Los Santos International Airport (LSIA or LSX[1]) is an international airport located in the city of Los Santos, San Andreas, located to the west of the port and to the south of La Puerta in Grand Theft Auto V and Grand Theft Auto Online. The LSIA district is also the location of the nearby warehouses, restaurants, and hotels.
Like its 3D Universe rendition, it is based on the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
Description[]
The airport consists of four main terminals, two in the south and two in the west, and three runways. There are two access roads looping through all of the main terminals, arrivals at the bottom and departures on top, an arrangement common in most real-life international airports.
LSIA is connected to Interstate 5, albeit indirectly through an exit at La Puerta and South Los Santos. It also connects the Port of LS through a side road at the northeast. It is connected to the Los Santos Transit with bus stops on access roads and two metro stations.
Grand Theft Auto V is the first game in the HD Universe that allows the player to fully control the large Boeing 747-inspired commercial Jets. There are also some inaccessible smaller airliners, which mix some elements between the Airbus A320 and the Boeing 737 NG, parked around the main terminal.
The aircraft seen in the airport belong to multiple distinct airlines, unlike all other airports in the series, which only featured aircraft belonging to one specific airline (for example: Plummet Airlines in Escobar International or FlyUS in Francis International).
Trespassing on the runways will result in a three-star wanted level unless the player purchases a hangar as either Franklin and/or Michael, which allows the player who owns a hangar to roam around the entire airport safely; Trevor cannot access the airport at any time without a wanted level. NOOSE has a branch based at LSIA. There is high security at the entrances to the airport with CCTV and at least one armed guard at all the vehicle entrances. The entrance and approach road to the passenger terminal is patrolled by police officers, usually armed with Carbine Rifles.
After The Business Update, Michael and Franklin will have full access to the airport tarmac from the beginning of the game to obtain the free vehicle available in the update.
Around the airport exterior, an announcement system can be heard, often announcing delayed flights with unusual excuses. There are 16 female quotes and 21 male quotes.[2]
Locations[]
Exterior[]
The exterior of the airport, where the entrance to the main terminals are located, can be found northeast of the runways. It displays most of the influence in Los Angeles International Airport, with the roads layout and buildings being nearly a carbon copy of the real airport, including one extremely similar to the Theme Building and a control tower also very similar to the real one.
The two U-shaped roads, one overlapping the other in an upper floor, come from Interstate 5 and circle all the 4 main airport terminals and two large accessible parking garages. The control tower is located Between both garages. Also centered near the parking garages and the aforementioned buildings is an exterior parking lot with two AT-400-like airliners reproduced in a giant sculpture. These are surrounded by multiple light towers, based on those placed in LAX. The Opium Nights and Von Crastenburg hotels can be found north of the terminal roads.
There are three entrance gates for the airport tarmac located near the roads, two in the main access roads and one at the back behind the LSIA branch of the Los Santos Customs, which automatically open in Story Mode when approached but are closed in Online (unless the player has a Pegasus Lifestyle Management vehicle waiting for them inside or has purchased a Hangar), meaning the player will have to jump across or drive through the weak fences surrounding it.
Terminals[]
There are four main terminals surrounding the U-shaped roads on the northeastern area of the airport, with different airlines assigned to them. None of the main terminals have interiors and, independently from the assigned airliners, the Jets that spawn on the tarmac facet of the terminals are random.
Terminal 1: Air Herler, Caipira Airways
Terminal 2: San Fierro Air*, Air Emu
Terminal 3: MyFly, Adios Airlines
Terminal 4: FlyUS, Los Santos Air*
* Does not appear.
Behind terminal 4, close to some helipads, a staircase can be climbed, which leads to a long corridor that goes directly to the terminal's roof. It has vending machines and benches where sometimes pedestrians can be found sitting. It can be a particularly good spot for hiding and resisting bounties in Online.
