Los Angeles International Airport handled more than 35.4 million passengers during the first half of 2026, reinforcing its importance as a leading gateway for domestic and international travel.
Official airport statistics show that 35,411,978 passengers travelled through LAX between January and June. This included 24,159,813 domestic passengers and 11,252,165 international passengers.
Delta Air Lines emerged as the airport’s largest carrier during the six-month period. United Airlines ranked second, while American Airlines maintained the third-largest passenger operation.
Together, these three United States airlines carried more than 18.8 million passengers. Their extensive networks supported tourism, corporate travel and connecting journeys across North America and overseas markets.
However, total LAX passenger traffic was approximately 1% lower than during the same period of 2025. Domestic traffic remained broadly stable, while international passenger numbers recorded a modest decline.
Despite that comparison, the airport continued managing substantial traveller volumes. Its airline network also maintained strong connections with Mexico, Canada, France and other major international markets.
Delta becomes the largest airline at LAX
Delta Air Lines carried 7,008,425 passengers through LAX between January and June 2026. This represented a 19.79% share of the airport’s passenger market.
The airline transported 6,390,549 domestic passengers and 617,876 international passengers.
Delta’s position reflects the importance of Los Angeles within its wider domestic and international network. Its operations provide access to major business centres, leisure destinations and connecting airports across the United States.
United Airlines followed with 6,217,778 passengers and a 17.56% market share. Its total included 5,236,868 domestic travellers and 980,910 international passengers.
United therefore recorded the highest international passenger volume among the three largest US carriers at LAX. This strengthens the airline’s role in connecting Southern California with overseas destinations.
American Airlines carried 5,661,675 passengers, representing 15.99% of total LAX traffic. Its operation included 5,046,822 domestic passengers and 614,853 international travellers.
Combined, Delta, United and American accounted for more than half of all passengers using the airport during the first six months of 2026.
Domestic networks support Southern California tourism
Domestic passengers represented more than 68% of total LAX traffic during the period.
This extensive domestic market supports visitor movement between Los Angeles and major destinations across the United States. It also provides important feeder traffic for long-haul international services.
Strong airline capacity helps travellers reach Southern California’s hotels, beaches, attractions, entertainment districts and convention venues. It also supports residents beginning domestic or international journeys from Los Angeles.
Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines and Frontier Airlines added further depth to the airport’s domestic network. Alaska also carried a substantial number of international passengers.
Greater route availability can improve travel flexibility and distribute visitor demand across different destinations. It also supports employment and economic activity throughout the aviation, tourism and hospitality sectors.
Mexico remains a major international market
Mexico continued strengthening its aviation relationship with Los Angeles through high-volume cross-border services.
Volaris carried 605,109 international passengers at LAX during the first half of 2026. This made it the largest foreign passenger airline among the airport’s listed top 10 carriers.
The airline secured approximately 1.71% of the overall LAX passenger market.
Its performance highlights the importance of travel between Southern California and Mexico. These routes serve leisure visitors, business travellers and passengers visiting friends and relatives.
Frequent cross-border connections also benefit destinations on both sides of the border. Mexican tourism centres gain improved access to the large Southern California market, while Los Angeles receives visitors from cities throughout Mexico.
Canada and France expand international access
Air Canada transported 501,896 passengers through LAX between January and June. All were recorded as international passengers.
The airline represented approximately 1.42% of total airport traffic and strengthened year-round links between Los Angeles and Canadian cities.
Canada remains an important source market for California tourism. Reliable air services support leisure holidays, corporate journeys and onward international connections.
Air France carried 382,874 international passengers, accounting for approximately 1.08% of the airport’s passenger market.
The carrier’s transatlantic operation supports direct connectivity between Los Angeles and France while providing onward access to other European destinations.
European services are particularly valuable for the region’s hospitality economy because long-haul travellers often book extended stays, cultural experiences and multi-destination itineraries.
International traffic supports the visitor economy
LAX handled 11,252,165 international passengers during the first six months of 2026. These journeys represented nearly one-third of total airport traffic.
International connectivity supports spending across hotels, restaurants, attractions, retail outlets and ground transportation providers. It also strengthens Los Angeles as a destination for conventions, entertainment events and international business.
The airport’s mix of US and overseas airlines gives travellers access to extensive route choices. Major domestic hubs provide onward connections, while foreign carriers maintain direct links with important tourism markets.
Continued investment in terminals, passenger services and airport infrastructure will remain important as airlines adjust capacity and respond to changing demand.
LAX remains a critical global gateway
The first-half figures confirm that Los Angeles International Airport remains one of the most influential aviation gateways in North America.
Delta Air Lines led overall passenger traffic, while United Airlines maintained the largest international volume among the three biggest US carriers. American Airlines also retained a substantial domestic and overseas presence.
Meanwhile, Volaris, Air Canada and Air France strengthened connections with Mexico, Canada and Europe.
Although overall passenger numbers were slightly below the comparable 2025 level, more than 35.4 million journeys demonstrate the enormous scale of the LAX market.
Its broad airline network continues supporting millions of travellers while driving tourism, business mobility and economic activity across Los Angeles and the wider Southern California region.
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