Southern California continues to grapple with devastating wildfires that have engulfed thousands of acres, burnt down homes, and displaced thousands of residents. For travellers heading to Los Angeles, the situation raises serious questions about safety, flight disruptions and air quality. From flight updates to evacuation safety zones, here is an overview of everything you need to know about how the ongoing fires may affect your travel plans.
The fires and those affected
Five active wildfires are currently burning across Los Angeles County, with the Pacific Palisades and Eaton fires causing the most devastation. The Pacific Palisades fire which started on Jan. 7, 2025, has burned through approximately 20,000 acres, prompting mandatory evacuations in Santa Monica and other neighbourhoods. The Eaton fire in Eaton Canyon remains uncontained with flames rapidly spreading to communities north of Pasadena.
The Santa Ana winds that reach speeds of up to 60 mph have exacerbated both the devastation and have fuelled the rapid spread of the fires. The safety of travellers remains a priority, and anyone local or international visiting the affected areas is advised to remain informed and heed warnings from authorities like the Los Angeles Fire Department.
How flights are affected
While Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) remains functional and open with minimal disruptions, Burbank Airport (BUR) has experienced significant delays and cancellations, with at least 60 flights cancelled and disrupted due to challenging weather conditions. Road closures in major evacuation zones will most likely also affect travel plans. Tourists travelling to iconic destinations such as Venice Beach, Malibu or Hollywood should stay updated with local advisories to circumvent closed routes or restricted areas.
These US Airlines are offering travel waivers for flights between the affected areas:
- American Airlines
- Southwest Airlines
- JetBlue Airlines
- United Airlines
Air quality concerns
The smoke from the wildfires have significantly impacted air quality. This ranges from Malibu and Pasadena all the way to downtown Los Angeles. The South Coast Air Quality Management District reported ‘unhealthy’ air levels across multiple neighbourhoods. Travellers with respiratory issues or who are immunocompromised should minimise prolonged outdoor exposure—this includes children, pregnant individuals and older adults.
For real-time air quality updates and safety measures, travellers can use the South Coast AQMD app or website. Postponing any outdoor activities and investing in air purifiers to mitigate poor air quality is recommended. Additionally, N95 masks should help alleviate the physical impairment of the fires.
Southern California’s fires are a sobering reminder of the area’s susceptibility to natural disasters and propagated fires as a result of strong winds. Whether visiting or local, prioritising safety and health are essential, whilst staying informed on any evolving circumstances.
For those looking to support wildfire recovery efforts, please consider donating. Organisations include the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation or the California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Recovery Fund.
I do not even know how I ended up here but I thought this post was great.