Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) announced Friday that it will take down the famous LAX sign at Los Angeles International Airport’s gateway entrance over the course of a week.
A LAWA news release stated that the letters would be relocated to ensure compatibility with new road signs and broader developments planned for the area.
“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,” LAWA said.
The planned roadway improvements aim to significantly reduce traffic congestion by separating airport-bound vehicles from local traffic at Sepulveda Boulevard.
The letters will be stored at a LAWA yard across the street from their current location until their relocation. Each letter is expected to take two nights to move, starting backwards from X to A, then L.
“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, LAWA’s chief airport development officer, in the release. “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, travelers and our surrounding communities, creating a world-class airport experience for years to come.”
New roadways will also include improvements to pedestrian travel, new signage and more direct access to LAX economy parking.
LAWA stated that over four miles of revamped roadways are expected to remove over 500 cars from Sepulveda Boulevard at any given time once construction is completed.
The roadways project is included in LAX’s broader Airfield and Terminal Modernization Program (ATMP) – an initiative aimed at enhancing passenger experience and airfield safety. Though the project is expected to be completed by 2030, the modernization efforts will help keep LAX operational during major global events to be held in the city like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
