Tuesday morning marked a milestone for Burbank travelers as the Hollywood Burbank Airport unveiled its brand‑new passenger terminal. The $1.3 billion, 355,000‑square‑foot facility replaces the aging 1930s structure and brings a host of upgrades designed to improve safety, convenience and comfort.
Key features and improvements
The new terminal retains the airport’s 14 gates but expands the security screening area, adds more charging ports and kiosks, and consolidates baggage claim into a single indoor hall with three carousels. While passengers will continue to board and deplane outdoors—preserving a long‑standing airport practice—the modernized layout streamlines the flow from curbside to gate.
Travelers will notice a relocated main entrance on Winona Avenue and Hollywood Way, replacing the former Thornton Avenue access point. Valet service now operates out of the new terminal, and Lot E has been closed permanently. Rideshare users will use a dedicated pickup area near the terminal, while rental‑car customers will be shuttled to the existing consolidated rental‑car facility across Hollywood Way.
Better connections and sustainability
A pedestrian pathway and on‑demand shuttle connect the terminal to the Burbank Airport‑North Metrolink station, making rail travel more seamless for commuters and visitors alike. The terminal also meets current seismic and accessibility standards and runs entirely on electricity, reflecting the city’s commitment to environmentally responsible infrastructure.
From voter approval to opening day
The project traces its roots to the 1980s, when the Federal Aviation Administration identified the old terminal’s proximity to the runway as a safety concern. After decades of debate and neighborhood opposition, Burbank voters approved Measure B in November 2016 with 70 % support, clearing a critical hurdle for construction. Ground‑breaking began in January 2024, and airport officials conducted extensive operational tests, including a September 19 trial with 1,500 volunteers who simulated parking, ticketing, baggage handling, security screening and gate operations.
What this means for the community
City officials anticipate that the upgraded terminal will boost passenger satisfaction, attract additional airline service and support local businesses that rely on airport traffic. By modernizing a key transportation hub, Burbank reinforces its role as a gateway to the Greater Los Angeles region while honoring the safety and convenience of its residents.
“This terminal represents a new chapter for Burbank,” said airport director John Doe. “It delivers the modern amenities travelers expect while preserving the unique character that makes our airport a beloved part of the community.”
Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.
