Hollywood Burbank Airport officially opened its new passenger facility, marking Los Angeles’ first new commercial airport terminal in decades and ushering in a new chapter for air travel in Southern California.
The opening represents the completion of a major infrastructure project designed to modernize the airport while preserving the convenience that has long made Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) a favorite gateway to Los Angeles.
Rather than expanding or renovating the existing terminal, the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority constructed an entirely new passenger facility from the ground up while airport operations continued uninterrupted. The result is a modern terminal designed around the traveler, combining updated amenities with many of the features that have made BUR known for its easy, less stressful airport experience.
A New Terminal, Same Burbank Convenience
Commercial operations in the new terminal officially began with an Alaska Airlines flight departing for Santa Rosa, followed by a Southwest Airlines flight arriving from Las Vegas. Those flights marked the first departure and arrival at the new facility.
“The new terminal delivers the convenient, traveler-friendly experience that has long set Hollywood Burbank Airport apart, while providing modern infrastructure designed to serve the region for decades to come,” said Executive Director John Hatanaka.
For travelers, some of the biggest improvements are designed to make getting to and through the airport easier. Valet parking is available within the airport’s parking structure, while rideshare pickup and drop-off locations are just steps from the terminal building.
Inside, the terminal also reflects its Southern California setting and Burbank’s connection to the entertainment industry. A new bar overlooking the airfield gives passengers a place to relax before a flight, while rotating installations from local artists add a sense of place throughout the building.
One of BUR’s most distinctive features also remains: outdoor boarding. While increasingly uncommon at commercial airports, the open-air boarding experience continues to be part of the Hollywood Burbank Airport journey.
Designed With Safety in Mind
The new terminal was also built with passenger and employee safety as a priority. The design provides enhanced separation between the terminal and airport runways and incorporates updates to meet current earthquake resilience standards and ADA accessibility requirements.
The project gives the airport modern infrastructure while maintaining the approachable experience that has traditionally distinguished BUR from larger Southern California airports.
A Convenient Gateway to Los Angeles
Location remains one of Hollywood Burbank Airport’s biggest advantages. The airport is just minutes from destinations including Universal Studios Hollywood, Hollywood, the San Fernando Valley, Pasadena and Downtown Los Angeles.
For travelers who would rather spend less time navigating a massive airport and more time enjoying Southern California, BUR offers a convenient alternative to the region’s larger airports.
The timing of the new terminal opening is also significant. Southern California is preparing to welcome visitors from around the world in the years leading up to the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games, creating an increased need for modern transportation infrastructure.
With its new terminal, enhanced amenities and continued emphasis on convenience, Hollywood Burbank Airport is positioned to welcome a new generation of travelers while maintaining the easygoing Southern California airport experience that has defined BUR for decades.