Hollywood Burbank Airport Set for Major Terminal Upgrade

The Hollywood Burbank Airport is preparing for significant changes. Starting October 13, the airport will replace its two terminals with a single, larger terminal. The $1.3 billion project includes 14 gates, matching the current number, but the new terminal will be 50% larger.

Migrating to a 355,000-square-foot terminal provides more space and improved technology. It meets safety and accessibility standards. Officials emphasize the convenience the airport offers as a simpler alternative to Los Angeles International Airport.

Built in 1930, the Burbank airport is managed by the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority. It’s popular among locals yet sometimes conflicts with surrounding neighborhoods. The current facility doesn’t comply with seismic or FAA standards, triggering safety concerns.

Nine airlines operate flights to approximately 30 nonstop destinations. In 2025, around 6.2 million passengers passed through. The redesign increases the terminal’s distance from the runway from 257 feet to about 880 feet, aligning with FAA standards.

Meanwhile, improvements at LAX are delayed. The SkyLink automated people mover’s launch faces technical and legal challenges. An LAX spokesperson highlighted ongoing testing to ensure safety.

Burbank’s terminal replacement received voter backing in 2016, initiating construction in 2024. At the entrance, travelers will see Cliff Garten’s sculptures and Glenn Kaino’s ceiling artwork. The new entry point will be at Winona Avenue and Hollywood Way, unaffected by flight numbers or hours.

The redesign reduces the gate walk distance from 1,600 feet to 1,285 feet, featuring wider corridors, sidewalks, and plug access at every seat. Baggage claims will move indoors.

“The second I step onto the tarmac at Burbank, I start acting like I’m boarding a private jet.”

Still, passengers will walk across the tarmac to planes, a unique feature appreciated by many.

The Elevate BUR project management is led by Jacobs, with Holder, Pankow, TEC Joint Venture managing design-build aspects. Architecture services are provided by Corgan and CannonDesign.

Shuttle bus service remains available between the terminal and train stations connecting with Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner. Notable changes include new food service units offering diverse options like Flavor Town and Jet Tila’s Asian Table.

A new parking structure, featuring 2,007 spots including 400 valet spaces, complements the terminal. The total parking capacity remains at 6,637 spots.