While improvements at LAX remain uncertain, Hollywood Burbank Airport is preparing for significant changes. Scheduled for October 13, the airport will replace its existing terminals with a new, larger facility. This $1.3 billion project will include 14 gates, maintaining the current number, but the new single terminal will be 50% larger than the current two-terminal setup.
The new 355,000-square-foot terminal will provide more space and improved technology, meeting long-awaited safety and accessibility standards. Built in 1930 and operated by the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority, the airport offers a streamlined alternative to Los Angeles International Airport. Located in the San Fernando Valley, it often faces challenges with surrounding suburban neighborhoods.
The current Burbank airport does not align with state seismic standards or Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) design guidelines, prompting safety concerns. Operating since 2025 with approximately 6.2 million passengers annually, its nine airlines offer nonstop flights to about 30 destinations.
The new design will increase the separation between the terminal and the nearest runway, extending from 257 feet to approximately 880 feet, aligning with FAA standards. Conversely, LAX, which served 73.7 million passengers in 2025, faces delays with its SkyLink automated train system due to technical and legal issues. Originally set for an early October opening, the contractor has postponed this date. LAX remains focused on intensive testing to ensure operational reliability and safety.
In Burbank, voters approved the new terminal project in 2016, with construction commencing in 2024. Notable features include 16-foot-tall sculptures “The Two Electras” by Cliff Garten and ceiling artwork by Glenn Kaino. The new terminal will be located north of the existing one, with the entrance at Winona Avenue and Hollywood Way. After completion, the old terminal will be demolished.
The new terminal will not affect the number of flights or operational hours (7 a.m. to 10 p.m.). Passengers will benefit from a shorter walk, 1,285 feet, to the farthest gate, with upgraded corridors and access to power outlets at every seat. Baggage claim will move indoors, enhancing the passenger experience.
The project, known as Elevate BUR, is managed by Jacobs, with design and construction by Holder, Pankow, TEC, Joint Venture, and architectural work by Corgan with CannonDesign. Shuttle service will continue between the new terminal and train stations, maintaining short connections to Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner and other transit options.
A unique aspect of Hollywood Burbank Airport remains: passengers still walk across the tarmac to board planes, a feature many travelers cherish. One user expressed this sentiment on Threads, likening the experience to boarding a private jet.
Travelers will also find new dining options in the redesigned terminal, including establishments like Flavor Town, Spring Chicken, Farm Table Bistro, Jones Coffee, and others. A bar with panoramic views of the runways and Verdugo Mountains enhances the ambiance.
A new parking structure will offer 2,007 spaces, including 400 valet spots, although the total number of parking spaces will remain at 6,637. Shuttle services will cover the less-than-mile distance to the existing rental car facility and bus stop.