A smaller terminal can be found near the southern hangars of the airport, between the Concierge and Michael's Pegasus hangars. This terminal also features a small interior: By walking up on stairs behind it, a short L-shaped hallway can be accessed. Similar to the latter, it contains a few benches where two pedestrians can be found sitting, vending machines and a ladder that grants access to a hatch to the roof of the structure.
Tarmac, Runways and Helipads[]
The airport has two vast tarmacs, the north covering most of the area near the terminals and the south covering large private hangars. Multiple aircraft spawn in both areas, such as the Jets, Shamals, a Velum and a Mammatus. Ripleys and airport buses can also be seen roaming around the tarmac and surrounding roads (See vehicles for more information).
There are three runways in the airport, Runway 3 in the northwest, facing the north and two larger, parallel ones, Runways 12-L in the north and 12-R in the far south, both facing west. Runway 3 is for small, private jets using the main terminals' tarmac, 12-L for large, commercial planes in the main terminals and 12-R for private hangars at the southern tarmac. In Story Mode, small jets, either a Shamal or Luxor land in Runway 3, parking in front of Terminal 2 and large commercial planes similar to a real-life Boeing 747 land and take off in 12-R. When landing, it parks in front of the large, easternmost hangar.
There are also multiple helipads, three at the north beside the airport, one near the very end of Runway 12-R, and two beside Franklin's hangar. However, the player cannot store any helicopters and will despawn regularly after landing.
Despite being arguably the most realistic airport in the series, the runways themselves appear to be quite small and aren't long enough for an international airport. They appear to be only 1 to 1.5 km. The tarmac is also too small to fit the Jet, having its tail end usually sticking out. Another problem is that when a large aircraft lands in Runway 12-R, it parks on the tarmac in a way that blocks players in Story Mode from entering the end of the runway from their hangar and taking off. The vehicles can't taxi through some parts of the tarmac due to lack of space in the airport itself. Making the airport look as real as possible would require a much larger amount of space, probably being twice or three times the size.
Hangars[]
There is a total of six hangars, most of them lined up together in the southern area of the airport, three of which can be entered by the player. The biggest hangar, located near one of the entrances, belongs to Devin Weston and includes a corridor with multiple stacked boxes that leads to a locker room. A forklift can be found in this same corridor. The hangar might also be used by FlyUS as the company's logo can be found on the back of it.
The other two interactable hangars, in the southern area, can be purchased by Michael and Franklin for aircraft to be stored and, when purchased through the in-game internet, spawned there. Franklin's hangar is also featured in the multiplayer mission A Titan of a Job as the location where Merryweather is keeping a Titan and Michael's hangar is featured in The Los Santos Connection, where a crew is storing cocaine and vehicles. Two Stretch limos, one white and one black, spawn in front of Michael's hangar.
Directly east of the southern row of hangars, in the southeast corner of the airport, is a concrete pad that appears to be the planned location for another hangar. Construction-related vehicles will often spawn on the pad.
Cargo Bay[]
The cargo bay of the airport is located in the northwest area, left of Runway 3. It includes multiple unit loading devices stacked up together and a small inaccessible storage building. A scrapped, heavily burnt front section of a Jet can be found in the area, being a training prop for firefighters as commonly found in airports, west of the fire station. There is also a radar tower near the building.
In GTA Online, aircraft purchased from Elitás Travel and Warstock Cache & Carry spawn here if the player requests them while inside the area of Los Santos.
Features[]
North-western side runway, near the main terminal.
Exterior[]
- There are two unique stunt jumps, in the exterior car park, which are small runway ads that move up to a 90 degree angle.
- Another unique stunt jump can be found in a dumpster-shaped ramp near one of the gates. It is particularly useful in GTA Online to jump through the fences and access the runway.
- The flight school can be accessed through one of the terminals. It is also available in GTA Online.
- A Los Santos Customs can be found near one of the gates, north-west of the tarmac.
- Two 10-car garages can be purchased around the vicinity of the airport in GTA Online.
