Welcome to Culver City’s LAX Overflights/Noise information page.
On this page, the City will post the latest information, litigation status, public notices, documents, related links and other information related to noise from LAX aircraft overflights.
Sign up to receive email updates.
Los Angeles World Airports
LAX Runway Closure Updates
Due to the dynamic nature of runway closure activities, LAWA is distributing information regularly to provide the public with up-to-date runway closure schedules at LAX. This information is intended to help promote public awareness and understanding of aircraft noise issues that may temporarily affect residential areas.
Visit LAWA Noise management LAX and go to Schedule of Upcoming Runway Closures.
Los Angeles World Airports Noise Management Webpage for LAX
The LAX Noise Management webpage offers a new feature allowing individuals in the community to sign up to receive email notifications regarding aircraft flight activity and other aircraft noise-related information. This is part of their effort to keep LAX neighbors informed and to promote public awareness and understanding of aircraft noise issues.
Included on this webpage is the LAX Noise Portal, which is a neighborhood-focused web application designed to help you easily explore, learn, and gain insight into aircraft flight activities that may affect you and others in your community.
Also included is information regarding the LAX/Community Noise Roundtable, which provides another opportunity for public input and participation. Click/tap here to view the meeting schedule, agendas, past meeting documents and recordings.
Pending Litigation
The following is a brief summary regarding the status of Culver City's case in the Ninth Circuit, challenging FAA’s failure to perform any environmental review for the lowering of aircraft flight paths over Culver City:
The City of Culver City filed its opening brief on October 7, 2024. The City of Malibu also decided to actively join the case and filed an opening brief, also on October 7th. The FAA filed its answering brief on March 14, 2025, and the cities of Culver City and Malibu filed their reply briefs on April 24, 2025 and April 29, 2025, respectively. Oral argument before the Court of Appeal is scheduled for October 21, 2025.
City of Culver City Opening Brief(PDF, 2MB)
City of Malibu Opening Brief(PDF, 6MB)
FAA's Answering Brief(PDF, 989KB)
City of Culver City Reply Brief(PDF, 578KB)
City of Malibu Reply Brief(PDF, 490KB)
FAA Unopposed Motion for Extension of Time to File Answering Brief(PDF, 157KB)
Updates regarding this litigation will be provided as this matter develops.
Federal Aviation Administration's Next Generation Air Transportation System
Community members have been exposed to increased levels of aircraft noise and air pollution due to the Federal Aviation Administration's NextGen program.
The City continues to coordinate with the City of Los Angeles and the FAA to ensure the FAA undertakes the proper NEPA analysis and NHPA and consultation of section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act by issuing three amended flight procedures for aircraft arriving at Los Angeles International Airport. For more information, please see the “Pending Litigation” information above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are the flights going over Culver City?
Culver City is in the flight path for landings at LAX, when planes are coming from the North and the West, crossing over certain parts of Santa Monica and other areas of the Westside, flying through Culver City, as the planes head further east before turning around to make their final descent into LAX. The new procedures make it possible to bring in additional aircraft, at higher speeds, thus increasing airport capacity.
Pictured below is an illustration of flight paths over Culver City:
Actual airline landing at LAX from the North.
Note the aircraft passes over Santa Monica at about 7000 ft. Its altitude declines gradually and smoothly on its continuous descent approach. This standard practice burns less fuel to minimize fuel costs.
What are the effects on Culver City?
Increased overflights at lower altitudes, with accompanying increase in noise over Culver City.