Delta Air Lines is set to move terminals at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), triggering the start of 21 airlines also relocating.
Delta will move from terminals 5 and 6 to terminals 2 and 3 this May, with the transition of all participating airlines taking place on May 12, 14 and 16 following the last flight operations on each day.
Los Angeles World Airport’s (LAWA) board of airport commissioners approved a lease and license agreement last year for Delta to relocate to terminals on the north side of the airport. This supports Delta’s plan to make US$1.9bn of improvements over the next seven years that would modernize and connect terminals 2 and 3 to the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT).
Sean Burton, commission president, said, “Delta’s move is one more element of LAX’s massive modernization effort which continues the transformation of the airport and will improve the guest experience.
“While moving 21 airlines over three nights is a monumental task, Delta and the LAWA team have been planning and preparing for months to ensure a smooth transition.”
During the move, Delta will operate flights from as many as four terminals – 2, 3, 5 and 6 – on certain days, while being in constant communications with customers. Real-time information on departure and arrival terminals and gates through the Fly Delta app, text messages, emails and additional channels will all be available to travelers.
A total of 28 airlines will be affected by the realignment, which began in January when American Airlines swapped four gates in terminal 6 for four gates held by Delta in terminal 5.
While terminal changes are subject to change, it is anticipated that Qatar, Hainan and Copa operations will move to the TBIT as early as April, with Copa welcoming passengers at terminal 3.
Other changes include Virgin America moving from terminal 3 to 6, Air Canada changing from terminal 2 to 6, and JetBlue relocating from terminal 3 to 5.
Deborah Flint, LAWA CEO, commented, “This move furthers our progress toward our vision of a Gold Standard Airport. The coordination and cooperation among the airlines involved has been impressive and mirrors the importance that we all place on the guest experience at LAX.
“The immediate result is more efficient airline operations amongst partner carriers, and facility improvements that will be made in terminals 2 and 3.”