Tarmac and hangars[]
- As mentioned before, there are two hangars south of the runways that can each be purchased by either Michael or Franklin. They can be used to store aircraft or vehicles bought from Warstock Cache & Carry. Trevor cannot purchase a hangar, most likely due to his ability to access the one on Sandy Shores Airfield.
- On the interior of the small south area terminal, Sprunk and eCola vending machines can be found.
- Other Sprunk and E-Cola vending machines can be found in Devin Weston's hangar.
Vehicles[]
- In total, 5 parked Jets and 2 moving Jets can be found. Parked Jets can be found around the terminals (2 at the south near Michael's hangar and 3 around the main airport), while moving ones can be found taking off and landing, occasionally.
- About 5 inaccessible smaller jets can be found around the terminal
- Luxors and Shamals are often landing, taxiing, and parked around the airport.
- A Mammatus and Cuban 800 are found parked to the side of Michael's hangar most of the time (in different colours) next to a road. This is the only place a parked Mammatus and Cuban 800 can be found in Story Mode, excluding purchased ones.
- A Velum can be found at a hanger next to Franklin's, usually in blue, but rarely in other colours.
- Ripleys can be found parked and driving near many hangars, storage depots, and terminals.
- Airtugs are often found parked near planes along with baggage, storage, ramp, and flat trailers. They are also driving around.
- Utility trucks are found at storage sections around the perimeter of the airport.
- Rarely, Mules are found around the airport.
- Forklifts are found in Devin Weston's Hangar.
- Buses are found transporting passengers around the roads.
- 2 Trashmasters, a Blazer and Dozer are found nearby Franklin's Hangar on a dirt patch.
- A Fire Truck is rarely seen near one of the entrances, it parks in the Fire Station on site of the airport near the Jet Wreck.
- 2 Stretches and a Youga can be found at Michael's hangar.
- Trucks and Flatbeds sometimes come out of exits and enter the airport.
- A Frogger is patrolling the airport frequently.
- Police are seen patrolling the airport sometimes.
- A black and orange Akuma is found at the south west side of the airport near the utility trucks, a black Rancher XL, a black Bison and Airtugs can also be found further down the road.
- The Vestra, Besra, and Miljet spawn in Michael's and Franklin's hangars when the Business and Flight School updates are downloaded and installed.
As well as the previously listed vehicles, random vehicles can be found parked around the airport.
GTA Online[]
As well as the above, the following only appear in GTA Online; some specifically for missions or others in free roam:
- The Titan can be found in Franklin's hangar.
- The Luxor can be found in Devin Weston's hangar.
- The Mammatus and Velum can be found in the cargo bay area.
- Multiple helicopters including Cargobobs, Froggers, Buzzards, Mavericks, and Annihilators spawn on the helipads near the rear of the terminal.
Prominent Appearances in Missions[]
Grand Theft Auto V[]
- By the Book
- Eye in the Sky
- Bury the Hatchet (Only if started as Michael)
- Legal Trouble
- End Credits
Grand Theft Auto Online[]
- Seen in the introduction for GTA Online; it is where Lamar Davis meets the online character.
- A Titan of a Job
- The Los Santos Connection
- Defender
- American Exports
- Repo - Simeonomics
Heists[]
Executives and Other Criminals[]
VIP Work:
- Asset Recovery – A warehouse to the north can be chosen by the game as the drop-off for vehicles stolen from the countryside.
- Hostile Takeover – This area can be chosen as the starting location. The briefcase is located in a hangar to the south.
Bikers[]
- Sell Business Supplies - Possible product drop off location (Bikes Variant) or starting point (Helicopter Variant).
Gunrunning[]
- Sell Supplies - Possible product drop off location (Phantom Wedge Variant).
