Hollywood-Burbank Airport (BUR) is widely known as Los Angeles’ “secret” airport. It sits 30 minutes from West Hollywood and avoids the gridlock of LAX, but a $1.3 billion project may soon change that. The airport officially opened a new 355,000-square-foot terminal on October 13, 2026. The facility is about 53% larger than its predecessor and consolidates two older terminals into one.
Designed for Safety and Style
The primary reason for the new construction was not aesthetics, but safety. The original terminal sat just 250 feet from a runway built in 1930 for smaller planes, a distance that did not meet current FAA design standards. The new terminal sits roughly 880 feet back, satisfying safety regulations. John T. Hatanaka, the airport’s Executive Director, stated that the project is a “safety project.”
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The design also pays homage to the region’s history. The silver roof canopy references the silver screen, while the spotted ceiling was inspired by Marilyn Monroe’s dress from a famous birthday performance. The new terminal, known as Raise BUR, was approved in 2016 and construction began in early 2024. The project, approved in 2016, required demolishing the old terminal once the new one opened.
Passengers visiting the new space will notice that it retains the small, efficient layout that travelers prefer. Despite the increased size, the airport has only 14 gates, per the agreement with the City of Burbank. This limits the number of flights but allows for larger aircraft. The gates can now accommodate wingspans up to 118 feet, including the Boeing 737 Max 10, a plane that would not fit at the previous location.
For a traveler arriving at a new terminal, the physical layout is surprisingly intuitive. The new facility is just a few hundred yards from the old one, and clear signage directs visitors to the new drop-off areas near Winona Avenue and Hollywood Way. Walking from the security checkpoint to the farthest gate takes only four minutes, and to Gate 14 takes two minutes. The TSA screening area has also been expanded to eight lanes, compared to five lanes across both terminals in the past. TSA is located between gates 9 and 10, and just a short walk to all other gates.
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Travelers will find a wide variety of options within the new terminal. Food and beverage offerings include thirteen local concepts, such as Perry’s Joint and Poquito Mas. Another option is Guy Fieri’s Flavortown. Retailers have also established six shops, including the bookstore Octavia’s Bookshelf, which is located inside Pasadena Mercantile. The facility prioritizes comfort for all visitors. Five restrooms are available past security. These restrooms offer free menstrual products. The design includes upscale tilework and mirrors. Additional amenities include three family rooms, two ADA-friendly rooms, and two nursing rooms. A pet relief area is also present, complete with a miniature fire hydrant.
Passengers will find ample charging options. Outlets are plentiful throughout the space. Desks feature cord-free magnetic charging. However, these outlets use USB-C slots rather than traditional USB ports. This detail helps travelers prepare before reaching the gate. One former pain point—parking—has also been addressed with a six-level, EV-friendly 2,000-spot garage, just steps from the terminal.
The Future of Operations and Demolition
The number of daily flights is likely to remain steady in the near future. Burbank currently handles between 70 and 85 flights per day. Southwest Airlines holds the largest share of this traffic, accounting for 56.5 percent. The larger planes are about 27% larger in terms of seat capacity, and they’re also quieter and burn less fuel.
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The gates can now accommodate aircraft with wingspans of up to 118 feet, including the larger 175-seat Boeing 737-800 and 737-8, as well as Frontier’s 240-seat Airbus A321neo, according to Mike Arnot, spokesperson for Cirium, an aviation analytics company. The airline isn’t currently looking at new routes; rather, it’s hoping to swap out its planes for newer aircraft that can carry roughly 175 passengers compared to the existing 137.
Phase two of the project begins on opening day. The old terminal will be demolished. The site will eventually become part of the airfield. This process is part of the development agreement with the City of Burbank. The demolition must be completed within 12 months. The project remains on budget and schedule. The old airport must be demolished within 12 months under the development agreement with the City of Burbank. Once demolition is complete, the site will become part of the airfield.