

Conclusion

LAX remains one of the world’s most important and heavily trafficked airports. The LAX modernization projects, expanding passenger facilities, direct rail access, luxury lounges, and worldwide airline connections, make travel to and from LAX easier and more convenient than ever. The airport plays a vital role in connecting Southern California to the rest of the world as it prepares for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

FAQs About LAX Airport