LAX is the Subject of an Extreme Airport Makeover

By Cameron Gibney

Los Angeles International Airport, better known as LAX, has been on the receiving end of some dramatic improvements since plans for upgrading the airport were announced in 2018.

The second busiest airport in the nation, right behind Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International, these ongoing upgrades have aimed to enhance convenience and efficiency for all LAX travelers.

Essential Improvements To Know About

Among the slew of projected additions is the plainly titled “People Mover,” an electric passenger train that stops at six sites throughout the airport: an off-site parking location, a new rental car building, an LA metro station, and other terminals. The self-driving train is slated for a 2023 opening.

The now-confirmed 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles have also ensured the airport to chock-full of liveliness in the foreseeable future.

New Wing at LAX

Another scheduled improvement comes in the form of an entirely new wing, which is also set to reveal itself in 2023. With a calculated size of six million square feet, this annexation will bring about drastic cosmetic change to LAX, dissolving preexisting rental lots and parking spaces.

LAX’s terminals will also receive a sizable facelift. Construction began in 2018 for refurbishments to the terminals, which will usher in more opportunities for pre-flight dining and shopping.

On May 13th, Los Angeles World Airports, the authority that owns and operates LAX, released its latest press release, which included updates on the progress of renovations.

The travel authority issues such news releases on a monthly basis to coincide with the ongoing improvements.

The latest release addressed the forthcoming summer travel season, which is expected to be particularly large in size due to the waning threat of COVID-19 in the United States.

“Passenger traffic at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is beginning to increase as the summer travel season nears,” advised the latest press release. “It [is] important that airport guests plan ahead for parking, ground transportation, check-in and security as the airport becomes busier and remains under heavy construction.”

The Metro Touches Down at LAX

In coming years, passengers of the LA Metro can expect easier access to the airport, thanks to a seminal $898 million station that will connect LAX’s People Mover to the Crenshaw/LAX line (which is due to finish by the end of the year). The project in its entirety is expected to open in 2022.

New Midfield Satellite Concourse

The official Metro website offers further details about the development of this massive transit project.

Construction crews began work on June 21, which drew comments from Los Angeles mayor Eric Garcetti.

“The Airport Metro Connector is a historic step toward reimagining how travelers experience our airport,” said Garcetti.

“[It is] a turning point that will be a source of jobs and economic growth, reduce congestion, and help our airport realize its potential as a world-class gateway to Los Angeles.”