LAX on the MOVE UPDATE: QATAR AIRWAYS COMPLETES TERMINAL MOVE, THOMAS COOK BEGINS SEASONAL SERVICE IN NEW TERMINAL

(Los Angeles, California – May 1, 2017) This morning, Qatar Airways completed its relocation from Terminal 2 to the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT), while Thomas Cook Airlines resumes seasonal service today to Great Britain, becoming the fourth and fifth carriers to move as part of a major relocation taking place at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) through May 17.

Airport and airline staff are relocating 21 airlines as part of Delta Air Lines’ move from Terminals 5 and 6 to Terminals 2 and 3, with 15 of those airlines moving between May 12 and 17. The LAX terminal moves will take place May 12, 14 and 16, immediately following the last flight operations each day, and continue into the early-morning hours of the following day.

“Qatar and Thomas Cook are the final airlines to move to make way for the major relocation in mid-May,” said Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners President Sean Burton.  “We continue to gear up for that significant undertaking, and ask our airport guests to do what they can to be prepared.”

             “Passengers will want to arrive early the week of May 12-17, and stay informed as these moves are taking place,” said Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) Chief Executive Officer Deborah Flint. “We’re stressing to passengers, know before you go - check-in online, download or print boarding passes before arriving at LAX, as they usually contain helpful flight, gate and/or terminal information.”

During the move, Delta flights will operate from as many as four terminals (2, 3, 5 and 6) on certain days. The airline will be in constant communication with its customers, providing real-time information on departure and arrival terminals and gates through the Fly Delta app, text messages, emails and additional channels.  Following the move, Delta will operate 23 gates at LAX alongside many of its airline partners.  Delta is planning improvements valued at up to $1.9 billion over the next seven years that would modernize and connect Terminals 2 and 3 to the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT).

LAWA is working closely with Delta and the relocating airlines to keep the traveling public informed.  A 4-week campaign, beginning today, is designed to inform passengers before, during, and after the move using radio and digital advertising, and ads specifically targeted to frequent and business travelers.  Move information can also be found on social media, a LAX on the MOVE website, changeable message signs and other signage in the Central Terminal Area (CTA), in terminals and on airport shuttle buses.

During the relocation and in the weeks following, passengers should check flight and gate status on flight information display boards in each terminal to ensure they are in the correct location.      

Delta plans to deploy hundreds of people, who will be wearing bright green vests, to help guide passengers the week of the move, and LAX Guest Experience Members (GEMS), dressed in blue, and Volunteer Information Professionals (VIPs), in red, will also be available to provide guidance to passengers needing assistance. 

About Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

LAX is the fourth busiest airport in the world, second in the United States, and was named Skytrax’ 2017 Top 10 Most Improved Airports.  LAX served more than 80.9 million passengers in 2016.  LAX offers 742 daily nonstop flights to 101 cities in the U.S. and 1,280 weekly nonstop flights to 77 cities in 42 countries on 64 commercial air carriers.  LAX ranks 14th in the world and fifth in the U.S. in air cargo tonnage processed, with more than 2.2 million tons of air cargo valued at over $101.4 billion.  LAX handled 697,138 operations (landings and takeoffs) in 2016. 

An economic study based on 2014 operations reported LAX generated 620,610 jobs in Southern California with labor income of $37.3 billion and economic output (business revenues) of more than $126.6 billion.  This activity added $6.2 billion to local and state revenues and $8.7 billion in federal tax revenues.  The study also reported that LAX’s ongoing capital-improvement program creates an additional 121,640 annual jobs

with labor income of $7.6 billion and economic output of $20.3 billion, $966 million in state and local taxes, and $1.6 billion in federal tax revenues.

            LAX is part of a system of two Southern California airports – along with Van Nuys general aviation – that are owned and operated by Los Angeles World Airports, a proprietary department of the City of Los Angeles that receives no funding from the City’s general fund.

          As a covered entity under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of disability and, upon request, will provide reasonable accommodation to ensure equal access to its programs, services, and activities.  Alternative formats in large print, braille, audio, and other forms (if possible) will be provided upon request.

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Key changes as a result of the May 12-17 realignment include: