LOS ANGELES INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (LAX)

Potential Delay in Commencing Over-Ocean Operations

Potential delay in commencing Over-Ocean Operations may occur on the following specific dates due to the closure of south outboard runway 25L/7R for maintenance.

• August 17 - 19, 2020 (Monday - Wednesday)
• August 31 – September 2, 2020 (Monday – Wednesday)

Whenever possible, the FAA transitions LAX air traffic flow to Over-Ocean Operations from 12 AM to 6:30 AM, wherein aircraft arrive and depart over the ocean to minimize noise disturbance to the communities directly east of the airport. During this traffic flow, the south runway complex is utilized primarily for departures while the north runway complex is utilized primarily for arrivals.

Aircraft Design Group VI aircraft (A380 and B747-800) primarily depart on two runways, 25L/7R and 24L/6R, at LAX due to limited spacing on the airfield. The closure of Runway 25L/7R on the south complex previously required FAA to deviate from Over-Ocean Operations to avoid a conflict with aircraft arrivals and Aircraft Design Group VI aircraft departures on the north runway complex. 

The FAA approved a Modification of Standards (MOS) in 2019 to allow the B747-800 to depart on Runway 25R/7L on the south complex thereby minimizing the need to deviate from Over-Ocean Operations whenever Runway 25L/7R is closed. 

However, the MOS does not apply to the A380 due to its very long wingspan. Since a few A380 departures may take place from 12 AM to 1 AM, a potential delay in commencing Over-Ocean Operations may occur on these specific dates to allow A380 aircraft (if any) to take off from the north runway complex before commencing Over-Ocean traffic flow.

Residents may notice a change in aircraft flight activity and noise as a result of this potential delay in commencing Over-Ocean Operations on these specific nights. Thank you for your understanding and patience during this circumstance.

Expected Nighttime Traffic Flow during 25L Closure

Over-Ocean Operations