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Gateway to the Pacific and America's entertainment capital.
Opened
1930
Location
Los Angeles, United States
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the primary commercial airport serving the Greater Los Angeles Area and is one of the busiest airports in the world by passenger traffic. Located in Westchester, approximately 18 miles southwest of downtown Los Angeles, it serves as a critical hub for both domestic and transpacific international travel.
The airport covers roughly 3,500 acres and operates four parallel runways arranged in two pairs. It handles hundreds of millions of passengers over the years and serves as a major connecting point between North America, Asia, and the Pacific Rim.
LAX is currently undergoing a significant multi-billion dollar modernization program, including the construction of an Automated People Mover (APM) system to improve connectivity between terminals, the Consolidated Rent-A-Car facility, and nearby Metro rail stations.
Terminals
LAX has nine passenger terminals arranged in a horseshoe layout, including the Tom Bradley International Terminal, which handles the majority of international flights.
Getting to & from
Ground transportation options include FlyAway bus service to Union Station and Westwood, taxis, ride-shares, and a future direct Metro K Line connection via the under-construction APM system.
Airlines here
United Airlines and Alaska Airlines use LAX as a hub, while American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and numerous international carriers including Air China, Cathay Pacific, and Qantas maintain significant operations there.
Notable facts
- ›LAX is the third-busiest airport in the United States and among the top ten busiest in the world by passenger volume.
- ›The iconic Theme Building, opened in 1961, is a futurist-style landmark designed in the Googie architectural style.
- ›LAX served over 88 million passengers in 2019, its record year before the COVID-19 pandemic.
- ›The airport is scheduled to host operations during the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, prompting accelerated infrastructure upgrades.
- ›The Tom Bradley International Terminal, opened in 1984 and renovated in 2013, is one of the largest international terminal facilities in the United States.
This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.
