Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has opened Terminal 3 and the Tom Bradley International Terminal connector, to expand pedestrian access across the airport's eight terminals.
The recent connectivity efforts follow modernisation attempts made at the airport, which will be further boosted through the introduction of automated people movers and pedestrian bridges in 2024.
This bridge forms part of a $15bn capital improvement programme which is set to be completed by 2027, boosting efficiency across the airside link.
These significant infrastructure improvements will significantly improve access at one of the world's busiest airports in time for the 2028 Olympics.
BOAC president Karim Webb expressed the economic advantages of the terminal access expansion project, saying: “While we modernise LAX to greatly elevate our guests’ experiences, we are also advancing economic opportunities for the airport’s neighbours and the greater Southern California region.
“The projects that now allow passengers to go between terminals post-security also provided jobs for over 7,000 local workers, equaling over half a billion dollars in wages for these individuals. The roughly two-mile end-to-end connection from Terminal 1 to Terminal 8 will continue to foster career pathways for our local community by supporting the expansion of operations and concessions roles.”
LAX has recently undertaken immense infrastructure improvements, including the $2.3bn Delta Sky Way project and investments of $1.62bn to modernise the 60-year-old Terminal 4 and Terminal 5.
Passenger traffic at LAX has almost recovered to pre-pandemic levels, with just under 63 million passengers expected in 2022, a 37% rise from 48 million in 2021.