Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the world’s busiest origin and destination (O & D) airport. O&D passengers are those beginning or ending their trips in Southern California rather than using the airport for connecting flights. In total traffic, LAX is the fifth busiest airport in the world...

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the world’s busiest origin and destination (O & D) airport. O&D passengers are those beginning or ending their trips in Southern California rather than using the airport for connecting flights. In total traffic, LAX is the fifth busiest airport in the world for passengers and ranks 12th in the world in air cargo tonnage handled.


just the facts

In 2007 more than 61.9 million people traveled through LAX. A commerce leader, its ever-expanding air cargo system handled 2 million tons of goods. International freight is more than 50 percent of this total. Convenient location, modern facilities, and superior sea/air/land connections have led to LAX's designation as a world-class airport. LAX handled approximately 90 percent of the passengers, 80 percent of the air cargo, and 99 percent of the international passengers and cargo traffic in the five-county Southern California region.

Brief History

Originally known as Mines Field, the LAX site has been used as a general aviation field since 1928. During World War II, it was used for military flights. Commercial airline service started in December 1946. The present terminal complex was constructed in 1961. In the early 1980s, LAX added domestic and international terminals and a second-level roadway.

Economic Impact

LAX is a dynamic airport which creates, attracts and supports economic activity throughout Southern California. According to a 1995 study, LAX has an annual economic impact of $60 billion. This is generated by aviation activity on or near the airport, by off-airport expenditures related to the use of aviation services, and by money that is again spent and circulated throughout the local economy. An estimated $21 billion of this total is generated within the City of Los Angeles.

LAX creates jobs. An estimated 59,000 jobs, directly attributable to LAX, are located on or near the airport. Approximately 408,000 jobs, spread throughout the region, are attributable to LAX. The employment in the City of Los Angeles due to the airport is estimated to be 158,000 jobs. One in 20 jobs in Southern California is attributed to LAX operations.

Central Terminal Area

The central complex features nine passenger terminals connected by a U-shaped two-level roadway. Curbside baggage check-in is available on the upper departure level. Baggage claim is on the lower level. Brand-named and ethnic-styled restaurants, cocktail lounges, gift shops, newsstands, duty free shops for international flights, restrooms, public telephones and business centers offer convenient services for the traveling public.

Other amenities include a first aid station in the Tom Bradley International Terminal and information kiosks connected to area hotels/motels, bus/limousine services and car rental firms serving most Southland communities. Free shuttle service is provided between all terminals and remote parking lots.

The Encounter Restaurant is located 70 ft. above the ground in the center of the historic Theme Building complex. The restaurant, topped by an observation deck, features a space-age interior design.

Air Traffic Control

The 277-foot control tower is uniquely designed to service LAX's four parallel runways. Individual local control and ground controllers handle their duties for each of the four runways. Clearance delivery, flight data and gate-hold positions are operated from the central position of the tower cab.

Coast Guard Facilities

The U.S. Coast Guard Air Station, the only one of its kind in the country, provides around-the-clock vigilance on search/rescue missions. Its personnel conduct maritime law enforcement on oil pollution in coastal waters. The station is located adjacent to the north runway complex.

Public Parking

More than 21,144 parking spaces are available. In addition to 10,000 parking spaces in the central terminal area, LAX has a capacity of 11,000 cars in its economy-rate, long term parking areas.

Free shuttle service to airline terminals is provided around the clock from Lots B and C. Perimeter parking Lot C, northeast of the airport, also contains the Metro Bus Center, which connects public bus systems with the courtesy LAX shuttle bus service provided by the airport.

Public Transportation

Among the modes of transportation available at LAX are airport bus service, door-to-door shuttle van service, local bus lines, light rail, rental cars, and taxicabs. A free, frequent shuttle bus connects LAX with Metro's Green Line light rail. Shuttle service is provided at no charge for passengers making connecting flights between terminal buildings.

The LAX FlyAway Bus Service provides frequent nonstop transportation between LAX and the San Fernando Valley (Van Nuys Airport Bus Terminal, Woodley Avenue at Saticoy Street). The LAX FlyAway Bus Service also serves Union Station in downtown Los Angeles and Westwood on the campus of UCLA.

Services for the Disabled

LAX provides many services to assist passengers or visitors with disabilities. Along with special parking spaces, rampways and elevators, a free shuttle equipped with a lift for disabled persons in wheelchairs operates between Lot B and C and airline terminals. The service also operates between terminals. Telecommunications Devices for the Deaf (TDD) or speech-impaired are available in all terminals.

Cargo Facilities

Fast becoming a major cargo distribution center, LAX has 1,000 cargo flights each day linking Los Angeles with the world. Its handling facilities are the 98-acre Century Cargo Complex, the 57.4-acre Imperial Complex, the Imperial Cargo Center and a number of terminals on the south side of the airport. For more information, see the Los Angeles World Airports Air Cargo Fact Sheet.

McCarran and the five general aviation facilities in the Clark County Airport System are owned by Clark County, Nevada and operated under the policy direction of the Board of County Commissioners, the authority of the County Manager and the management of the Director and Deputy Director of Aviation.

LA/Ontario International Airport (ONT) is a medium-hub, full-service airport with commercial jet service to major U.S. cities and through service to many international destinations. ONT is located in the Inland Empire, approximately 35 miles east of downtown Los Angeles in the center of Southern Cal...

LA/Ontario International Airport (ONT) is a medium-hub, full-service airport with commercial jet service to major U.S. cities and through service to many international destinations. ONT is located in the Inland Empire, approximately 35 miles east of downtown Los Angeles in the center of Southern California. The airport is the centerpiece of one of the fastest-growing transportation regions in the United States. ONT's service area includes a population of six million people living in San Bernardino and Riverside Counties and portions of north Orange County and east Los Angeles County. Passenger traffic at ONT has been increasing steadily for the past 10 years. In 2006, 7 million passengers used the airport and 602,326 tons of air freight were shipped.

ONT's more than 380 daily flights provide service to every major city in the U.S. ONT's airlines include AeroMexico, Alaska, American, Continental, Delta, ExpressJet, jetBlue, Southwest, United/Ted/United Express, and US Airways. The "new" Ontario International Airport opened September 27, 1998. The $270 million project includes two new terminals at 265,000 square foot each for a total of 530,000 square feet, a new ground transportation center, an additional parking lot and new roadway system, airfield improvements, landscaping, and a site storm-drain system. The new terminals are eight times larger than the former terminal and can accommodate up to 10 million passengers a year. When passenger traffic at ONT reaches 10 million in two consecutive years, a third terminal will be constructed.

ONT is also the center of a rapidly developing freight movement system that includes the airport, two railroads, four major freeways, and an expanding network of freight forwarders. ONT is served by major U.S. air freight carriers including Ameriflight, Arrow Air, Centurian Airlines, DHL (Airborne Express), Empire Airways, Evergreen Aviation, ExpressNet, Federal Express, Gulf and Caribbean Cargo, IFL Group, Kalitta Air, United Parcel Service and West Air. ONT is a member of the Los Angeles World Airports system and is ideally situated as an airfreight center for Pacific Rim and European cargo. The airport is less than 50 miles from Los Angeles and Long Beach Harbors .