Los Angeles International Airport Terminals 2 and 3 - Delta Air Lines Northside Expansion

Delta Air Lines planned a massive terminal relocation at LAX in 2017 which involved moving their operations from Terminal 5 to Terminals 2 and 3. The complicated phasing of the relocation for multiple airlines and the rebranding of each terminal, all while maintaining effective operations for all parties involved, was an unbelievable feat.

Extensive master planning and phasing studies were developed with the intent to guide the future project scope of complete terminal renovations and upgrades at Terminals 2 and 3. To support these planning efforts, Buehler studied the existing structures, which had been constructed in multiple phases between 1959 and 1986, in order to propose multiple options for structural upgrades. Options included complete terminal replacements as well as intermittent phased structural approaches. Buehler also supported various enabling projects which would facilitate the airline relocation, such as a new temporary external baggage handling system to allow for retrofit or replacement of Terminal 3 as well as a new Bus Gate independent structure at Terminal 2.

Size: 100,000 SF
Architect: Corgan-Gensler-Smith Group
The two terminals were constructed over approximately 30 years, in 9 different phases and sets of drawings
The goal was to have a plan in place so that the massive relocations of multiple airlines could happen in one night to minimize disruptions – AND IT WAS ACCOMPLISHED! Delta moved from Terminal 5 and part of Terminal 6 into Terminals 2 and Terminal 3 overnight.

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