LAX Closes Terminal 5 Ahead of 2028 Olympics

Los Angeles International Airport has begun vacating and will fully close Terminal 5 for complete demolition and a multi‑year rebuild aimed at reopening for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, with phased moves starting Oct. 21 and full closure set for Oct. 28. JetBlue, Spirit and American are being relocated to Terminals 1, 2 and 4, respectively, and passengers are urged to check terminals and allow extra time. Demolition is expected to take roughly three months followed by about two years of construction, though officials warn the tight schedule could push reopening past the July 14, 2028 opening ceremony. LAX is using the newly opened Midfield Satellite Concourse South—about 150,000 square feet with eight gates—to help absorb capacity, and the work is part of the airport’s broader $30 billion capital program. Travelers should expect more walking, possible congestion and reduced lounge capacity for some carriers while airport officials and airline partners try to minimize disruption.