Delta announced plans to move terminals at LAX from Terminal 5 and 6 to Terminal 2 and 3, which will ultimately give them more gates and the ability to operate more daily flights. Currently the operate out of 16 gates, and this move would allow for a total of 22 gates for the airline.

Per the Los Angeles Times,

The battle to dominate at Los Angeles International Airport rages on: Delta Air Lines has received a green light to go ahead with a $1.9-billion plan to relocate and expand its operations.

Under an agreement approved by the Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners this week, Delta will move from terminals 5 and 6 on the south side of the airport to terminals 2 and 3 on the north side, closer to the Tom Bradley International Terminal.

The new location means Delta gets access to 22 gates instead of only 16 gates in its current location. Plus, Delta can move closer to its code-share partner airlines, including Aeromexico and Virgin Atlantic.

The good news for travelers is that Delta plans to spend part of the $1.9 billion on new lounges, a new in-line baggage system, extra terminal seating and other upgrades. Only last year, Delta finished spending $229 million to overhaul Terminal 5.

The massive outlay by Delta signifies how important LAX has become to air carriers who want to serve the region’s big-spending executives, celebrities and international travelers.

American Airlines relocated at LAX two years ago to consolidate its operations with its merging partner, U.S. Airways, in Terminal 6.

Delta hopes to relocate to terminals 2 and 3 sometime next year, but the upgrade work could linger until 2023.

Bottom Line

I have mixed feelings about this move personally, since I’m a fan of Delta at Terminal 5. They have completely renovated their Sky Club (twice) and have redone their check-in areas including the dedicated Delta One check-in.

On the other hand, I’m all for Delta getting more gates at LAX, and if this move is the answer to that, then I’m in full support. It will also allow for easy connections to the TBIT.