Delta Air Lines will begin work later this year to redevelop and connect three terminals at Los Angeles International Airport as part of an ambitious $1.9 billion effort that began last year with the relocation of its operations within LAX.
Beginning in October, work will commence on the Delta Sky Way at LAX, a walkway that will connect Terminals 2, 3 and the Tom Bradley International Terminal. “When it’s complete, it will reflect the modern, efficient and innovative facility that Angelenos deserve and that our customers demand,” Delta CEO Ed Bastian said at a press conference last Thursday to announce the plan. “This is the dawn of a new era for Delta here in Los Angeles.”
Mayor Eric Garcetti praised the plan, saying it will bring jobs and connect global communities. “We know these terminals are going to do much more than get us from point A to point B, he said. They’re going to be about connecting communities. They’re going to be about countries that understand each other and adding momentum to all that we are doing here in Los Angeles,” according to Daily Breeze.
Crews will tear down the current building that connects Terminals 2 and 3 to construct a more modern structure with more amenities. The building is expected to open in 2021. In it will be one security area with up to 14 lines will service the terminals, thereby reducing crowds so passengers can quickly get to their gate.
The 27-gate complex will feature a centralized lobby, baggage claim, retail and dining options, more gate-area seating and greater access to electric power stations for mobile devices. The terminals will be connected to the recently-approved people mover train that is expected to open in 2023.
LAX operates more than 170 Delta flights daily and connects more passengers to other airlines,
Phase one of the project occurred last year when Delta moved it operations from Terminals 5 and 6 to Terminals 2 and 3, swapping facilities with several airlines in the biggest terminal relocation in airport history.
The effort is part of Delta’s $12 billion plan to upgrade its airport facilities across the country. The company’s largest project of $3.6 billion is ongoing at New York’s LaGuardia Airport, according to Business Insider. In fact, that investment will provide it with nearly half the terminal space. A total of $4 billion is being spent on Delta’s terminal, which is part of an overall $8 billion redevelopment of LaGuardia. First announced in 2015, this will be the nation’s first new airport since Denver International in 1995.
In L.A., Delta’s plan is the region’s second-largest infrastructure project after the Los Angeles Stadium at Hollywood Park, which will host the Chargers and Rams.
LAX has received poor marks from passenger satisfaction in recent years. Last year, the facility came in third-to-last among 18 large airports, according to a J.D. Power satisfaction survey. However, the airport was recently named one of the ten best U.S. airports for customer service.