Passenger Counts Drop at Local Airports: Discover What’s Behind the Decline

Passenger Numbers Take a Dip: What’s Happening at Local Airports?

As we usher in another year, the travel industry faces challenges that are echoing through the corridors of Los Angeles County's four major airports. In November, these airports—Los Angeles International, Ontario International, Hollywood Burbank, and Long Beach—saw a significant decline in passenger counts, reporting a combined total of 7.1 million travelers. This marks a 4.4% drop compared to the same month in 2024, highlighting a concerning trend that has persisted longer than many had hoped.

The Hardest Hit: Hollywood Burbank Airport

Hollywood Burbank Airport was the hardest hit, with a 13% decrease in passenger traffic compared to last year. This downturn can be attributed, in part, to the struggles of key airlines servicing the airport. Spirit Airlines has faced significant operational challenges, including a second bankruptcy filing and a failed merger attempt. Avelo Airlines has also exited the Burbank market entirely, compounding the travel woes for the airport. Despite these setbacks, there’s hope on the horizon, with announcements of new routes and services from five airlines set to revive Burbank's fortunes.

LAX: A Glimmer of Recovery or a Stuck Slump?

Meanwhile, Los Angeles International Airport continues to grapple with a stagnant phase in passenger traffic. For November, LAX reported 5.7 million travelers—down 3.8% from last year. This decline differentiates LAX from other major airports nationwide, many of which are either recovering or exceeding pre-pandemic traffic levels. Factors such as limited hub status and ongoing construction have further hampered LAX's recovery efforts, prompting passengers to seek alternatives in regional airports.

Long Beach and Ontario: A Cautionary Tale

Long Beach Airport faced a passenger count drop of 6%, while Ontario International also reported a slight decline. Long Beach retains a heavy reliance on Southwest Airlines, which has recently encountered operational hiccups. Conversely, Ontario had previously enjoyed a remarkable streak of consecutive passenger growth, but the recent declines signal a need for strategic adjustments to maintain its momentum.

The Bigger Picture: Analyzing Current Trends

Across California, major airports are experiencing an overall dip in passenger numbers for a myriad of reasons, including disruptions from federal government shutdowns affecting air traffic control staffing, budget airlines trimming less profitable routes, and a general slowdown in international travel. As travel conditions evolve and more adjustments are made, the answer to whether these trends will continue or reverse remains uncertain.

Let’s Look Forward

The community is hoping for renewed travel enthusiasm as we move past disruptions of the previous year. Airports and airlines are expected to innovate and adapt, offering more routes and better services to recapture the lost traveler confidence. It’s a reminder to local communities of the importance of grassroots efforts to keep our transportation hubs connected and thriving.