Prepare for wildfires and high winds in SoCal.

Impact of Los Angeles fires on airport operations

The wildfires that are burning a tragic, devastating path across the greater Los Angeles area and have resulted in a loss of more than 12,000 structures and evacuation orders for tens of thousands of residents are also affecting those who had plans to travel from, to or through the area.

Many attractions are closed, and some local officials are urging visitors to stay away for now.

A number of flights to and from Southern California were affected by the volatile conditions over the past week, although the vast majority of those cancellations and delays involved Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) last Wednesday. The airport situation has improved as of 10 a.m. EDT on Monday, Jan. 13, but high winds are in the forecast and the situation could deteriorate.

At Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), for example, travel operations are not being directly affected by the wildfires at this time.

That said, most major airlines have issued travel waivers. Some theme parks shut down last week, but most major attractions have resumed operations.

Smoke and air quality are still ongoing concerns throughout Southern California, and you should keep a close eye on the weather as no rain is in the forecast and high winds are going to be a big problem again this week.

Here’s what we know right now; expect updates with evolving or additional details as we get them.

Airline waivers issued for the Los Angeles fires

One traveler flying to the Los Angeles area from Denver posted a video on X showing an overhead view of the Palisades fire burning. His flight was supposed to land at Burbank Airport but was instead diverted to LAX due to turbulence caused by the strong winds that helped fan the flames.

According to data obtained from the website FlightAware on Monday, there were minimal cancellations at Southern California area airports. In fact, the only major disruptions were on Wednesday of last week. Hopefully, the positive news on the aviation front will continue.

Impact of the fires on popular Los Angeles tourist attractions

For those who are already in the Los Angeles area or weighing the best course of action for a planned trip, note that many attractions that make the Lost Angeles area one of the most popular destinations in the U.S. are closed.

The Getty Villa, part of the iconic J. Paul Getty Museum, has so far escaped the damage that has claimed more than 12,000 homes and buildings. Both it and the Getty Museum in Los Angeles will remain closed through at least Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025.

The world-renowned Griffith Observatory, which is close to the iconic Hollywood sign, is closed until further notice. Warner Bros. closed its popular studio tours through at least Tuesday, Jan. 14, citing “strong winds and fire conditions.” Paramount Pictures had closed, but has since reopened for tours as of Monday.

Universal Studios Hollywood, located in the San Fernando Valley, temporarily closed its doors on Jan. 8 and Jan. 9, as did the surrounding shopping and entertainment center Universal CityWalk, but both reopened on Friday.

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. However, that may change depending on fire conditions, so if you have plans to attend either attraction, make sure to check for current updates before making the trip.

Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia was also temporarily closed on Wednesday but has reopened.

A list of additional affected shows, performances and attractions is being maintained by Discover Los Angeles.