Local residents who enjoy flying to and from one of Southern California’s oldest and most popular airfields gathered Saturday for the ceremonial reopening of the terminal at Long Beach Airport.
On Saturday, local officials met with residents to celebrate the completion of an $18 million renovation project, part of a total $125 million improvement project.

For many, it was a trip back in time, as the terminal itself was renovated in the style of the 1940s and the dancers wore similar clothing to that of the flight attendants of the time.

“Today we celebrate the revitalization of one of Long Beach’s most beloved landmarks,” Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson said in a statement.
In addition, he said the airport would release a series of posters to commemorate the airport.

“These commemorative posters showcase how our beloved and iconic Long Beach Airport has played a critical role over the past century in connecting our community to the world, fostering economic growth and serving as a source of inspiration for aviation pioneers,” Richardson said.

“This project – which has uncovered classic building features that the public has not seen for decades – ensures that our beloved historic terminal will continue to be a source of pride and enjoyment for generations to come,” he said.

Megan Kerr, a Long Beach City Council member who represents the 5th District, said the historic terminal’s architecture and floor mosaic, a “masterpiece,” are timeless works of art that reflect the airport’s timelessness.

“By honoring our past while embracing the future, we will ensure that California’s oldest municipal airport retains its title for another century or more,” Kerr suggested.
Now that the building is fully restored, airport officials have announced that they will soon apply to have the building listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
For Los Alamitos residents, the 100-year-old airport shares architectural similarities with the existing Joint Forces training base.

Saturday seemed like a step back in time for visitors to Long Beach Airport’s terminal building as officials gathered to celebrate the long-awaited reopening of the historic terminal building, which has undergone extensive renovations.
Long Beach Airport, originally called Daugherty Field, opened in 1924 and was originally a municipal airport, but the facility soon became an important location for Southern California’s burgeoning aviation industry, which included the Douglas Aircraft Company.

Back when Long Beach was still an important hub for the U.S. Navy, Long Beach Airfield served the public and the military.
During World War II, the airport was used extensively for military purposes. The nearby base at Los Alamitos was opened in 1942 and served as a training facility for the Naval Reserve.

The military presence at both locations contributed to Southern California’s defense infrastructure during the war.

The terminal opened to the public in 1942. It was designed by architects William Horace Austin and Kenneth Smith Wing and featured elements of the 1930s Streamline Moderne style and geometric abstraction.

According to sources, the terminal has not only been made more earthquake-resistant but has also finally reopened. It had been closed for renovations since February 2023.

As part of the project, the classic Art Deco entrance was restored as part of the 1941 design elements, the LGB project restored the site’s original mosaic artwork.
The sprawling mosaic was originally created by artist Grace Clements and consists of 1.6 million tiles. Authorities say the artwork was commissioned by the WPA, a now-defunct public agency.

The artwork reveals a lot about life in Long Beach and connects the airport to the country’s worst depression, which was ultimately alleviated by the Works Progress Administration.

The agency, created by Congress at the direction of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, commissioned local artists and created millions of construction contracts to stimulate the nation’s economy.

“At Long Beach Airport, we strive to find creative ways to preserve our rich history, and this poster series is a fun way to celebrate our past as we focus on reaching new heights in the future,” said Airport Director Cynthia Guidry.

“I am proud to be part of LGB’s legacy and that today we are recognized as one of the best airports in the country and a preferred gateway for Southern California.”