Is LAX airport closed today?
LAX is closed to the general public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Palisades Fire ignited on January 7 near the Pacific Palisades neighborhood in Los Angeles, rapidly expanding to encompass 5,000 acres (2,000 ha; 7.California – January 2025 In January, California was struck by massive, fast-moving fires triggered by the Santa Ana winds, drought conditions and warmer-than-typical temperatures. The worst of the January 2025 fires were: The Palisades Fire (23,707 acres) is the third-most destructive wildfire in California’s history.LAX typically sees about 700 flights a day. It’s more than 10 miles away from the largest blaze, the Palisades Fire.The wildfires devastating Los Angeles and the strong winds intensifying them are disrupting air travel in and around the city. Los Angeles International Airport, or LAX, has remained open throughout the fires and continues to be operational.It’s a rapidly changing situation – these maps and pictures show the scale of the challenge, where the fires are and the damage they have caused. The largest blaze, in the Pacific Palisades area is the most destructive fire in Los Angeles history.
Is it okay to fly to LAX?
Official Travel Advisories As of January 16, 2025, no official travel bans to Los Angeles exist. However, the situation remains dynamic, and travelers should stay informed about the latest developments. If there were any danger related to flying from LAX, the FAA and airport authority would stop the flights. As such, it is safe to fly to and from Los Angeles right now, but whether you want to is another matter.Los Angeles International (LAX) lies ten miles southeast of Pacific Palisades, so arrivals and departures are largely unaffected and the airport is operating as normal. That said, high winds could mean bumpy approaches to the airport.LAX is roughly around 18-19 miles south of Pacific Palisades, but the majority of arrivals and departures have continued as normal amid the wildfires.As the largest and busiest international airport on the West Coast of the United States, LAX is a major international gateway for the country, serving as a connection point for passengers traveling internationally (such as East and Southeast Asia, Australasia, Mexico, and Central America).
Are the fires in LA affecting flights?
The devastating wildfires in the Los Angeles region have disrupted lives, businesses, and travel on an unprecedented scale. With flights being canceled, rerouted, or delayed, and air quality concerns affecting the region, travelers are facing significant challenges. The 2025 fire season started in early January when a powerful Santa Ana wind event brought extreme winds to much of Southern California, causing multiple fires to spread rapidly throughout the Greater Los Angeles area, destroying thousands of structures and burning over 50,000 acres.Adobe stock photo. The fires around Los Angeles were the result of the dangerous overlap of multiple human and natural influences. The fire ignitions were human-caused—like virtually all winter fires in the area—although the exact trigger remains under investigation.In early January, the stage was set for a wildfire disaster in Los Angeles. A long, hot summer had dried out the plants and vegetation, making it more flammable. Drought conditions dragged on, as winter rains had yet to arrive. Then came powerful Santa Ana winds, gusting above 80 miles per hour.
Is it safe to fly into Los Angeles right now?
Is it appropriate for me to travel to Los Angeles right now? Yes, L. A. The key to traveling responsibly and respectfully is avoiding areas in distress and showing kindness. The majority of travel attractions remain open and are not impacted by the fires. Yes, Los Angeles is safe for tourists. Of course, like any popular destination, visitors are encouraged to remain vigilant for pickpockets in crowded areas, but overall it’s very easy to stay safe in L. A. To cover your bases, we’ve put together an insider guide to staying safe in Los Angeles.Is it appropriate for me to travel to Los Angeles right now? Yes, L. A. The key to traveling responsibly and respectfully is avoiding areas in distress and showing kindness. The majority of travel attractions remain open and are not impacted by the fires.Yes, Los Angeles is safe for tourists. Of course, like any popular destination, visitors are encouraged to remain vigilant for pickpockets in crowded areas, but overall it’s very easy to stay safe in L. A. To cover your bases, we’ve put together an insider guide to staying safe in Los Angeles.Is it appropriate for me to travel to Los Angeles right now? Yes, L. A. The key to traveling responsibly and respectfully is avoiding areas in distress and showing kindness. The majority of travel attractions remain open and are not impacted by the fires.