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 has a passion for the outdoors and travel, and telling the stories of his experiences. He’s a lifelong…
This New Jersey city tops Fourth of July travel lists this year
Asbury Park is the place to be this Independence Day
Asbury Park

Looking for the perfect Fourth of July getaway? Travelers across the country are flocking to Asbury Park, New Jersey, which has officially topped this year’s Fourth of July travel lists, according to a new report from HomeToGo, the world’s largest vacation rental marketplace.

Asbury Park saw an impressive 372% increase in travel searches compared to last year, making it the number one trending destination for Independence Day. The report found that most travelers are steering away from big cities this year, with 88% of searches focused on rural spots and waterside towns, and Asbury Park checks both boxes with its cozy beach town charm and famous boardwalk.

Read more
Data shows that this country is the best for outdoor travel—and it’s no surprise
Not sure where to go on vacation? Here's why you should try Australia
Adelaide, Australia

Australia is such a special place, and if you've never had the chance to visit, this might just be your best excuse. The outdoor apparel brand, KÜHL, has just announced the top country for outdoor travel in their Global Outdoor Destination Index. This study analyzed 183 countries across twelve metrics across four key categories: adventure opportunities, landscape richness, nature preservation, and comfort and peace. Australia came out on top with a score of 52/100, with the United States right behind with a score of 49/100.

Oded Gross, from KÜHL, comments, “Explorers today are driven by more than just scenic views—they want immersion, movement, and connection with the land. Our Global Outdoor Destination Index helps travelers find not just beautiful places, but the best-equipped ones to truly explore.” According to them, Australia is just the place to find the best adventure around. Here's why Australia is the best country for outdoor travel in 2025.

Read more
Qantas’ newest aircraft, the A321XLR, is en route to Australia
Qantas A321XLR

After taking delivery last week, Qantas will fly its new Airbus A321XLR from Hamburg, Germany, to Sydney, Australia. Flight QF6041’s route will first take it from Hamburg to Bangkok, a 9,600-kilometer trip, the furthest commercially flown distance on an A321XLR. From there, the plane will fly 7,600 kilometers to Sydney, touching down just after 10 a.m. on July 2. The aircraft is another step in Qantas’ comprehensive fleet renewal program.

It’s the first of many A321XLRs for Qantas

Read more