(LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA) Los Angeles International Airport’s LAX Terminal 5 will close for complete demolition on October 28, 2025, with a full reopening of a brand-new facility planned just before the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Airport officials are advancing the project as part of LAX’s $30 billion Capital Improvement Program, which aims to deliver a modern, higher-capacity experience in time for the global event.
The shutdown will follow a staged move of airlines out of the terminal, beginning October 21, 2025, and will shift thousands of daily passengers to other parts of the airport while construction takes place.
Airline moves and what travelers should do
Under the plan, carriers will relocate over one week, after which the building will be cleared for demolition.
- October 21, 2025: JetBlue moves to Terminal 1.
- October 22, 2025: Spirit Airlines relocates to Terminal 2.
- October 28, 2025: American Airlines begins shifting to Terminal 4.
- October 28, 2025: Terminal 5 closes fully for demolition.
These steps matter for anyone with tickets that list LAX Terminal 5. Even frequent flyers should double-check their gate and terminal a few days before travel, as boarding passes issued earlier may list outdated information.
Travel planning tips:
– Confirm departure and arrival terminals with your airline before heading to LAX.
– Allow extra time for transfers, especially for families, elderly travelers, and passengers using shuttle services or walking routes through construction areas.
– Expect gate and baggage changes during the transition; monitor airline messages closely in the days before departure.
Important: If your itinerary lists Terminal 5, assume it may change after the listed move dates and confirm with your carrier.
Capacity additions to offset the closure
LAX is adding capacity to help manage the shift while Terminal 5 is offline.
- The Midfield Satellite Concourse South (MSC South) opens on October 21, 2025.
- MSC South adds eight gates and over 150,000 square feet of space.
- Airport officials say the extra gates will help keep schedules steady during peak hours as demolition proceeds.
These additions are intended to absorb some displaced flights and ease pressure across the airfield during the Terminal 5 closure.
International travel and immigration notes
For international passengers, the changes can affect connection times, baggage re-check, and gate assignments, even when flights remain on the same carrier. Travelers arriving from overseas and connecting to domestic flights after October 28 should pay close attention to updated terminal guidance from their airline.
- People entering the United States may want to review their Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record) details after entry.
- The official record can be reviewed or retrieved through the CBP site: https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/.
Keeping I-94 admission information handy helps with status checks, onward travel, and verifying stay dates—especially during large airport changes.
Modernization scope and Olympic timeline
The Terminal 5 project is part of a broader wave of upgrades across LAX designed to boost capacity and deliver a smoother journey by the time the world arrives for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Key modernization points:
– The new Terminal 5 is expected to feature updated passenger facilities, improved wayfinding, and better links with nearby terminals.
– A planned post-security connection between Terminals 4 and 5 aims to allow movement within the secured area without exiting and re-screening once construction is complete.
Timeline highlights:
– Demolition starts in late 2025.
– Modernization work for Terminals 4 and 5 runs through 2028.
– The rebuilt Terminal 5 is slated to return to service just before the 2028 Olympics.
This schedule aligns major infrastructure milestones with the city’s event calendar and the needs of travelers expected during that period.
Impacts on passengers, workers, and local businesses
Near-term realities:
– Multi-year construction will mean busier concourses in other terminals and adjusted walking paths.
– Airport workers and local businesses may experience changed staffing patterns, vendor relocations, and different service delivery locations during the rebuild.
– Meeting points, pickup/drop-off zones, and shuttle routes could change—plan accordingly.
Recommendations:
1. Check terminal and gate information with your airline before traveling.
2. Arrive earlier than usual to account for potential delays and longer transfer times.
3. Build in extra time if traveling with strollers, mobility aids, or heavy luggage.
The added gates at MSC South should help reduce crowding and keep flights moving while Terminal 5 is offline, but the most reliable way to avoid stress is advance planning and close monitoring of airline updates.
Broader context and final takeaways
From an immigration and global travel perspective, the Terminal 5 closure demonstrates how major airport construction can ripple across the passenger journey—from check-in to connections. Gate changes and terminal moves can add minutes to transfer routes, and tight layovers may become more challenging.
The airport’s long-term vision focuses on improved passenger flow and a stronger experience supported by modern facilities and new connections. The near-term adjustments—airline moves, MSC South opening, and the full closure of Terminal 5—are the steps that make that vision possible ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games.
Final summary:
– Key dates are fixed and the demolition of the existing Terminal 5 is scheduled.
– The rebuild is tied to the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games timeline.
– Travelers should confirm terminals, arrive early, and monitor airline notices to navigate the transition without missing flights.
This Article in a Nutshell
LAX will permanently close and demolish Terminal 5 beginning October 28, 2025, as part of a $30 billion modernization tied to the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Airlines will relocate in a staged process starting October 21, 2025 — JetBlue to Terminal 1, Spirit to Terminal 2, and American Airlines to Terminal 4 — while the Midfield Satellite Concourse South opens the same day to add eight gates and over 150,000 square feet. Travelers, especially international passengers, should confirm terminal details, expect changes to gate and baggage arrangements, allow extra transfer time, and monitor airline communications. Modernization work on Terminals 4 and 5 will continue through 2028 to improve passenger flow and connectivity.
