LAX Terminal 5 to Close for Demolition Next Week

‍LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) will temporarily close Terminal 5 next week as part of a major redevelopment plan that will see the building demolished and completely rebuilt from the ground up.

According to Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), the phased closure starts October 28, after which airlines using the terminal will begin moving operations to other parts of LAX. The complete demolition of the structure will follow soon after.

A Step Toward Modernization

LAX has been undergoing significant transformations lately. With the new people mover system and redesigned terminals, the airport is gearing up for the future, particularly with major international events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Olympic Games coming to Los Angeles.

The closure is part of LAX’s $30 billion Capital Improvement Program, which includes terminal redevelopments, roadway enhancements, and new facilities for passengers on foot.

Terminal 5 has served millions of travelers over the years, but airport officials say it’s now outdated and can’t meet today’s capacity and security needs. Instead of patchwork renovations, LAWA decided a complete rebuild would make more sense in the long run.

Airlines on the Move

The terminal has mainly hosted Spirit Airlines (NK) and JetBlue (B6), though both will temporarily shift their operations to other nearby terminals once the closure starts. Passengers flying in the next few weeks are being advised to double-check their booking confirmations or flight alerts before heading to the airport.

Airport staff and extra signage will be placed around LAX to help travelers navigate the changes. Still, LAWA has also warned that passengers should expect minor disruptions while the transition happens.

Even as Terminal 5 closes, all other airport facilities will continue running normally.

What’s Coming Next

Once the old building is torn down, construction will begin on an entirely new terminal complex. The upgraded facility is expected to include wider concourses, modern security checkpoints, more food and retail options, and improved baggage systems.

The 150,000-square-foot concourse adds eight gates to the airport’s capacity and was finished on time and on budget, according to LAWA. The overall goal, officials said, is to minimize disruptions during construction while ensuring passenger movement remains as smooth as possible.

The new design also focuses on sustainability — with better lighting, water conservation, and more efficient energy use — something LAWA has made a big priority for all its redevelopment projects.

Although the airport hasn’t released a firm completion timeline, the project is part of LAWA’s long-term modernization plan that stretches beyond 2028.

A Wider Transformation

The Terminal 5 rebuild is just one piece of the massive modernization puzzle at LAX. The airport has already completed several significant upgrades over the past few years, including the renovation of Terminals 1 and 3 and the near-completion of the Automated People Mover, which will connect passengers directly to public transport and parking areas. 

Officials say these developments are part of a long-term effort to make LAX a world-class airport capable of handling future passenger growth. 

Also Read: The History of LAX 

What Travelers Should Know

• Flights that usually depart from Terminal 5 will operate from different terminals after October 28.
• Passengers should check their flight status and terminal information before leaving for the airport.
• Extra time at the airport is advised, as navigation around construction areas could take longer than usual.
• Airport staff will be stationed to assist with directions and information.

Looking Ahead

For many locals and frequent flyers, seeing Terminal 5 go might feel a bit nostalgic — it’s been around for decades and handled everything from short domestic hops to long transcontinental routes. But for LAWA, this marks the start of something much bigger.

Once the new terminal opens, travelers can expect a smoother, more modern experience that matches the rest of LAX’s evolving look.

T5 is being built for the future. The changes may feel inconvenient now, but they’re setting the stage for a new era of travel in Los Angeles.

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