Hollywood Burbank Airport Will Open New Terminal

The 355,000-square-foot facility is set to welcome passengers on October 13, 2026.

Updated on Oct. 4, 2026 in Air Travel

Hollywood Burbank Airport Will Open New Terminal

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Hollywood Burbank Airport will debut its new passenger terminal on October 13, 2026. The $1.3 billion infrastructure project addresses long-standing safety, seismic, and accessibility concerns with the facility originally built in 1930.

Why it matters

The new terminal is necessary because the current building is located too close to runways to meet modern Federal Aviation Administration safety standards. Additionally, the replacement structure ensures compliance with current seismic and Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.

The new terminal measures 355,000 square feet, which is 53% larger than the existing structure. While the facility features a new layout, the airport will maintain its current limit of 14 gates as ratified by voters in 2016.

The players

Hollywood Burbank Airport

This is a primary commercial service airport that serves the Los Angeles metropolitan area.

Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority

This public agency was formed in 1977 to manage the operations and long-term planning of the local airport.

Federal Aviation Administration

This national agency is responsible for overseeing all aspects of civil aviation and establishing safety standards for airport infrastructure.

Jones Coffee Roasters

This entity is an established coffee brand that has been selected as a vendor for the new airport terminal.

The details

The facility is located 800 feet from the nearest runway to meet safety criteria. Design elements were determined following nine public workshops and a survey where over 70% of residents supported the selected icon concept.

1930: The original terminal building first opened.
1977: The Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority was created.
2016: Voters ratified Measure B to cap airport gates at 14.
April 17, 2023: Commissioners unanimously approved the terminal design.
October 13, 2026: The new passenger terminal opens to travelers.

Roadmap

The transition to a new terminal highlights a broader trend where legacy regional airports are undergoing massive modernizations to comply with updated safety and accessibility mandates. This project keeps the facility competitive while navigating local voter-imposed constraints on expansion.

Travelers should note that while the terminal will feature a larger, modernized interior, the airport will continue to operate with 14 gates. The 800-foot distance from the runway is designed to improve overall safety standards for arriving and departing passengers.

The takeaway

The terminal project demonstrates how public agencies balance voter-mandated growth caps with necessary infrastructure upgrades. Residents and travelers can expect a more accessible facility that finally meets modern safety standards by late 2026.

What happens next

Demolition of the existing terminal building is scheduled to take place following the opening of the new facility, with completion expected by December 2027.