Plans have been approved to expand Los Angeles International Airport  in time for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games ©Getty Images

The Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners has voted in favour of plans for a new terminal and upgrades at the city’s international airport, which are considered integral to plans for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The Board voted in favour of the proposition last month, with further approval now required from the Los Angeles City Council.

The proposal put forward by Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) proposes airfield, terminal and landside improvements at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

It is claimed plans would enhance operational management and safety within the north airport, as well as terminal facilities to upgrade passenger processing capabilities to enhance the passenger experience.

LAWA promised an improved system of roadways would be delivered to ensure better access to the Central Terminal Area and new facilities.

This would reportedly help to reduce traffic congestion.

The airfield and terminal modernisation project, it is claimed, would be integral to supporting the Olympic and Paralympic Games, as well as delivering economic growth to the city.

"The LAX ATMP would support the ongoing modernisation of LAX to provide excellent passenger service, to support the economic growth and prosperity of the Los Angeles region, and to work closely with neighbouring communities to reduce airport-related impacts," a report to the Board outlined.

"The proposed Project would support the ongoing modernization of LAX by: enhancing the safety and operational management of the airfield, particularly as related to runway exits; providing a new concourse and terminal to improve the quality of the passenger experience and efficiency of passenger processing; and improving the roadway system to better route airport-related traffic away from the public roads that serve the community.

Expansion is viewed as integral to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games ©Getty Images
Expansion is viewed as integral to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games ©Getty Images

"These improvements would help LAX accommodate the continued aviation growth that is projected by the FAA, Southern California Association of Governments, and LAWA to occur.

"This growth is expected to occur with or without the proposed LAX ATMP.

"The proposed LAX ATMP, however, would enable LAX to accommodate the growth in a way that enhances the passenger experience, enhances the safety of the airfield, and reduces airfield and roadway congestion.

"Additionally, the nature and timing of these improvements are integral to Los Angeles’ plans to host the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, with LAW serving as the main gateway for athletes, dignitaries, and visitors from around the world."

According to the LA Business Journal, the project will cost an estimated $6 billion (£4.5 billion/€5 billion).

The plan will require the approval of the Los Angeles City Council, with a decision expected in the coming weeks.

Los Angeles is due to host the Olympic Games for the third time in 2028, along with hosting the Paralympic Games for the first time.

Los Angeles previously hosted the Olympic Games in 1932 and 1984.