Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is undergoing a significant transformation. The goal is to enhance travelers’ navigation through its extensive layout. With the city gearing up to host major events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games, the changes are both ambitious and necessary.
According to the Los Angeles World Airports’ proposal, the project is ongoing until 2027. However, as with any major overhaul, there will be a period of adjustment and, yes, a fair share of confusion.
A New Naming System for Terminals and Gates
Central to the renovation is thoroughly renumbering and renaming gates and terminals. The current system, which includes a mix of numbers and a letter, will be simplified to a more intuitive numeric sequence. Terminal B, short for Tom Bradley International Terminal, will continue to serve numerous international airlines.
The current Terminal 1 will merge with Concourse 0 to form the new Terminal 1. This new Terminal 1 will house an extension for Southwest Airlines. Terminals 2 and 3 will consolidate to form the new Terminal 2. It will accommodate carriers including Delta Air Lines and Aeromexico. Terminals 7 and 8 will combine to create a new Terminal 7, home to United Airlines and its regional subsidiary, United Express. A new terminal, previously conceptualized as Terminal 9, will be introduced as Terminal 8.
In addition to the terminal changes, gate numbers will adopt a new alphanumeric system for clarity. For instance, LAX’s gates in Terminal 1’s Concourse A will be labeled A1, A2, and so on. Concourse B gates will follow a similar pattern. However, the upcoming automated people mover (APM) system’s station naming might add to the initial confusion, as they will not directly correspond with the gate numbers.
Looking Into LAX’s Future
LAX is rethinking terminal names and numbers and investing in a holistic approach to wayfinding that considers the increasing reliance on technology. The airport also intends to address the needs of travelers with disabilities. The changes are part of a larger $30 billion airport overhaul to modernize LAX, the world’s fifth-busiest airport. The proposed changes are still under consideration, and no final decisions have been made.
While the changes are expected to streamline navigation in the long run, there is a consensus that the transition period might be challenging for passengers. During this change, travelers should stay updated with LAX announcements. Most importantly, it’s essential to allocate extra time for navigation when using the airport.