Skip to main content

How the California wildfires are affecting air travel

How the Palisades Fire is affecting airlines

Palisades fire
Palisades Fire Free Malaysia Today / Free Malaysia Today

This week, California wildfires have devastated the surroundings, with five separate conflagrations burning through Los Angeles. Consisting of the Palisades fire, Eaton fire, Hurst fire, Lidia fire, and Sunset fire, the blazes destroyed homes as strong winds fanned the flames. 

With the ensuing chaos, air travel’s been affected, with nearby Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) seeing delays and cancellations to varying degrees. Here’s what to know if you have plans to visit Southern California.

Recommended Videos

Cancellations and delays at BUR and LAX

LAX airport
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) Wikimedia Commons

At BUR and LAX delays and cancellations took place, though the airports still operated at a mostly normal pace. On Wednesday, BUR canceled or delayed 98 departures and arrivals, with the airport encouraging travelers to check with airlines for the latest updates. On the same day, LAX delayed 270 departures and arrivals, with few cancellations. 

Additionally, many airlines are offering flight waivers for some LA airports. The following carriers are offering assistance:

With the fires continuing on, Los Angeles City Fire Chief Kristen Crowley warned residents to stay vigilant: “We are absolutely not out of danger yet, with the strong winds that continue to push through the city and the county today.” The L.A. County Fire Department posted updates on X, noting the size and scope of the fires, and their 0% containment.

With the chaos and uncertainty surrounding the fires, it may be a good bet to put off travel, contact your airline, and obtain a waiver for a future trip. 

Mark Reif
Mark Reif is a writer from Stowe, Vermont. During the winter, he works as a snowboard coach and rides more than 100 days. The…
These airlines are offering free elite status when you fly down under
You can earn free elite status on these airlines
Sydney Opera House

In 2025, Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines are offering free elite status for round-trip flights to Sydney, Australia, and Auckland, New Zealand. Not only that, but recipients enjoy Mileage Plan MVP elite status through the end of 2026. And since both airlines are a part of the oneworld alliance, elite status transfers to multiple airlines.

Explore the South Pacific and enjoy these MVP Elite Status perks

Read more
How Delta is working toward net-zero emissions by 2050
Delta works toward net-zero emissions by 2050
Delta A330-900

To reach its 2050 goal of achieving net-zero emissions, Delta Air Lines is concentrating on “What We Fly, How We Fly, and The Fuel We Use,” each marked by important metrics over time. Around 90% of Delta’s carbon emissions come from jet fuel, and the company’s looking for innovative ways to decarbonize its operations.

How Delta aims to reach net-zero emissions

Read more
American Airlines adds its 30th destination in Mexico
American Airlines adds a flight to Puerto Escondido
Puerto Escondido

With its new direct route to Puerto Esconidod (PXM), American Airlines will have more flights to Mexico than ever. PXM is the airline’s 30th Mexican destination, making it the leader among domestic airlines. The debut trip to PXM embarks on December 3, 2025.

Puerto Escondido: Sun, surf, and seafood

Read more