New $508 Million Southwest Airlines Terminal Under Construction At LAX

In the midst of numerous media reports on the possibility of a Southwest Airlines international expansion,  construction of airline’s new $508-million Terminal 1 Modernization Program at Los Angeles International Airport kicked off this week.

Southwest Airlines is the only carrier operating out of Terminal 1. In 2013, Southwest was the fourth busiest airline at LAX based on passengers enplaned, serving more than 7.4 million passengers, or 11.1 percent of the airport’s total passenger volume.

The modernization of the aging terminal, built in the early 1980s, will include a new 12-lane security screening checkpoint; a fully automated checked-baggage inspection and sortation system; a new and expanded dining and retail collection featuring activated gate hold rooms with lounge-style seating; refurbished arrival/baggage claim area; replacement of the passenger boarding bridges; renovations to airline support office space; modernized aircraft parking/apron pavement and hydrant fueling system; improvements to the building facade; and relocation of the main terminal entrances to the west end of the building to ease traffic congestion. Westfield’s new retail and dining collection in Terminal 1 will offer 24 spaces across 25,242 square feet- nearly double the existing program.  The program will open in a phased approach, with the first Westfield developed spaces scheduled to open late Summer 2015.

Construction is expected to be completed in 2018.

For more information, go to lawa.org.

Photo courtesy of facebook.