The massive $30 billion improvement program at LAX just hit a new construction milestone ahead of the 2028 Olympics

LAX just “topped out” its overhauled Terminal 4 — a key step in the multi-billion-dollar airport makeover before the Olympics.

LAX Terminal 4 render — Renderings of the $1.6 billion modernization project to fully reimagine Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) Terminals 4 and 5. Courtesy of American Airlines.

Jorge Lajo

– Staff Writer Intern

· May 23, 2026

Los Angeles is shutting down nearly four miles of streets for a massive car-free day in the Exposition Park area — here’s when

LAX Was Named One Of North America’s ‘Least Boring Airports’ To Be Stuck In: From A 2-Mile Terminal Walk To Public Art, Here Are Some Activities For Your Next Layover

A final steel beam now sits atop Terminal 4’s brand-new frame at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). This major “topping out” milestone marks the official completion of heavy structural work on one of LAX’s most ambitious renovation projects.

As the primary hub for American Airlines at LAX, the fully modernized facility is being built to transform the travel experience for the millions of passengers who fly through the airport every year.

What this milestone means for travelers

View this post on Instagram

Topping out doesn’t mean the terminal is open just yet — but it means the skeleton is officially complete. From here, construction crews will shift to the phases that passengers will actually notice. Work will now begin on:

Interior walls and architectural finishes.
Modern windows and glass facades.
Upgraded mechanical systems, including heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.

Inside the LAX Terminal 4 Modernization Project

The Terminal 4 Modernization Program is the second major phase of a massive overhaul that originally kicked off with preliminary work in 2018. The first phase — the Terminal 4.5 Vertical Core, which connects Terminals 4 and 5 with a direct link to SkyLink — was successfully completed in 2022.

The current phase focuses on a complete reinvention of Terminal 4 itself, featuring:

A brand-new entrance: Designed to streamline ticketing, check-in, and security.
A new south concourse: Offering expanded space, more seating, and upgraded amenities.
A refurbished corridor: Seamlessly tying the entire facility together for easier navigation.

The race to the 2028 Olympics

Why is this timeline so critical? L.A. is facing an unmovable deadline: the 2028 Olympic Games. With the city preparing to welcome the world, LAX’s historic $30 billion Capital Improvement Program is moving at an accelerated pace. The Terminal 4 and 5 Modernization Program is scheduled to be compleeted by 2028.

This project complements a wave of game-changing airport upgrades, anchored by the highly anticipated Automated People Mover (APM) scheduled for late 2026. If you frequently fly American Airlines out of LAX, keep a close eye on the evolution of this project!