Space shuttle Endeavour: LAX expects no major travel delays

Officials at Los Angeles International Airport said they do not anticipate any major travel delays for passengers when space shuttle Endeavour lands Friday.

Perched atop the back of a modified Boeing 747, the shuttle is set to circle Southern California for about an hour beginning at 11:30 a.m., then head toward the airport's south runway for touchdown. Although the runway will be closed prior to the shuttle's arrival, Michael Feldman of Los Angeles World Airports said it was expected to stay closed for less than 10 minutes as the carrier is taxied to a United Airlines hangar.

FULL COVERAGE: Endeavour's final journey to L.A.

"We don't expect any impact to flight operations or schedules," Feldman said at a news conference this week, adding that officials planned to "return LAX to business as usual as quickly as we can."

Airspace restrictions have been placed around the shuttle carrier for security, Feldman said.

The airport often deals with high-profile arrivals, including Air Force One and planes bearing foreign dignitaries, Feldman said. Officials consider Endeavour's landing "that type of activity."

But those hoping to get a glimpse of the shuttle from the airport's outskirts should look elsewhere, Feldman said. Extra security will be "actively enforcing the perimeter" to prevent loitering onlookers.

"There are several locations to view the flyover and arrival," Feldman said. "I want to emphasize that LAX is not one of those."

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-- Kate Mather

twitter.com/katemather

Photo: The Space Shuttle Endeavour after arriving at Edwards AFB on Thursday. Credit: Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times