Hollywood Burbank Airport Is Getting a $1.3 Billion New Terminal — Here's What Travelers Need to Know
If you've ever flown through Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR), you already know why so many Southern California travelers prefer it over the sprawling chaos of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). It's close, it's easy, and there's something almost refreshingly old-fashioned about walking across the tarmac and climbing the airstairs to board your plane. That charm has made BUR a beloved fixture in the LA travel landscape for nearly a century. But charm only goes so far — and after 96 years, the airport's aging terminal is well past ready for a serious upgrade.
The good news? That upgrade is coming, and it's a big one. In October, Hollywood Burbank Airport will open a brand-new, state-of-the-art replacement terminal built at a cost of $1.3 billion. The new facility promises to preserve everything travelers love about BUR while dramatically improving the experience for the millions of passengers who pass through each year.
A Brief History of Hollywood Burbank Airport
Hollywood Burbank Airport first opened its doors in 1930, making it one of the oldest commercial airports in Southern California — and in the entire United States. Over nearly a century of operation, it has gone through a handful of names reflecting the evolving identity of the region it serves. Today, it is officially known as Hollywood Burbank Airport, a name that nods to both its storied location and its proximity to the entertainment industry that defines the area.
Situated just 12 miles north of downtown Los Angeles, BUR is uniquely positioned as the closest LA-area airport to iconic attractions like Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood and Universal Studios Hollywood. That geographic advantage, combined with the airport's reputation for fast and stress-free travel, has made it a consistent favorite for both leisure and business travelers throughout the region.
Why the Current Terminal Needs to Go
As beloved as BUR is, the existing terminal has significant limitations. The current facility features just two concourses and 14 gates, a layout that has become increasingly cramped as passenger demand has grown. According to Patrick Lammerding, the airport's deputy executive director of operations, security and safety management systems, the terminal barely meets modern Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements and lacks many of the amenities and conveniences that today's travelers have come to expect from a commercial airport.
While the tarmac boarding experience feels nostalgic and even charming to some, the underlying infrastructure supporting that experience is aging and strained. Modern travelers need more — more space, more accessibility, more dining and retail options, and better facilities overall. The new terminal is designed to deliver exactly that without sacrificing the ease and efficiency that sets BUR apart from its larger competitors.
What the New $1.3 Billion Terminal Will Offer
The replacement terminal, opening in October just north of the current building, represents a transformative investment in the airport's future. While the full list of features continues to be detailed ahead of the opening, the overarching goal is clear: modernize the airport experience while maintaining the quick, convenient feel that has always been BUR's signature appeal.
- Expanded capacity and improved layout: The new terminal is designed to handle significantly more passengers with a more intuitive, spacious floor plan that reduces crowding and confusion.
- Enhanced accessibility: The facility will fully comply with modern ADA standards, ensuring that all travelers — regardless of mobility — can navigate the airport comfortably and independently.
- Modern amenities: Expect updated dining, retail, and lounge options that reflect the tastes and expectations of contemporary travelers.
- Preserved convenience: Despite the major overhaul, the airport is committed to maintaining the fast curb-to-gate experience and strong public transit connections that make BUR so appealing.
Who Flies Through Hollywood Burbank Airport?
BUR currently serves nine commercial airlines offering nonstop flights to approximately 30 destinations across North America. That's a focused, well-curated route network that makes the airport particularly useful for travelers heading to popular domestic destinations without the need to wade through the massive terminal complexes and lengthy security lines that characterize LAX or even Long Beach Airport.
The airport's close-in parking and excellent public transit access further enhance its appeal. For many travelers in the San Fernando Valley, Glendale, Burbank, and even parts of central Los Angeles, BUR is simply the smarter choice — saving time, money, and stress at nearly every step of the journey.
Why This Matters for LA-Area Travelers
Los Angeles is one of the most visited cities in the world, and managing the sheer volume of air traffic it generates is an ongoing challenge. LAX handles the bulk of that load, but regional airports like BUR play a crucial supporting role in distributing demand and giving travelers meaningful alternatives. A newly modernized Hollywood Burbank Airport will be better equipped than ever to serve that function, attracting more airlines, more routes, and more passengers over the coming decades.
For frequent flyers who have long championed BUR as their airport of choice, the new terminal is a welcome validation of the airport's enduring relevance. And for travelers who haven't yet discovered its advantages, the upgraded facility may be exactly the reason to give it a try.
The Bottom Line
Hollywood Burbank Airport has spent nearly a century quietly earning the loyalty of Southern California travelers. With a $1.3 billion new terminal set to open this October, BUR is poised to enter its next chapter with the infrastructure to match its reputation. The charm stays. The convenience gets a serious upgrade. And for anyone flying in or out of the greater Los Angeles area, this historic airport just became an even more compelling option.
Keep an eye on BUR's official announcements as the October opening approaches — and if you haven't booked a flight through Hollywood Burbank Airport recently, now might be the perfect time to put it back on your radar.