Hollywood Burbank Airport is preparing to open a newly constructed terminal this October aimed at enhancing passenger experience and meeting updated safety regulations. Scheduled for a ribbon-cutting on October 5, the terminal will begin servicing commercial flights on October 13.
The new terminal, which has been under rapid construction since January 2024, expands the airport’s footprint significantly. Spanning 355,000 square feet, it is more than 50% larger than the existing facility but will maintain the current 14 gates. Much of the increased space is allocated to storage, office functions, administrative areas, and expanded customer waiting zones. The terminal entrance will also relocate two blocks to Winona Avenue, replacing the older access point at Thornton Avenue and North Hollywood Way.
Officials emphasize that the layout changes aim to streamline passenger movement. With the farthest gate now approximately 300 feet closer to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint, passengers can expect faster screening and boarding processes. In addition, a new 45,900-square-foot structure adjoining the terminal will facilitate quicker boarding and deplaning while preserving the airport’s distinct feature of outdoor boarding directly from the tarmac.
The project further includes a parking structure designed with increased electric vehicle charging stations and the addition of a new airport access road to improve traffic flow. Jacobs Program Management Company, overseeing the airport’s modernization, has reported that the construction timeline is on schedule.
Safety considerations have been a primary driver behind the terminal replacement. The existing terminal, originally built in 1930, stands within designated runway safety areas that current Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidelines require to be free of objects to reduce risks during runway excursions. Aircraft taxi lanes near the old terminal also conflicted with FAA safety standards by encroaching into these zones.
According to Patrick Lammerding, the airport’s deputy executive director for operations and safety, relocating the terminal and demolishing the old structure will bring the airport into full compliance with FAA design requirements, enhancing overall operational safety.
While the upgraded terminal introduces new amenities, it will also retain familiar touches. Established dining venues such as Jones Coffee Roasters and Perry’s Joint will continue to operate alongside recent additions like Poquito Mas, a well-known San Fernando Valley Mexican food restaurant, and West Coast Smash Burger. However, one notable concession, Porto’s bakery and café, will not be ready for the terminal’s opening despite initial plans for a pop-up presence. Airport officials have not provided details regarding Porto’s delay, and the business did not respond to requests for comment.
With these improvements, Hollywood Burbank Airport aims to offer a more efficient, comfortable, and safer experience for travelers while preserving elements of its longstanding character.