Ever Wondered How Big LAX Is?

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is not just one of the busiest airports in the world; it’s also one of the largest. Covering over 3,500 acres, LAX serves millions of passengers each year, making it a crucial hub for both domestic and international travel. But how does LAX compare to other airports in terms of size and operations? Let’s explore the dimensions and features that make LAX a significant player in the aviation industry.

Size Comparison of Major Airports

To put LAX’s size into perspective, let’s compare it with some other well-known airports. The following table illustrates the total area of these airports:

Airport	Size (Acres)	Country
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)	3,500	USA
Denver International Airport (DEN)	33,531	USA
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)	17,207	USA
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)	2,300	China
Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND)	1,500	Japan

As we can see from the table above, while LAX is large at 3,500 acres, it is significantly smaller than Denver International Airport, which holds the title for the largest airport in the United States. Nonetheless, LAX remains a pivotal airport, especially given its strategic location in one of the largest cities in the world.

Runways and Terminals at LAX

LAX features a total of four parallel runways and nine passenger terminals, which are numbered from 1 to 8 and include the Tom Bradley International Terminal. Each terminal serves different airlines and destinations, creating a unique experience for travelers. Here’s a quick overview of the terminals:

Terminal Number	Airlines Served
1	Southwest Airlines
2	Delta Airlines
3	Alaska Airlines
4	American Airlines
5	United Airlines
6	Alaska Airlines
7	Delta Airlines
8	Various International Airlines
Tom Bradley International Terminal	International Airlines

The layout of the terminals allows for efficient passenger flow and enhances the overall travel experience. Each terminal is equipped with various amenities, including dining options, shopping outlets, and lounges.

Passenger Traffic at LAX

LAX is not only significant in terms of size but also in passenger traffic. In 2019, the airport recorded over 88 million passenger movements, making it the second-busiest airport in the United States and the fourth-busiest in the world. Here’s a breakdown of passenger traffic over the past few years:

Year	Passenger Traffic (Millions)
2017	87.5
2018	88.1
2019	88.1
2020	38.9
2021	62.5

The drastic drop in 2020 was due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but passenger numbers have been steadily increasing as travel restrictions have eased. LAX remains a vital gateway for international travel, connecting passengers to destinations around the globe.

Future Developments at LAX

As LAX continues to grow, significant investments are being made to enhance its infrastructure. The airport is undergoing a major renovation project aimed at modernizing terminals, improving passenger amenities, and increasing capacity. These developments are expected to elevate the airport's status and improve the overall travel experience for passengers.

In conclusion, the question “How big is LAX?” leads us to appreciate not only its physical dimensions but also its importance in the global aviation landscape. With over 3,500 acres of space, numerous terminals, and high passenger traffic, LAX is a vital hub for millions of travelers each year. Whether you're flying internationally or domestically, LAX offers a fascinating glimpse into the complexities of modern air travel.