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Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has officially begun the next phase of its massive modernization effort with the full closure of Terminal 5, effective today, October 21st. The move marks a major milestone in the airport’s $30 billion Transforming LAX capital improvement program, which is designed to prepare one of the world’s busiest airports for the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games.
With Terminal 5 closing for reconstruction, several airlines are relocating operations. JetBlue will begin operations today from Terminal 1. Spirit Airlines will follow, shifting to Terminal 2 tomorrow, October 22nd. Finally, American Airlines, the last remaining tenant at Terminal 5, will consolidate its operations in Terminal 4 on October 28th.
The relocation aligns with the opening of the Midfield Satellite Concourse South, part of the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) expansion. This new concourse provides eight additional gates and eases congestion across terminals while accommodating displaced operations during the Terminal 5 overhaul.
Passengers traveling through LAX in the coming months should expect adjusted routes, updated signage, and potentially longer transfer times as airlines settle into their new terminals. For American Airlines customers, this transition means the closure of the Admirals Club in Terminal 5. Lounge capacity will temporarily tighten in Terminal 4, where both the Admirals Club and Flagship Lounge are expected to see increased traffic.
The airport has already completed preliminary upgrades in preparation for the closure, including the addition of two new gates and a bus gate for inter-terminal transfers. A new post-security connection linking Terminals 4 and 5 is also planned, creating a more seamless passenger experience once the renovations are complete.
The full redevelopment of Terminal 5 represents a $1.7 billion investment and will involve a near-total rebuild. While the terminal will retain its 15 gates, every system will be replaced. The project also includes upgraded ticketing and security areas, reimagined baggage claim and concessions, and improved airside connectivity with other terminals.
Construction crews are expected to demolish significant portions of the existing terminal structure, with a partial reopening possible by mid-2027 and a full reopening slated ahead of the 2028 Olympics. The closure of Terminal 5 is just one piece of LAX’ broader effort to reinvent itself for the next generation of travelers. From new automated people movers to expanded concourses and revamped terminals, the Transforming LAX initiative is reshaping the airport into a more efficient, passenger-friendly hub.
When Terminal 5 reopens, travelers can expect a modern, light-filled space offering faster security processing, expanded dining and retail options, and improved passenger flow. In the meantime, travelers are encouraged to check terminal assignments before arriving at LAX, plan extra time for transfers, and stay updated through airline communications as construction progresses.
Doug Webster, Chief Airport Operations and Maintenance Officer at LAX, said:
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.”
Anthony’s Take: LAX is one of my least favorite airports. The traffic is awful and a lot of it is dated. It’s great to see the investments here and they will hopefully lead to a world-class facility.
(Image Credits: Los Angeles World Airports.)
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Advertiser & Editorial Disclosure: The Bulkhead Seat earns an affiliate commission for anyone approved through the links above This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. We work to provide the best publicly available offers to our readers. We frequently update them, but this site does not include all available offers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities.
