Wildfires in Los Angeles force cancellations of flights and closures of attractions

The wildfires that are ravaging the greater Los Angeles region also affect travelers coming into and leaving the area. The volatile conditions have affected a number of flights into and out of southern California, but the majority of these cancellations and delays are at 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. The flight was originally scheduled to land at Burbank Airport (BUR), but the turbulence from the strong winds which have fanned the flames forced it to divert to LAX. FlightAware data shows that 19% of the flights departing from Burbank Airport were canceled and 13% delayed on Wednesday. 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.

AA.com

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. Getty Villa is part of the J. Paul Getty Museum and has so far avoided the destruction that has affected more than 1,000 homes and buildings. The Getty Museum will remain closed until at least the end of next week. Residents near the Griffith Park location are still concerned that fires may reach the area, forcing evacuations. Warner Bros., Paramount Pictures and both have closed their popular tours today citing “strong wind 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. This may change depending upon fire conditions, so check with the attraction before you go.

Story Originally Seen Here