LAX opens Terminal 4.5 Core as part of $1.6 billion upgrade

The ongoing modernisation of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) continues with the opening of the Terminal 4.5 Core, the first major component to complete as part of a $1.62 billion project at the 60-year-old Terminals 4 and 5.

The Terminal 4.5 Core, which opened to the public yesterday, provides a centralised location between Terminals 4 and 5 where passengers can travel between the Lower/Arrivals and Upper/Departures levels on the pre-security side using elevators, escalators and stairs.

The building also includes direct connectivity to the Terminal 5 baggage claim and check-in lobby.

When the entire Terminal 4/5 Modernization project is complete, the Terminal 4.5 Core will provide direct connectivity to the Terminal 4 baggage claim, check-in, and security screening checkpoint, access to the future Automated People Mover (APM) train’s West Central Terminal Area station by way of a pedestrian walkway, and a post-security connection between Terminals 4 and 5.

“The opening of the Terminal 4.5 Core is an exciting step toward the complete reimagination of Terminals 4 and 5, and will allow guests to efficiently move through our facilities to help streamline their travel journey,” said Justin Erbacci, CEO of, Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA).

“We would like to thank American Airlines for their partnership and investment in the modernisation of our airport.”

The Terminal 4.5 Core project broke ground in July 2019 and was completed on time with more than 3,100 workers on the project putting in about 1.16 million work hours under the general contractor and construction firm, Hensel Phelps.

The project, designed by architecture firm Gensler, is expected to achieve LEED Silver certification from the US Green Building Council (USGBC) for optimising energy usage, reducing indoor water use and providing access to quality transportation.

The next phase of the Terminal 4/5 Modernization project is anticipated to complete in 2024, and includes the western half of the Terminal 4 headhouse and south concourse.

The west headhouse will feature new ticketing counters and baggage claim carousels for American Airlines and a consolidated security screening checkpoint.

The south concourse will feature additional space for hold rooms, concessions, restrooms, and a bus gate that will service both domestic and international flights.