Protests at LAX Disrupt Thanksgiving Travel as Workers Demand New Contract

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — November 27, 2025 — Travelers at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) faced significant disruptions during the Thanksgiving holiday as hundreds of protesters blocked key access roads, forcing many to abandon their vehicles and walk to the terminals, officials said.

On Tuesday, demonstrators affiliated with Unite Here Local 11 and employees of Flying Food Group, a major airline catering contractor at LAX, marched onto Century Boulevard, a primary entrance to the airport. Their actions brought traffic to a halt around the airport’s main pickup and drop-off zones during one of the busiest travel times of the year.

Police in riot gear arrived shortly after 6:15 p.m. and cleared the intersection, gradually allowing traffic to resume. However, the protests continued into Wednesday morning with another demonstration reported in Terminal 7 involving workers from the United Service Workers West (USWW), the nation’s largest security officers union.

The protests stem from an ongoing labor dispute with Flying Food Group. Workers and union representatives are demanding a new contract that includes higher wages and addresses safety and labor concerns. Susan Minato, co-president of Unite Here Local 11, acknowledged the disruption but defended the timing of the protests, stating that holding demonstrations during peak travel periods is necessary to draw attention to the workers’ issues.

“Honestly, people don’t care about the people who make food and put it on their plates,” Minato said. “We wanted to make a statement. It is a busy time of the year, no question, but that’s also how you get some attention.”

Earlier this year, the union successfully advocated for a city ordinance that will raise the minimum wage for hotel and airport workers to $30 by 2028. Despite the protests, officials did not expect vehicle access to be blocked through Wednesday, though police remained prepared for potential disruptions amid the holiday travel rush.

The demonstrations contributed to increased flight delays and cancellations at LAX, compounding challenges for travelers during the holiday season. Authorities continue to monitor the situation as negotiations between the union and Flying Food Group remain ongoing.