Welcome to 2026!
I hope all of you had a wonderful holiday season with your family and friends. We thank those of you who attended our Santa visits to the airport. We had record- breaking attendance at all of our events this year and we are looking forward to planning this year's events.
It is hard to believe it is already 2026 and the FIFA World Cup is right around the corner. As we prepare to welcome additional visitors, we are working hard to complete construction projects and make LAX a place we all can be proud to call our airport.
As the team regroups and plans our 2026 calendar, we welcome your feedback. Reach out to us at CommunityRelations@lawa.org.
Josh Francis
Director of Community Relations
Los Angeles World Airports
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On December 20, Santa once again arrived at LAX to a festive welcome featuring the always adorable LAX Pups, aircraft displays DHL and American Airlines, and hands‑on craft activities. Children — and their parents — had the opportunity to meet Santa up- close, create holiday ornaments, and even climb inside aircraft for a memorable seasonal experience. Board of Airport Commissioner Valeria Velasco was also onsite to greet Santa.
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Left: Santa's helper Rusty the Pup and one of Santa's-Fly In attendees swap PUP cards.
Right: LAWA CEO John Ackerman greets attendees at this year's Santa Fly-In. |
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Van Nuys Airport Santa Fly-In |
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Following his visit to LAX, Santa and his crew flew into Van Nuys Airport, where they were welcomed by an enthusiastic crowd including Congresswoman Luz Rivas, Board of Airport Commissioners Vanessa Aramayo and Nicholas Roxborough, Airport Manager Jacob Haik and Santa’s helpers. Families enjoyed ornament making, face painting, and up‑close visits with several Cessnas, an ABC7 helicopter, and the Los Angeles Fire Department — hosted by StandardAero.
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Airfield & Terminal Modernization Project
Stay up to date on the latest information for the Airfield & Terminal Modernization Project. The project delivers a series of airfield, terminal, and landside improvements — all within LAX’s existing footprint — to enhance safety, efficiency, and the overall travel experience. In addition to modernizing terminal facilities and optimizing airfield layout, the project includes roadway upgrades designed to reduce airport‑related congestion and improve traffic flow on surrounding public streets.
Collectively, these improvements will elevate the passenger experience, improve the community experience, enhance airfield safety, and expand business opportunities across the airport.
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December highlights:
- Throughout December, LAX held a Stuff-A-Bus Toy Drive.
- Van Nuys Airport employees and tenants collected toys for the Mid Valley YMCA and Penny Lane.
- Santa and his elves visited airport guests (Terminal Dash) on December 18.
- On December. 20 LAX and VNY held our annual Santa Fly-In.
- The Van Nuys Airport team and the Community Relations team participated in The Valley Economic Alliance Our Region | Our Future event held at Cal State University Northridge on January 12.
Hosting an event that you would like LAWA to participate in? Please email us at communityrelations@lawa.org and let us know.
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Both LAX and Van Nuys Airport Santa-Fly Ins provided opportunities for children to explore. |
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Airport Police, LAWA Community Relations and Airport Bus Operations partnered on the Stuff-A-Bus project to collect toys for the Westchester YMCA.
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Van Nuys Airport tenants and staff collected toys for the Mid Valley YMCA and Penny Lane.
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Airport Police, Santa and the Community Relations team spread holiday cheer in airport terminals. |
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The Community Relations team discusses Van Nuys Airport with a Our Region | Our Future Summit attendee. |
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Did you know?
LAX established the LAX/Community Noise Roundtable in 2000 to bring together local elected officials, community representatives, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and airlines in a collaborative effort to address aircraft noise and improve quality of life for neighborhoods surrounding LAX. For more than two decades, the Roundtable has strengthened communication and transparency through public meetings, open data sharing, and regular dialogue with airport stakeholders. The group has also supported important noise‑mitigation initiatives, including improvements to flight procedures and the Fly Quieter Program, which recognizes airlines that demonstrate quieter operations and a strong commitment to community engagement.To learn more, visit the Community Noise Roundtable page on the LAWA's website.
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Where You'll Find Us Next |
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February 2026
13 - Van Nuys FlyAway Valentines Day Customer/Employee Appreciation
28 - Da Vinci Schools Community Aviation Day
March 2026
7 - LAX Coastal Education Foundation Rock, Roll & Run
28 - El Segundo ChiliPalooza
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Here is a recap of LAX related news you may have missed.
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LAX Residential Sound Insulation Program
Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) has partnered with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to relaunch the LAX Residential Sound Insulation (RSI) Program for eligible homeowners within FAA‑approved noise contours near LAX.
The program provides sound‑insulation improvements — such as upgraded windows, doors, and ventilation systems — at no cost to homeowners in the City of El Segundo and select neighborhoods in Los Angeles City Council Districts 11 and 8. Treatments vary based on each home’s construction and historical designation.
For additional information and to check eligibility visit the LAX Residential Sound Insulation Program webpage. |
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Los Angeles World Airports Community Relations
To view past editions of Community Connection, click here. |
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