LOS ANGELES- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is preparing for one of its final major overhauls ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The airport’s Terminal 5, currently used by American Airlines (AA), JetBlue (B6), and Spirit Airlines (NK), will be demolished and rebuilt into a modern, passenger-focused facility.
To make room for the $1.4 billion transformation, all three carriers are relocating to new terminals across the airport. The shifts, beginning in late October, mark a significant milestone in LAX’s modernization journey designed to elevate passenger experience and efficiency.
American, JetBlue, and Spirit Shift Terminals
JetBlue (B6) will be the first to move, transferring its 20 daily departures from Terminal 5 to Terminal 1, sharing space with Southwest Airlines.
Spirit Airlines (NK) follows, relocating its check-in operations to Terminal 2 while operating flights from the new Midfield Satellite Concourse South (MSC South). Passengers will reach the MSC via shuttle buses from Terminal 2.
American Airlines (AA), LAX’s second-largest carrier by flight volume, will consolidate its operations into Terminal 4 and the Tom Bradley International Terminal starting October 28.
These adjustments are essential to clear Terminal 5 for demolition and reconstruction.
The relocations form part of Los Angeles World Airports’ (LAWA) broader initiative to modernize facilities, improve passenger flow, and support expected traffic surges during the 2028 Olympics.
LAX Terminal 5 Rebuilds
The new Terminal 5 will showcase a sleek, midcentury-inspired design featuring glass walls, multilevel concourses, and an open-air terrace offering panoramic views of aircraft and the Los Angeles skyline.
LAWA officials describe the project as “transformative” and intended to deliver a “wow factor” for travelers and employees alike.
The terminal will feature updated amenities, improved gate configurations, and direct connections to Terminals 4 and 6.
Aviation expert Brett Snyder noted that the previous 1988 layout was outdated and inefficient, with limited passenger space and awkward floor transitions.
The redesigned facility promises greater comfort and convenience for both domestic and international travelers.
American Airlines’ Advantage
American Airlines is positioned to gain the most from the Terminal 5 rebuild. Once completed, the carrier will have preferential access to 10 of the new concourse’s 15 gates, double its previous capacity in the terminal.
This expansion will streamline operations and reduce reliance on remote gates such as the “Eagle’s Nest,” which serves regional jet flights.
Enhanced gate access and improved terminal connectivity will significantly benefit passengers through faster transfers and more seamless journeys.
However, the project’s timeline remains tight, with completion targeted for May 2028, just before the Olympic opening ceremony on July 14, 2028.
Preparing LAX for the Olympics 2028
The Terminal 5 rebuild is part of a larger infrastructure push that includes a new automated people mover linking all terminals to the Metro system and a consolidated rental car facility, expected to open by mid-2026.
LAWA is also reconstructing Terminal 4 and upgrading other terminals to ensure readiness for global visitors during the Olympics.
LAWA CEO John Ackerman emphasized that while the project’s pace is ambitious, the airport’s current traffic levels provide flexibility to maintain service quality even during construction.
The redevelopment will mark a pivotal moment in LAX’s evolution as a world-class gateway, whether they fully complete the terminal or make it partially operational by 2028.
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