[Music] can Los Angeles International Airport complete a $14 billion makeover in time for the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympics crumbling terminals endless traffic jams and frustrated Travelers that's been the reality of LAX for far too long but now a massive project is underway to change all that and the clock is ticking in this video we're diving deep into the LAX modernization program a Race Against Time to transform one of the world's busiest airports before the world descends on Los Angeles will LAX be ready it's time to find out LAX wasn't always the sprawling giant it is today back in the 1920s it started as a humble Airfield called mines field as air travel boomed so did LAX it was officially named Los Angeles International Airport in 1949 over the years terminals were added and expanded to keep up with the growing number of passengers a major upgrade happened for the 1984 Olympics but even that couldn't handle the crowds seeing it today overcrowding and congestion have become synonymous with lax the airport currently serves approximately 75 million passengers annually with around 575,000 aircraft movements making it the second busiest airport in the US and the third globally this leads to long wait times for security screenings baggage claims and check-in processes the sprawling layout of the airport with its unattached terminals further complicates the situation many parts of the airport feel old and cramped there aren't enough places to check in the hallways are narrow and there's nowhere to sit getting to and from LAX is a real headache too traffic is always a nightmare especially with so many people relying on cars and taxis it's like everyone's trying to squeeze through the same tiny doorway at once passengers have also reported a lack of assistance from airport staff during peak times making navigation and problem resolution more difficult the combination of disjointed terminal layouts and limited employee support has contributed to a negative perception of the airport's experience with big events like the World Cup and the Olympics on the horizon even more people are expected at LAX this means the existing problems will only get worse underscoring the urgency of its modernization recognizing the pressing need for change Los Angeles World airports lawa the city of Los Angeles and various stakeholders launched this initiative in 2017 with a $4 billion Capital Improvement program CIP this isn't just a Fresh coat of paint it's a complete transformation everything from the terminals to the roads is being rebuilt and reimagined the goal to turn LAX into a worldclass airport ready to handle the crowds of the future and show off Los Angeles to the world when the World Cup and Olympics come to town so let's take a deep dive into the largest and most expensive airport renovation in US history first up let's talk terminals since 2017 Terminal 1 has gone through a $980 million renovation with the most recent being completed in 2021 they added a whole new section 283,000 ft so now there's more space to check in grab your bags and even get through security faster with those fancy new automated screening Lanes plus they've made it easier to get around with a bridge connecting Terminal 1 to Terminal 2 so you don't have to go through security again even though it already got a big upgrade a few years ago the Tom Bradley International Terminal where all the international flights come in is getting a major upgrade worth almost $2 billion security lines got a high-tech boost with new automated Lanes hopefully making those weights a little shorter and there's more to come a brand new Concourse the Midfield satellite Concourse is being built right next to tbit part of it the MSC North also referred to as West Gates was completed in 2021 and added 15 new gates to LAX including 12 gates capable of handling wide body aircraft like the Airbus A380 plus fancy new lounges and shops the other part msse South is currently under construction it will add eight more gates specifically for narrow body aircraft and is expected to be completed in 2025 terminals 4 and 5 are also getting a major overhaul costing a combined $1. 6 billion first off they're building a brand new shed departure Hall expected to be finished in 2027 no more separate check-ins for each terminal it'll all be in one convenient spot a brand new South Concourse is being built offering more space for passengers to relax dine and Shop plus a special bus gate will make it easier to connect to both domestic and international flights the existing North Concourse is also getting a major facelift with new escalators elevators and ticket counters along with a complete remodel of the public areas even the baggage claim area and the walkways between gates are being upgraded all of these improvements are expected to be completed by 2027 let's not forget the T4 connector completed in 2020 a $115 million bridge that lets you walk between terminals 4 and the Tom Bradley International Terminal without having to go through security all over again next in line is Terminal 5 which is getting a 2 $250 million makeover focused on making your travel experience as smooth as possible behind the scenes they're installing a state-of-the-art baggage screening system that means better security and hopefully less waiting around for your bags they're also making some big changes to the check-in and security areas the goal is to streamline the whole process so you can get through it faster and easier and once you're through security you'll be greeted by a brand new baggage claim area along with new elevators and escalators to help you navigate the terminal plus adding more Lounge areas and restaurants so you'll have plenty of options to relax or grab a bite before your flight it's all about making your time in Terminal 5 a little less stressful and a lot more enjoyable terminal 6 has already had a couple of makeovers but it's getting another one back in 2012 they made the lobby bigger and added new check-in kiosks that in 2016 they added new restaurants and shops to make things a little more lively now they're spending another $ 38. 5 million to modernize the terminal even further this time around they're focusing on the gate areas and lounges giving them a complete overhaul so when you're waiting for your flight in terminal 6 you can expect a more comfortable and modern experience this project is scheduled to wrap up in 2024 it's not just about the terminals the runways and taxiways at LAX are also getting some much needed attention these vital Pathways for aircraft are being upgraded to ensure the safe and efficient operation of those massive Jets it's like giving the airport's backbone a good stretch and a massage ensuring it's ready to handle the increasing demands of air travel but the real excitement is buzzing around the plans for a brand new terminal 9 and Concourse 0 which is a second phase of the modernization plan with construction timelines yet to be finalized getting to and from the airport is a big part of the plan traffic at LAX has been a nightmare for years it's like trying to untangle a giant ball of yarn frustrating and seemingly impossible but that's all about to change thanks to the landside access modernization program lab this massive $5.
5 billion project is tackling LAX traffic head on first up there's the automated people mover APM a $2 billion investment this elevated electric train system will zip passengers around the airport connecting all the terminals parking lots a new rental car center and even the LA metro train system imagine gliding above the traffic in Comfort enjoying the views as you effortlessly reach your destination this 2. 25 M system is going to be a game changer carrying up to 30 million passengers a year and taking a big chunk of cars off the roads it's expected to be up and running in early 2026 next there's the Consolidated Renta car conrack facility this massive building will bring all the rental car companies together Under One Roof no more waiting around for shuttle buses to take you to some far off rental lot the conrack will be directly connected to the APM so you can hop off the train and pick up your car in no time this $1.
