Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
History, Facts and Overview

(Los Angeles, California - CA, USA)

In 1926, the city of Los Angeles began to discuss the need for a municipal airport. Although several basic runways were used in Mines Field, the present day site was chosen in 1928 and leased for 50 years, at the cost of over $100,000 per year. Modern hangars were soon built and Los Angeles Airport was officially dedicated in 1930.

In 1933, national air races were hosted here, attracting large crowds. Soon after, the city spent just over $2 million buying out the lease and many improvements were soon made. In the 1940s, expansion plans were implemented costing more than $13 million, soon attracting airlines from the Lockheed Air Terminal in nearby Burbank.


In October 1949, the airport was officially given the name of the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The next decade saw many further improvements, such as a new control tower, freight terminal, runway extensions and $60 million worth of redevelopment as the age of the jet planes arrived.

Within the present-day Los Angeles Airport travelers will find an excellent selection of amenities and services. There are more than 60 eateries onsite, including the Arrival Cafe, Burger King, Creative Croissants, El Paseo, Euro Coffee, Java Java, Northside Bar, Ruby's and Sushi Boy. Los Angeles Airport is also home to around 50 shops, with several outlets of Crews of California, Crews of California Satellite, Hudson Gift and News, Jetway Express, See's Candy and Via Voyage. Other highlights include duty-free shopping, ice cream kiosks and numerous cashpoints.