LAX Passenger Traffic Tops Pre-Pandemic Numbers

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has surpassed pre-pandemic passenger levels for the first time since 2019 during a two-day October travel period.

The milestone was first reached on Monday, October 9, when the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) reported screening 111,017 passengers at LAX, which represents about 103% of the number of passengers screened on the same day in 2019 (107,675 vs. 111,017). On Tuesday, October 10, the TSA screened 94,686 passengers representing more than 100% of the passengers screened on the same day in 2019 (94,211 vs. 94,686). From October 1  – 16, the airport welcomed 3,317,276 passengers compared to 3,509,522 passengers during the same time in 2019, which represents a 94.5% recovery. 

“The remarkable milestone of surpassing pre-pandemic passenger volume is an achievement that Los Angeles World Airports celebrates with our employees, guests, and airport partners. Over the course of the last few years, we have been dedicated to building resiliency and laying the foundation for a full recovery,” said Bea Hsu, Interim Chief Executive Officer, Los Angeles World Airports. “The fall travel season is already taking off at the highest levels since 2019, and LAX looks forward to more record-setting days as we welcome passengers into the Thanksgiving and winter holidays.”

LAX continues to experience improvements in domestic and international traffic. Flights to Mexico, Central and South America are fully recovered, and flights to Europe are expected to reach pre-pandemic levels by this winter. Available seats on current LAX flights are at 88% of pre-pandemic levels, but due to high travel demand and increased load factors, the airport still achieved 100% passenger recovery.  

LAX has service to 85 domestic destinations compared to 93 domestic destinations in 2019 and 75 international destinations compared to 83 international destinations in 2019.

The complete monthly passenger traffic reports can be viewed here.