The Hollywood Burbank Airport officially opened its new $1.3 billion terminal on Tuesday morning, concluding a 33-month construction project and replacing the historic 1930s facility with a sleek, modern space designed to enhance passenger experience.
The new terminal, located at Winona Avenue and Hollywood Way, features high ceilings, contemporary art installations, terrazzo flooring, numerous charging stations, and drought-tolerant landscaping. Travelers arriving on the first flights noted the significant upgrade from the previous snug, Spanish Colonial Revival structure, although some expressed surprise at the transition. The facility retains the same two runways and 14 gates as the former airport, and passengers continue to board aircraft directly from the tarmac, a practice valued for its efficiency.
Measuring approximately 355,000 square feet, the new terminal is about 50% larger than the combined area of the two previous terminals. Illuminated steel sculptures by Cliff Garten flank the main entrance. Despite most retail stores being operational, the opening day saw limited food concessions, with airport officials assuring that the full range of 13 dining options, including establishments by Guy Fieri and Jet Tila, would become available later in the week.
The new building incorporates eight TSA security lines, an increase from the previous five, and baggage claim carousels are now indoors. The airport's new parking structure offers approximately 2,000 spaces and 310 electric vehicle charging ports. Shuttle services to the Burbank Airport-South and Burbank Airport-North train stations remain in place.
Airport officials conducted a passenger simulation trial on September 19th with 1,500 volunteers to prepare staff for the transition. The airport, the second busiest in Los Angeles County, was originally built in 1930 and has long been a favored alternative to Los Angeles International Airport for its perceived simplicity. The new design also enhances safety by increasing the distance between the terminal and the nearest runway, bringing the facility into compliance with Federal Aviation Administration standards.
Tyron Hampton, president of the Burbank-Glendale Airport Authority, expressed optimism that the new terminal would attract both increased passenger traffic and new businesses. He also noted the significant difference in scale between Burbank Airport, with its 14 gates, and LAX, which has 161 gates.
