LAX Runway Closures To Help Reduce Noise Pollution

WESTCHESTER, CA — LAX will close two runways in August, a plan to help give neighbors a break from aircraft noise.

"Los Angeles World Airports is committed to being a good neighbor by minimizing aircraft noise within surrounding communities when possible and keeping our neighbors informed of any temporary changes in aircraft operations," LAX officials announced in a news release. "As part of this effort, we are providing information on upcoming runway closures that may cause residents to notice a change in aircraft flight activity and associated noise."

Neighboring communities are often impacted by noise pollution.

"This information is intended to help promote public awareness and understanding of aircraft noise issues that may temporarily affect residential areas," LAX announced. "Thank you for your understanding and patience during these runway closures."

LAX requires that all arriving aircraft must approach from over the ocean from midnight to 6:30 a.m, unless FAA Air Traffic Control determines that the weather or airport/air traffic conditions are unsafe.

"This procedure, originally implemented in 1973, provides close-in communities to the east of the airport with some noise relief from arriving aircraft during the noise-sensitive early morning hours," according to LAX.

LAX prefers using outer runways, the runways closer to neighboring communities, which are reserved for arrivals from 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. The inner runways, the runways closer to the terminals, are used for departures tend to be louder compared to arrivals.

Noise-sensitive hours are from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. and FAA Air Traffic Control maximizes the use of the inner runways and taxiways during those hours to help to lessen community noise impacts.

The Central Terminal Area has been closed to the public every day between midnight and 5 a.m. to allow cleaning crews to perform maintenance; however, officials said this action is not a response to the coronavirus outbreak.

The nighttime closure policy has been in the works since well before the COVID-19 virus was discovered, LAX officials said, and although the closures are not a response to the virus, they will allow crews to better access all "high-contact" areas and restrooms for cleaning and sanitizing.

LAX officials say they're taking the following measures to protect against the spread of coronavirus:

• Installing more than 250 additional hand sanitizer stations throughout terminals
• Cleaning public areas and restrooms at least once per hour using virus and bacteria-killing disinfectants
• Increasing deep cleaning throughout the airport, focusing on "high touch" areas like handrails, escalators, elevator buttons and restroom doors
• Coordinating with contractors to ensure that their cleaning crews are following the same protocols
• Adding signage to high-traffic areas, including areas with passengers, with information on how to reduce the spread of illness and symptoms of the coronavirus
• Disinfecting and cleaning LAX Shuttle fleet at a minimum three times per day

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