One of the largest terminal moves in the history of commercial aviation will take place when Delta Air Lines relocates services at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in May.
The US carrier is to switch from Terminals 5 and 6 to Terminals 2 and 3 as part of a $1.9 billion, seven-year modernisation plan by the carrier at the California gateway.
The move, due to start on May 12, will impact 21 airlines for a week. Delta flights will operate from as many as four terminals (2, 3, 5 and 6) on certain days of the move.
Los Angeles World Airports president, Sean Burton, said: “Delta’s move is one more element of LAX’s massive modernisation effort which continues the transformation of the airport and will improve the guest experience.
“While moving 21 airlines over three nights is a monumental task, Delta and the LAWA team have been planning and preparing for months to ensure a smooth transition.”
Delta will have 23 gates at LAX immediately following the move and will operate alongside airline partners, including Virgin Atlantic, Aeromexico and WestJet.
Seamless access to additional partners, including Air France-KLM, Alitalia, China Eastern, China Southern, Korean Air and Virgin Australia, will be provided later.
“Once completed, the facility will offer convenient passenger flows, more gate-area seating, and a world-class concession program featuring local chefs and restaurants,” Delta said.
The airline’s vice president for sales in the west of the US, Ranjan Goswami, said: “Delta is betting big on Los Angeles with a $1.9 billion plan for Terminals 2 and 3 at LAX, representing the second-largest infrastructure investment in the region.
“Our relocation to Terminals 2 and 3 is a major milestone for LAX and an even bigger step forward for the future of LA.”