Los Angeles Wildfires: Is LAX Closed and Where Is Safe to Travel?

Wildfires continue to affect flying conditions in California, creating uncertainty over flights coming to and leaving from Los Angeles' biggest airport.

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is within the area affected by the fires, prompting several major airlines to issue warnings and waivers regarding travel to the region.

Newsweek contacted LAX for more information via email.

Why It Matters

The wildfires in California have caused major evacuations in Los Angeles, with the Palisades fire alone displacing more than 30,000 people. At least two people have died and thousands more have been injured. The flames have also affected travel into the city.

Are Flights Leaving LAX

According to its website, the airport is still processing departures as normal, but passengers are advised to confirm with their airlines before boarding flights.

"LAX is open and operating normally. Passengers should check their flight status directly with their airline," a statement on the site said.

Are Flights Coming Into LAX

Flights are also arriving at LAX. However, several airlines—including United Airlines, American Airlines and JetBlue—have issued waivers for customers who want to cancel or rearrange their trips.

Some of Los Angeles' largest tourist attractions, including Universal Studios Hollywood, have closed over safety concerns.

"Out of an abundance of caution, Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal CityWalk will be closed on Thursday, January 9 as a result of the extreme winds and fire conditions," the theme park said on its website. "As always, the safety of our team members and our guests is our top priority."

Plumes of smoke are seen as a brush fire burns in Pacific Palisades, California, on January 7. A fast-moving brush fire in a Los Angeles suburb burned buildings and sparked evacuations on Tuesday as life-threatening... Getty Images

Is Los Angeles Safe to Travel To

While airports are operating safely and normally, the city is in a state of emergency due to the wildfires in the Palisades. The fires have prompted widespread evacuations within Los Angeles, and there are reports that the city may not have adequate resources to contend with the fires.

What to Do If Your Flight Has Been Canceled

Travelers should contact their airlines in the event of flight cancellations. Some of the largest airlines in the U.S. have waivers in place for flights to Los Angeles that may apply to them.

What People Are Saying

Hollywood Burbank Airport wrote on X, formerly Twitter, on Wednesday: "Weather conditions are impacting various flight operations today. Check with your airline on the status of your flight before heading to BUR."

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said in an incident update: "Extreme fire behavior, including short and long-range spotting, continues to challenge firefighting efforts for the Palisades Fire … Firefighters and air resources will continue to work to protect the community, and infrastructures and gain control over fire containment."

What Happens Next

Wind conditions are expected to continue spreading the fire throughout the week while containment efforts are continuously deployed.

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