LAX terminal to close next week before demolition

Terminal 5 at Los Angeles International Airport will begin a phased closure next week as part of a full demolition and rebuild, with the new terminal expected to open ahead of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Los Angeles World Airports said the terminal’s final day of operation will be Oct. 28, with airlines beginning to relocate starting Tuesday. JetBlue will move to Terminal 1 on Tuesday, Spirit Airlines will shift to Terminal 2 on Wednesday, and American Airlines will move to Terminal 4 on Oct. 28.

The closure is part of LAX’s $30 billion Capital Improvement Program, which also includes terminal upgrades and enhancements for travelers on foot. LAWA said the goal is to reduce disruption during the transition and maintain smooth travel for passengers.

“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,” said Doug Webster, chief airport operations officer for LAWA.

To help offset the closure, a new satellite concourse will open to the public Friday. The 150,000-square-foot Midfield Satellite Concourse South adds eight gates to the airport’s footprint. The satellite concourse was built on time and on budget, airport officials said, and the same construction method for it will be used when rebuilding Terminal 5.

LAX’s multibillion-dollar overhaul comes as the airport prepares to welcome an influx of international travelers for the 2028 Games, as well as other high-profile international events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the NFL Super Bowl in 2027.

The airport’s much maligned automated people mover is set to open by summer 2026, assuming it is not delayed once again after already being years behind the original schedule.