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Los Angeles is served by a multitude of different airports, each fulfilling its role in the region’s sprawling air traffic system. Ranging from the world-famous Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to the critical regional general aviation centres, these airports in Los Angeles serve hundreds of millions of passengers along with thousands of general aviation and military aircraft and cargo operations annually. There are also general aviation airports that accommodate flight training, charter services and emergency operations. Each airport is vital to the flow of Los Angeles’ transportation, serving business and leisure passengers, private pilots and commercial cargo operators.
10 Major Airports In Los Angeles
Following are some of the major and important airports in Los Angeles for tourists and travellers to know about.
1. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Photo: Don Ramey Logan / Wikimedia Commons
Los Angeles International Airport is one of the busiest airports in Los Angeles and the world, serving over 88 million passengers annually. It is a base for major airlines, with nonstop service to hundreds of destinations around the world. LAX has nine terminals and is currently expanding, including an automated people mover to improve connections. The airport is a crucial cargo link, helping to facilitate worldwide commerce. LAX has plenty of lounges, duty-free shopping, and food to choose from. The airport was established in 1930 as Mines Field, was key in World War II, and later became a commercial centre.
Location: Westchester neighbourhood, southwest of Downtown Los Angeles
Airlines: Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines
Nearby Attractions: Venice Beach, Santa Monica Pier, and the Getty Villa
2. Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR)
Photo: Ponderosapine210 / Wikimedia Commons
There are several airports in Los Angeles, but Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) generally is the most used alternative to LAX and its convenience and shorter wait times make it the best one. It is the primary airport for the San Fernando Valley and Hollywood for domestic flights, in particular with Southwest Airlines. The airport’s small size means less walking between security, gates and baggage claim for a more efficient experience. BUR is the only Los Angeles-area airport that can be reached directly by rail, with Metrolink and Amtrak stations located nearby. Because of its classic architecture, BUR has been in numerous movies and TV shows.
Location: Burbank, serving the northern Greater Los Angeles area
Airlines: Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and American Airlines
Nearby Attractions: Universal Studios Hollywood, Warner Bros. Studio Tour, and Griffith Park
3. John Wayne Airport (SNA)
Photo: Don Ramey Logan / Wikimedia Commons
John Wayne Airport (SNA) is the main airport for Orange County and the premium experience for passengers. It was one of the nation’s most noise-sensitive airports, requiring departing flights to adhere to precise takeoff procedures to avoid sonic pollution. The airport has a slick, modern terminal with up-market lounges, restaurants and speedy security lines. It is named after legendary actor John Wayne, whose statue welcomes travellers at the entrance. While it mainly operates domestic service, it does have some international limited routes to Canada and Mexico. The airport is known for its swift check-in, ranking among the top U.S. airports for customer satisfaction.
Location: Santa Ana, Orange County, southeast of Downtown Los Angeles
Airlines: Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, and United Airlines
Nearby Attractions: Disneyland Resort, South Coast Plaza, and Newport Beach
4. Ontario International Airport (ONT)
Photo: Sdkb / Wikimedia Commons
Ontario International Airport (ONT) is a Southern California airport on the rise, providing a reasonably fair alternative to LAX. It is a major hub for passenger and cargo operations, serving as a key logistics centre for both UPS and FedEx, as well as Amazon. ONT has experienced growth in international routes, including service to Asia and Latin America. The airport has two large terminals, with roomy seating areas, charging stations and a wide range of eateries. In the future, plans to expand with a new terminal are in the works for incoming passengers.
Location: Ontario, San Bernardino County, east of Downtown Los Angeles
Airlines: Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta Airlines
Nearby Attractions: Ontario Mills shopping centre and Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park
5. Long Beach Airport (LGB)
Photo: Atomic Taco / Wikimedia Commons
Long Beach Airport (LGB) offers a one-of-a-kind mix of history, efficiency and charm. It has a mid-century modern design, open-air concourse, and palm tree-lined promenades. LGB has easy terminal navigation and short wait times compared to bigger airports. In addition, noise regulations are internally regulated at the airport, which means the number of flights and sound levels are monitored to ensure that surrounding residents experience as little noise intrusion as possible. Digitalisation and sustainability have a key focus, as shown by solar panels, water conservation initiatives and energy-efficient buildings.
