Board approves plans for terminal improvements and connector at LAX

The Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners (BOAC) has approved a project to modernize Terminals 2 (T2) and 3 (T3) at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in California, as well as connect them to the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT).

The board also voted in favor of a lease agreement with Southwest Airlines for a new building (Terminal 1.5) that will include a connector between T1 and T2, as well as space for additional ticket counters, baggage carousels, a bus gate and an additional security screening checkpoint.

Sean Burton, BOAC president, said, “Plans for the dramatic renovation of T2 and T3, spearheaded by Delta Air Lines, and the new building between T1 and T2, are two of the keys to eventually connecting the entire airport beyond the security checkpoints.

“This will mean easier connections, along with more freedom of movement for guests throughout all nine of our terminals. These are the kind of facilities that will help us complete the transformation of LAX into the gold-standard airport the city of Los Angeles deserves.”

Deborah Flint, CEO for Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), the airport operator, said, “T3 has gone the longest without significant renovation, so its reconstruction, upgrades to T2 and the connection to the Tom Bradley International Terminal are critically needed. Meanwhile, the development of Terminal 1.5 will provide Southwest Airlines with additional space as well as connect T1 and T2 and improve the guest experience, much like the excellent improvements already made by Southwest in T1.

Delta Air Lines plans to invest as much as US$1.9bn in the modernization, which would include upgrading the T2 concourse, demolition and reconstruction of the T3 concourse building, demolition of the southern appendages of the T3 satellite (oval shaped structure at the north end of T3), and demolition and reconstruction of the passenger and baggage processing facilities (ticketing buildings). According to the environmental impact statement, reconfiguration of the gates as part of the projects could add as many as four gates between the two terminals.

The board of commissioners also approved two actions related to Southwest Airlines, amending its Terminal Facility Lease and License Agreement for space in T1 while approving a new lease for the future Terminal 1.5.