The Doomsday Heist[]
After Hours[]
The Cayo Perico Heist[]
- Heist Prep: Gather Intel
- The Cayo Perico Heist
- DJ Requests
- Keinemusik - Collect the skate merchandise
- Keinemusik - Collect the pizza
- Keinemusik - Recover the chakra stones
Los Santos Tuners[]
The Contract[]
Known Airlines and Destinations[]
| Airlines | Known Destinations |
|---|---|
| Adios Airlines | Liberty City, Puerto Rico |
| Air Emu | Liberty City, Regional |
| MyFly | Regional |
| Air Sol | Liberty City |
| Caipira Airways | North Yankton |
| FlyUS | Liberty City, Las Venturas, Vice City, North Yankton, Regional |
| Air Herler | Regional |
| Los Santos Air | Regional (possibly) |
| San Fierro Air | San Fierro |
| VIP Charter Jets | Cayo Perico |
Transport[]
The LSIA is well served by the Los Santos Transit due to how active it is. There is a LSIA Parking Station provided for travellers to park their vehicles while entering or leaving the airport. There is also the Terminal 4 Station located nearby for people trying to enter or exit the terminal grounds. Car hire companies Escalera and Touchdown are also located here.
Roads and Streets[]
Businesses[]
- Alpha Mail
- Big House Storage Inc.
- Bilgeco
- Dineasoar
- Escalera Rent-A-Car
- Jetsam
- Los Santos Customs
- Opium Nights Hotel
- Poppy House Restaurant
- Sightings Bar & Restaurant
- Touchdown Car Rentals
- Von Crastenburg Hotel
- Xero Gas
Collectibles[]
- A letter scrap can be found on top of the Sightings Bar & Restaurant.
- A letter scrap can also be found next to a seat in the main terminal seating area at the front of the airport.
Law Enforcement[]
- NOOSE - LSIA Branch
- Los Santos Police Department
- Airport Security
There are usually two LSPD officers with carbine rifles and body armor guarding the airport. The LSIA does not have its own police department like its real-life counterpart, LAX, which is covered by the Los Angeles World Airports Police Department (LAWAPD for short), but instead are covered by the LSPD.
Gallery[]
Trivia[]
- Even though there are signs outside Terminal 2 for San Fierro Air and signs outside Terminal 4 for Los Santos Air, these airlines are never seen advertised or seen on the airport tarmac.
- Strangely, when flying over the airport, the air traffic controller will warn the player to leave the area, but will sometimes warn the player that they will be shot down, even though this is a civilian area that is supposedly (and actually is) unarmed. This is due to re-used voice files from the Fort Zancudo air control; the voice files are also shared with Bolingbroke Penitentiary.
- If shooting the Shamals, Jets, and Luxors that are approaching the runway, they will instead change course and fly into the Pacific Ocean.
- In the mission Legal Trouble, planes have different patterns. Planes land on different runways from the other direction, thrust from the engines cause police vehicles to flip, and there are planes parked in different places and ways. Some different vehicles are also present unlike normal.
Plane spotters outside the airport
- Sometimes a group of plane spotters looking with binoculars and taking pictures of landing aircraft can be found on the beach by the northwestern entrance of the airport, near the Los Santos Customs.
- In rare circumstances, a Jet can be seen flying a holding pattern over the airport.
- If the player was to add up the numbers of one of the double runways and the side runway, they will get a clever sexual innuendo commonly used in Rockstar's games: 3 + 21 + 12 + 33 = 69. (credit)
- In the enhanced version, the airport fences securing the perimeter have been made completely indestructible.
Airport texture files with development placeholder airline names.
- Older texture files from the LSIA terminal signs reveal some of the original airlines that were in development; including Liberty Airways, FMA (a parody of TWA), a parody of SouthWest Airlines, along with other placeholder airlines.
- Players can access the shore area to the west, south, and east of the runways without triggering the wanted level, so long as they do not pass the perimeter fence.
References[]
- ↑
Mentioned by Lester Crest when mission BZ Gas Grenades is available.
- ↑ x64\audio\sfx\ONESHOT_AMBIENCE.rpf
