LAX Drops from World’s Top 10 Busiest Airports, Raising Economic Concerns for Inglewood

Los Angeles International Airport has dropped out of the top 10 list of the world’s busiest airports by passenger count, according to preliminary rankings released Monday by the Airports Council International (ACI). This decline could have economic implications for nearby communities, including Inglewood, where many residents work in airport-related industries.

Once ranked as high as the third-busiest airport globally in 2019, LAX has experienced a significant slide in rankings. The airport initially fell to 15th place in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, rebounded to 5th in 2021 and 8th in 2023, before dropping out of the top 10 in the latest report.

The decline is primarily attributed to decreased domestic travel and ongoing challenges in recovering from pandemic-related disruptions, according to the ACI report.

For Inglewood residents, many of whom are employed at LAX or in related hospitality, transportation, and logistics sectors, this trend raises concerns about the regional economy’s recovery. The airport has historically been a major economic engine for surrounding communities.

“LAX is a critical employment hub for many Inglewood families,” said a local economic development official. “When passenger numbers decrease, it affects everything from airline staffing to ground transportation, hotel occupancy, and airport retail.”

The airport’s proximity to Inglewood—less than five miles from the city center—has made it a convenient employment option for local residents. According to pre-pandemic data, approximately 8% of Inglewood’s workforce was employed in transportation, warehousing, or related support services, many connected to LAX operations.

Los Angeles World Airports, which operates LAX, has acknowledged the ranking decline but has not released a detailed statement addressing its potential economic impact on surrounding communities.

Despite the passenger count challenges, ongoing modernization projects at LAX continue, including the $5.5 billion Automated People Mover and numerous terminal renovations. These infrastructure improvements are expected to create construction jobs and eventually enhance the airport’s capacity and passenger experience.

The Airports Council International will release its complete annual airport rankings report in July, which may provide more detailed insights into LAX’s performance relative to other major global hubs.

This story draws on information from the Associated Press and Airports Council International preliminary rankings report.