From Los Angeles Business Journal · Howard Fine · · 1m 20s
Air Traffic Continues Slide
Los Angeles airports see passenger drops as airlines cut flights amid fuel costs.
In brief
Los Angeles airports see passenger drops as airlines cut flights amid fuel costs. Los Angeles airports recorded 4.5% fewer passengers in August 2026 compared to August 2025 due to airline route cuts and higher fuel costs. Originally reported by Los Angeles Business Journal.
Passenger traffic down
Passenger traffic dropped at all four local airports for the third straight month in August 2026.
Overall passenger decline
7.84 million travelers passed through the four airports in August 2026, down 4.5% from August 2025.
Burbank's biggest drop
Hollywood Burbank Airport recorded a 12.5% passenger decline in August 2026, its fourth consecutive month of double-digit drops.
Spirit and Avelo exits
Spirit Airlines and Avelo Airlines exited Hollywood Burbank Airport, costing tens of thousands of passengers monthly.
New terminal hopes
New $1.3 billion terminal at Hollywood Burbank Airport aims to boost passenger numbers this week.
Ontario's decline
Ontario International Airport saw a 6.2% passenger drop in August 2026, ending its 54-month growth streak.
LAX and Long Beach
Los Angeles International and Long Beach airports each recorded a 3.7% passenger decline in August 2.026.
Cargo gains
Cargo tonnage at the four airports rose 1.3% in August 2026, down from 4.1% in July.
What happens next
New terminal at Hollywood Burbank Airport may reverse passenger declines this week.
The key point
Los Angeles airports recorded 4.5% fewer passengers in August 2026 compared to August 2025 due to airline route cuts and higher fuel costs.
