For nearly a century, this L.A.-area airport has been a go-to alternative for travelers looking to skip the scale and stress of LAX. Now, after more than 96 years, it is about to enter a completely new era with the opening of a $1.3 billion terminal next month.
The Hollywood Burbank Airport is scheduled to welcome passengers into its new terminal on October, replacing its aging passenger facilities with a much larger and more modern building. The new terminal will span about 355,000 square feet, roughly 50% larger than the current terminal complex.
What will the new terminal be like?
The project is designed to give passengers more space without changing the airport’s relatively compact feel. The number of gates will remain at 14, but the new terminal will have wider corridors, larger waiting areas, charging at every seat, and an indoor baggage claim. The walk from security to the farthest gate will also be shorter than in the current layout.
There will also be a much bigger lineup of places to eat and drink. Planned options include Border Grill, Jet Tila’s Asian Table, Jones Coffee, Diane’s Pizzeria, Massis Kebab and West Coast Smash Burger, along with Starbucks and additional food and beverage concessions.
Parking and transportation are getting an upgrade too
According to the LA Times, the new terminal will be accompanied by a parking structure with 2,007 spaces, including valet parking. A new terminal roadway and entrance will also connect to Winona Avenue and Hollywood Way, replacing the current main entrance near Thornton Avenue.
Travelers using public transportation will still have access to shuttle service connecting the airport with both nearby Metrolink and Amtrak stations, helping preserve one of Burbank’s biggest conveniences for travelers without a car. Despite all the modernization, the airport is keeping one of its most recognizable quirks: passengers will still walk across the tarmac to board their planes rather than using enclosed jet bridges.
The new terminal is being built next to the existing facilities, allowing the airport to continue operating during construction. Once the new building opens, passenger operations will move over and the old terminal will eventually be demolished.
When does it open?
The airport plans to hold its ribbon-cutting on October 5, with commercial flights beginning at the new terminal on October 13. For an airport that has served Southern California travelers for nearly a century, the new terminal represents one of the biggest changes in its history — while still keeping the smaller scale and convenient location that have made it a popular alternative to LAX.
