Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) LAWA is a proprietary department of the City of Los Angeles with over 3,600 employees. The department operates, maintains, and develops Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Van Nuys Airport (VNY) and Palmdale Landholdings (PMD).  LAWA is governed by the Board of Airport Commissioners, a seven-member Commission appointed by the Mayor and approved by the Los Angeles City Council.  LAX served more than 88 million passengers in 2019. LAX is undergoing one of the greatest airport transformations in the country and is embarking upon a major capital improvement program, which will improve the traveling experience and enhance access to the airport.  Projects include  runway and airfield improvements, terminal renovation