American Airlines Plans to Grow Its LAX Hub Through 2028

American Airlines plans to add flights at Los Angeles (LAX) over the next two years, chief commercial officer Nat Pieper said at the Skift Aviation Forum in New York, according to The Points Guy.

Pieper said the airline will build its LAX schedule around people who live in Los Angeles instead of connecting passengers, and that it wants to fly its own planes from LAX to Asia, Europe, and Latin America. At this time, he didn't name any new routes.

The growth will be gradual until late 2028, when American expects its rebuilt Terminal 5 space to be finished. The airline consolidated its LAX operation in 2025 to make room for construction, and it will fly about 32% fewer flights in Southern California this year than in 2019, per Cirium data cited in the report. Today, American flies long-haul from LAX to just four cities: Auckland (AKL), London (LHR), Sydney (SYD), and Tokyo (HND).

LAX is the only airport where American, Delta, and United all run hubs. Delta plans its largest LAX schedule ever next year and will start Manila (MNL) flights in 2027, after adding Hong Kong (HKG) and Melbourne (MEL). United launches Osaka (KIX) in 2027. Pieper promised "a compelling offering" at LAX, pointing to more flights and connections with partners Japan Airlines and Qantas.

Andrew's Take

American has shrunk in Los Angeles for years while Delta and United added long-haul routes, so I'm glad to see it commit to growing again. More American-operated flights to Asia and Europe from LAX would mean more ways to use AAdvantage miles from the West Coast without connecting in Dallas.