Location: Long Beach, south of Downtown Los Angeles
Airlines: Southwest Airlines and Delta Air Lines
Nearby Attractions: Aquarium of the Pacific, the Queen Mary, and the Long Beach Convention Center
6. San Bernardino International Airport (SBD)
Photo: Eric Salard / Wikimedia Commons
San Bernardino International Airport (SBD) is a former Air Force base that has become a civil airport. Though it has minimal commercial passenger service today, it has become a major centre for cargo activity, including for e-commerce giants like Amazon. The airport’s new-age terminal provides travellers with a straightforward, smooth experience, with swift check-in and security screening. Also located at SBD are aviation maintenance, pilot training schools and aerospace businesses. Now, with the potential for future commercial expansion, SBD is pitching itself as a viable alternative to larger Southern California airports. The location near major freeways makes it an easy travel option for Inland Empire residents.
Location: San Bernardino, east of Downtown Los Angeles
Airlines: Currently served by Breeze Airways
Nearby Attractions: San Bernardino National Forest and the original McDonald’s Site and Museum
7. Santa Monica Airport (SMO)
Photo: Daniel Baker / Wikimedia Commons
Santa Monica Airport (SMO) is a historic general aviation airport with a rich legacy in California’s aviation sector. It was previously home to Douglas Aircraft Company, which built the iconic DC-3. Now, SMO mainly caters to general aviation, flight schools and business aviation. The airport has been at the heart of controversial land-use issues and environmental concerns have restricted jet traffic in recent years. The City of Santa Monica is working to close the airport by 2028 and turn the area into a public park. This limitation has not stopped SMO from being a Mecca for aviation enthusiasts, with scenic flights over the city of Los Angeles.
Location: Santa Monica, near the Pacific Ocean, north of LAX
Airlines: Primarily serves general aviation
Nearby Attractions: Santa Monica Pier, Third Street Promenade, and Venice Beach
8. Van Nuys Airport (VNY)
Photo: Downtowngal / Wikimedia Commons
Van Nuys Airport (VNY) is among the busiest general aviation airports in Los Angeles and the world, serving private jets, corporate aircraft and flight training. So it is a popular destination for the rich and powerful, including celebrities, corporate executives and government officials seeking privacy. There are several FBOs (Fractional Based Operators) available, such as assistants, repairs, etc. VNY is a major place for pilot training, hosting many aviation schools with its lessons. The airport has appeared in countless Hollywood efforts, frequently standing in as other airports in movies. Sustainability initiatives include alternative aviation fuels and noise reduction programs.
Location: Van Nuys neighbourhood of Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley
Airlines: Exclusively serves general aviation; no commercial airlines operate here
Nearby Attractions: Japanese Garden and the Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area
9. San Gabriel Valley Airport (EMT)
Photo: Rocker Sta / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
San Gabriel Valley Airport, also known as EMT, is another general aviation airport located in El Monte and is an essential hub for private pilots, charter flights and flight training schools. Now a state-of-the-art facility, EMT originated in the 1930s and services an array of aviation needs, from police to emergency medical. The airport has a control tower, paved runways, and small aircraft hangar space. This is also a busy training area, as several flight schools operate here. EMT hosts several aviation-centred events for the community and offers visitors scenic flight opportunities.
Location: Located in El Monte, approximately 13 miles east of Downtown Los Angeles
Airlines: Primarily serves general aviation; no commercial airline operations
Nearby Attractions: Close to the Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area and Whittier Narrows Park
10. Brackett Field Airport (POC)
Photo: Eric Salard / Wikimedia Commons
Brackett Field Airport (POC) in La Verne is a historic general aviation airport with deep ties to pilot training and aviation services. Established during World War II as a military pilot training base, POC has since transformed into a bustling airport for private aircraft, flight schools, and air ambulance services. The airport features two parallel runways, a full-service control tower, and multiple hangars. It is home to a popular aviation-themed restaurant, a gathering spot for both pilots and aviation enthusiasts. POC is an indispensable part of Los Angeles County’s aviation network with its historical legacy and present importance to general aviation.
Location: La Verne, near Pomona, east of Downtown Los Angeles
Airlines: Serves general aviation, flight training, and private aircraft operations
Nearby Attractions: Los Angeles County Fairgrounds and the Pomona College campus
The vast network of airports in Los Angeles drives a majority of connectivity, commerce and economic growth in Southern California. The region’s general aviation airports further play a vital role in pilot training, emergency services, and private aviation. Infrastructure continues to improve, with upcoming projects increasing efficiency and giving more people access to air travel as demand grows. Plan your trip with TripXL to explore these airports.
Cover Photo: Wolfgang Weiser / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
