Flights are being affected by the fires and strong winds in Los Angeles. Here's what you need to know.
Mark Viniello/Mark Viniello via REUTERS
- Air travel is being disrupted by strong winds and wildfires in Los Angeles.
- Several airlines have waived change fees for flights to Los Angeles and Orange County.
- Some flights to Burbank were diverted, while passengers photographed the fires from the skies.
The wildfires devastating Los Angeles and the strong winds intensifying them are also disrupting air travel in and around the city.
After a lengthy dry spell in the region, the Santa Ana winds produced gusts up to nearly 90 mph.
These strong winds and the fires — which have led to five deaths and over 130,000 people being evacuated — have caused knock-on effects, with significant numbers of flights delayed and airlines issuing waivers to allow passengers to amend their flights.
American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines are among the carriers that have issued waivers for change fees. The affected airports are Los Angeles International, Hollywood Burbank, Ontario International, and Santa Ana's John Wayne Airport.
At LAX, the city's main airport, 153 flights, or 18%, were delayed on Wednesday, per data from FlightAware.
The airport says it is open and operating normally, but passengers should check their flight status with their airline.
Hollywood Burbank Airport is also facing some disruption, with 18% of Wednesday's flights canceled, per FlightAware.
On social media, the airport also told travelers to check their flight status before flying.
BBC reporter Ben Derico said his Wednesday flight to Burbank had to turn around and return to Las Vegas.
"After a bumpy attempt at touching down the landing was abandoned," he wrote. "The captain told us the winds were just too strong."
A flight passenger traveling from Denver to Los Angeles captured footage of the Palisades Fire tearing across neighborhoods as the plane was making its descent into Los Angeles International Airport. The plane was originally going to land in Burbank, but was diverted to LAX.… pic.twitter.com/Wdtb9vhOOb
— CBS News (@CBSNews) January 8, 2025
Tai Wright, from North Hollywood, told Newsweek her flight from Dallas to Burbank diverted to LAX.
"The heat inside the aircraft started to rise, and the smoke smell filled the cabin," she said.
"The entire landing was rocky, with the aircraft swaying and turning in all directions right up until touchdown, and everyone on board applauded with good reason after we touched ground."
Santa Monica Airport is the closest to the wildfires, about 3 miles south of an evacuation order resulting from the Palisades fire. It is a general aviation airport, which means commercial flights don't typically operate there.
#PalisadesFire great drop pic.twitter.com/B5GTEcovv8
— firevalleyphoto (@firevalleyphoto) January 7, 2025
Aviation is also playing a key role in fighting the wildfires. The Los Angeles Fire Department said 12 helicopters and six fixed-wing aircraft are in operation.