This historic LA-area airport is getting a much-needed new terminal – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Pixabay)
Hollywood Burbank Airport has long offered Los Angeles travelers a practical alternative to the larger and often congested LAX. Located just 12 miles north of downtown, the facility serves nine airlines with nonstop flights to roughly 30 destinations across North America. Its compact size and proximity to major studios have made it a favorite for quick trips to the region. Now the airport is preparing to open a new terminal that preserves its signature convenience while addressing decades-old limitations.
Why the Current Terminal Fell Short
The existing terminal, which dates back to 1930, has struggled to keep pace with modern requirements. It features 14 gates across two concourses but offers limited space for seating, concessions and amenities. The building also falls short of current seismic standards in California and does not meet updated Federal Aviation Administration guidelines for runway separation.
Accessibility improvements under the Americans with Disabilities Act have been difficult to implement fully within the aging structure. Airport officials noted that neither renovation nor rebuilding in the same location proved feasible. The decision to construct an entirely new facility just to the north emerged after years of planning and community input.
Key Features of the October 13 Opening
The $1.3 billion Replacement Passenger Terminal will open on October 13 with the same number of gates but significantly more space. At 335,000 square feet, the new building expands on the current 232,000 square feet and includes a larger parking garage. A single central TSA checkpoint with eight lanes will streamline security, while a consolidated baggage claim area with three carousels will simplify arrivals.
Modern earthquake-resistant design and full ADA compliance are built in from the start. Floor-to-ceiling windows will bring natural light into the space, and upgraded restrooms along with dedicated pet relief areas will improve the passenger experience. Additional dining and shopping options are also planned. Ground boarding without jet bridges will continue, a choice that reflects strong community preference for the airport’s traditional outdoor boarding process.
Design That Honors Hollywood’s Golden Age
Planners incorporated elements of old Hollywood glamour throughout the project. A metallic silver canopy evokes the silver screen and provides shade while linking the terminal to the parking structure. Cantilevered columns supporting the canopy are angled to recall the searchlights once used at film premieres.
Inside, terrazzo floors feature spotlight-shaped inlays that double as wayfinding markers. Restroom vanities include individual illuminated oval mirrors rather than large shared surfaces, nodding to vintage theater aesthetics. These details emerged from workshops where residents emphasized keeping the airport’s charm intact while modernizing its infrastructure.
Art Installations That Celebrate Aviation Heritage
Two major artworks will greet passengers and highlight the airport’s deep ties to aviation history. Outside, “The Two Electras” by Cliff Garten consists of a pair of 16-foot illuminated ellipses inspired by the Lockheed Model 10E Electra Special. That aircraft, built on the site in 1936, was later flown by Amelia Earhart.
Inside, Glenn Kaino’s large-scale ceiling installation titled “When We Reflect” uses steel mesh and mirrored ribbons. It references the nearby Lockheed Skunk Works facility, which operated from 1943 into the 1990s and developed aircraft such as the U-2 and SR-71 Blackbird. The piece also acknowledges the contributions of Japanese Americans incarcerated during World War II who helped produce camouflage netting for the site.
What matters now: The new terminal maintains the airport’s reputation for speed and simplicity while meeting today’s safety and accessibility standards. Travelers can expect the same short curb-to-gate experience with added comfort and capacity.
The project represents a careful balance between progress and preservation. By retaining ground boarding and drawing on local film and aviation stories, the updated facility aims to deliver both practical improvements and a continued sense of place for passengers heading to or from Los Angeles.
