LAX Terminal Closes In Preparation For Demolition

LOS ANGELES, CA — Major changes are rolling out at LAX beginning Tuesday as the airport empties out Terminal 5 in preparation for a full demolition and rebuild.

Over the next week, airlines housed in Terminal 5 will be moving to other terminals:

• JetBlue is now located in Terminal 1 as of Tuesday
• Spirit will be located in Terminal 2 as of Wednesday
• American will be located in Terminal 4 as of Tuesday, Oct. 28LAX Terminal Closes In Preparation For Demolition

Following American's departure from the terminal, the facility will be completely closed to prepare for demolition.

"As we take this important step toward transforming LAX, the closure of Terminal 5 marks a pivotal moment in our journey to deliver a world-class airport experience," Doug Webster, chief airport operations and maintenance officer for Los Angeles World Airports, said in a statement. "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."

On Tuesday, LAX also opened the newly constructed Midfield Satellite Concourse South, an extension of the West Gates at the Tom Bradley International Terminal.The project added more than 150,000 square feet and eight gates to the terminal.

Officials said the new space will allow operations to run smoothly during the demolition and construction of Terminal 5.

The demolition of Terminal 5 is one of several projects underway to rejuvenate LAX ahead of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The airport's famous "LAX" sign was removed earlier this year as part of a project that will see the construction of 14 miles of new roadway in and around the airport.

And the long-awaited people mover is set to open early next year, following the debut of the new LAX/Metro Transit Center station, which opened in June.

City News Service contributed to this report.