The wildfires burning a devastating path across the greater Los Angeles area are also impacting travelers going in and out of the area. A number of flights to and from southern California have been affected by the volatile conditions, although the vast majority of those cancellations and delays involve the Hollywood Burbank Airport. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is not reporting much, if any, interference with travel operations from the wildfires.
One traveler flying to the city from Denver posted a video on X showing an overhead view of the Palisades fire burning. His flight was supposed to land at the Burbank Airport (BUR) but was instead diverted to LAX due to turbulence caused by the strong winds that have helped fan the flames.
As of 5 p.m. ET on Wednesday, 19% of flights taking off from Burbank Airport (BUR) had been canceled, and 13% had been delayed, according to data obtained on the website FlightAware. LA Ontario International Airport (ONT), which is about 40 miles east of downtown Los Angeles, is reporting about 10% flight cancellations.
Several airlines have issued region-specific travel alerts designed to give some flexibility for people who had travel plans affected by the fires. Airlines such as Delta, JetBlue, Southwest and United Airlines are allowing people who had flights booked to and from LA-area airports between January 8-10 to rebook by January 15.
American Airlines posted a similar travel waiver policy to the one it did following the New Year’s terrorist attack in New Orleans.
As for the many attractions in Los Angeles that make it one of the popular destinations in the U.S., more and more have closed as the flames keep spreading. The Getty Villa, part of the iconic J. Paul Getty Museum, has so far escaped the damage that has claimed more than a thousand homes and buildings. That location will be closed through at least next week, while the Getty Museum in Los Angeles will remain closed through January 12.
The world-renowned Griffith Observatory, which is close to the iconic Hollywood sign, is also closed. Some residents near the location in Griffith Park remain concerned that flames could reach the area and force evacuations there. Warner Bros. and Paramount Pictures both closed their popular studio tours today, citing “strong winds and fire conditions.”
Universal Studios Hollywood, located in the San Fernando Valley, has also temporarily closed its doors, as has the surrounding shopping and entertainment center Universal CityWalk.
Disneyland, which is in Orange County about 45 minutes from Pacific Palisades, where the worst of the wildfires is located, remains open, as does Knott’s Berry Farm. That may change depending on fire conditions so if you have plans to attend either attraction, make sure to check before going.
We’ll keep this story updated as we get more information.
