Los Angeles World Airports begins removal of iconic LAX sign

c: LAWA

Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) is making significant strides in its ongoing efforts to enhance the passenger and community experience. From 4 September, LAWA will begin the removal of the LAX sign at the airport’s gateway, marking an important step toward the next phase of the airport’s modernisation efforts.

While the letters have served as an iconic welcome symbol for LAX guests over many decades, moving them is essential to allow for the reconfiguration and upgrade of the surrounding roadways, and to ensure smoother and more efficient access to the airport. These future roadway improvements will significantly reduce traffic congestion by separating airport-bound vehicles from local traffic along Sepulveda Boulevard, enhancing the flow of vehicles both within and around the airport.

“Today marks a significant milestone for LAX as we continue to innovate, evolve and transform LAX into a more efficient and accessible airport,” said Michael Christensen, Chief Airport Development Officer, Los Angeles World Airports.

“While the LAX sign will be taking a break from the spotlight, our teams and contracting partners will be hard at work on roadway improvements that will provide long-term benefits to employees, travellers and our surrounding communities, creating a world-class airport experience for years to come.”

While the LAX letters will be removed from their current location, they will be later relocated to ensure compatibility with the new road designs and integrated into the broader improvements planned for the area. Until then, the letters will be safely stored at a LAWA yard just across the street from the current site. The sign removal is anticipated to take about one week to complete, at two nights per letter. The order of removal will begin with the letter “X”, followed by “A” and “L.”

In addition to reducing congestion, the new roadways will also include pedestrian enhancements, improved signage, and more direct access to LAX Economy Parking. Once complete, the over four miles of replaced and reconfigured roadways are projected to remove over 500 cars from Sepulveda Boulevard at any given time.

The roadways project is part of LAX’s broader Airfield & Terminal Modernisation Programme (ATMP), which is focused on enhancing passenger experience, community connectivity, airfield safety and business opportunities. With full completion expected by 2030, the modernisation efforts will help accommodate changing travel demands and ensure key elements of LAX remain operational during major global events coming to Los Angeles like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.