Burbank Airport is undergoing significant upgrades aimed at enhancing passenger experience and improving safety compliance. The ongoing project includes increasing the distance between the terminal and the nearest runway from approximately 257 feet to nearly 880 feet, bringing the facility into alignment with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards.
This redevelopment follows voter approval in 2016, with construction commencing in 2024. The new terminal is being built just north of the existing one, which will be demolished upon completion. The new entrance will be located at Winona Avenue and Hollywood Way. Despite these changes, airport operations will remain steady, with no alterations to the current number of flights or the operating hours of 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Travelers will benefit from a shorter walk from the new entrance to the farthest gate—approximately 1,285 feet compared to the current 1,600 feet. Passengers will also find wider corridors, expanded sidewalks, and access to power outlets at every seat. Another notable improvement is the relocation of baggage claim carousels indoors, enhancing convenience and comfort.
The project, named Elevate BUR, is overseen by Jacobs, a project management firm. The design-build phase is led by Holder, Pankow, TEC Joint Venture, with architectural services provided by Corgan in collaboration with CannonDesign. Artistic installations will be featured at the new terminal, including “The Two Electras,” a pair of 16-foot-tall sculptures by Cliff Garten at the entrance, and a ceiling grid artwork by Glenn Kaino.
Supporting ground transportation, the airport will continue shuttle bus service between the terminal and two nearby train stations: Burbank Airport-South, which connects to Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner, and Burbank Airport-North at San Fernando Road and Hollywood Way. The distance between the new terminal and the existing rental car facility and bus stop—known as the Regional Intermodal Transit Center—will be slightly under one mile by shuttle.
While many aspects of the airport are being modernized, one longstanding feature remains unchanged: passengers will still walk across the tarmac from the terminal to the aircraft via stairs rather than using enclosed jetways found at larger airports. This tradition has been appreciated by travelers who say it adds a distinctive, private-jet feel to their experience.
In terms of amenities, the new terminal will offer 14 food service options, with plans to include Flavor Town, Spring Chicken, Farm Table Bistro, Jones Coffee, Perry’s Joint, Poquito Mas, West Coast Smash Burger, Diane’s Pizzeria, Massis Kebab, Starbucks, Border Grill, Jet Tila’s Asian Table, Santa Canela bakery, and a bar overlooking the runways and Verdugo Mountains.
A new parking structure adjacent to the terminal will provide 2,007 parking spaces, including 400 valet spots, though the airport’s total parking capacity will remain unchanged at 6,637 spaces.
Meanwhile, at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), which handled 73.7 million passengers in 2025, the highly anticipated SkyLink automated people mover has faced delays. Problems of both technical and legal nature have pushed its public opening beyond the originally projected date. The contractor issued a revised estimate in June, indicating the system would not open before October 6. Airport officials have not announced a firm schedule, emphasizing ongoing safety testing of tracks, signaling systems, and vehicles.