Hollywood Burbank Airport, a favored local alternative to LAX, officially opened its brand-new $1.3 billion terminal today, October 13. This significant upgrade replaces the airport's historic 1930s passenger terminal, bringing a modern facility online after decades of planning and construction.
The new terminal, dubbed Elevate BUR, spans 355,000 square feet, roughly double the space of the complex it replaces. While it maintains 14 gates, passengers will still experience the unique charm of boarding and disembarking directly on the runway. Inside, the modern building boasts expanded TSA screening areas, an indoor baggage-claim hall, and a much-anticipated increase in charging ports, kiosks, and available seating, addressing long-standing traveler frustrations about limited amenities in the older facility.
For those accustomed to navigating Burbank Airport, the most notable changes will occur before even entering the terminal. The main terminal access has shifted from Thornton Avenue to a new entrance point at Winona Avenue and Hollywood Way. This move comes with a new seven-level parking structure and a dedicated lot for rideshare pickups. Rental-car customers will still need to use a shuttle service to reach the rental-car facility located across Hollywood Way, while travelers arriving via the Burbank Airport–North Metrolink station can connect to the terminal using a pedestrian path or an on-demand shuttle.
The journey to this new terminal has been a long one. Decades ago, federal aviation officials identified the old terminal’s proximity to the runway as a safety concern, initiating plans for a replacement. However, these plans faced delays due to neighborhood opposition. Burbank voters ultimately approved the project in 2016, clearing the way for construction to begin in January 2024. Now, less than a year later and with a billion dollars invested, the completed terminal is ready for public use.
Travelers heading out of Burbank in the coming days should take note of these changes. It would be wise to double-check your route before leaving home, allow a bit of extra time to locate the new entrance, and ensure any rideshare drivers are aware of the updated pickup and drop-off locations. The opening marks a substantial modernization for an airport that has served Southern California residents for nearly a century.
