Iconic LAX Entrance Sign at Los Angeles Airport Taken Down for Roadway Project

Los Angeles, CA — The iconic LAX entrance sign that has greeted travelers for nearly a quarter of a century is coming down. Late Thursday night, construction crews began dismantling the towering blue-lit letters that have long symbolized Los Angeles International Airport, starting with the “X,” followed by the “A,” and finally the “L.”

Airport officials confirmed the removal is part of a major roadway reconfiguration project aimed at easing congestion and improving traffic flow around one of the busiest airport corridors in the world. Each letter will be taken down in sequence over the next several days, with the full dismantling process expected to take about a week.

“The sign has become an icon, but safety and efficiency come first,” airport officials said in a statement. “This is part of a long-term improvement plan to better serve the millions of passengers who use LAX every year.”

Installed in 2000, the LAX sign quickly became a recognizable landmark and a popular backdrop for travelers’ photos. Standing more than 30 feet tall and illuminated in shifting colors at night, it has been both a welcoming symbol for visitors and a cultural marker for Los Angeles.

Officials stressed that the removal is temporary. Once road improvements are complete, the sign is expected to be restored as part of the redesigned entranceway. In the meantime, temporary signage and lighting will guide motorists through detours and construction zones.

Travelers are advised to allow extra time when heading to the airport, as lane closures and rerouted traffic may cause delays. The reconfiguration project is part of LAX’s multi-billion-dollar modernization program, which includes upgrades to terminals, parking, and transit connections.