Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) officially opened its massive $1.3 billion replacement passenger terminal in October 2026, completely shifting all arrivals and departures to a brand-new facility. The “Elevate BUR” project replaces the original 1930s complex, which had fallen dangerously behind modern aviation safety standards. Travelers will now enter the airport at a completely different physical address, moving away from the old southern entrance to a modern setup on the northeast side of the runway.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandated this billion-dollar project because the old terminal sat too close to the active runways, violating modern safety setbacks. The new facility fixes this critical flaw by shifting the building further north, ensuring total compliance with federal safety regulations and current California seismic building codes.
What Kept Its Nostalgic Charm: Gates and Boarding
Despite spending over a billion dollars, the new terminal still features exactly 14 gates and preserves the iconic dual-door, outdoor tarmac boarding process. Voters and local stakeholders specifically requested that the airport maintain its fast, easy-going atmosphere. You will still walk outside on the tarmac and climb stairs or ramps to board your flight, completely avoiding enclosed jet bridges.
While the gate count remains frozen at 14 to restrict noise and unwanted expansion, the physical footprint of the terminal grew massively. The new building measures 355,000 square feet, a massive jump from the cramped 232,000-square-foot original facility. This extra space gives waiting passengers significantly more seating, wider walkways, and modern restrooms designed specifically to accommodate rolling luggage.
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How the New Parking and Transit Setup Operates
Arriving at the airport requires learning a totally new traffic pattern, as the primary entrance has moved to Winona Avenue and Hollywood Way. The new terminal features a massive parking structure with over 6,600 spaces, finally eliminating the frustrating hunt for open spots during busy holiday weekends. Rideshare drop-offs and valet services have also shifted to a streamlined, dedicated curb area designed to prevent traffic backups onto city streets.
For public transit users, the terminal relocation changes which train station works best. The new entrance sits right next to the Metrolink Burbank Airport North station on the Antelope Valley Line. The old Burbank Airport South station on the Ventura County Line is now significantly further away from the active ticketing counters. The Burbank City Council continues to work with local transit authorities to guarantee smooth shuttle connections between the stations.
Inside the Terminal: Security and Amenities
The new terminal consolidates all airline operations into one unified ticketing and baggage claim area, ending the confusing split-concourse layout of the past 50 years. Baggage claim carousels are now located entirely indoors, protecting passengers and their luggage from extreme summer heat or sudden rain.
The security screening process received a massive technological upgrade to speed up the TSA lines. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) installed advanced computed tomography (CT) scanners and automated bin returns, allowing passengers to keep their laptops and liquids inside their bags. Once through security, travelers can access 14 new restaurants and retail shops, providing far better food options than the limited kiosks in the old building.
What Happens to the Old 1930s Terminal?
The original historic terminal complex will not remain standing for long. Airport authorities plan to demolish the old 1930s structure by the end of 2027 to clear the area for safer aircraft taxiways. Do not expect to visit the old building for nostalgia, as operations have permanently shifted to the new northern facility.
| Terminal Feature | Old Terminal (Pre-2026) | New Replacement Terminal |
| Total Size | 232,000 square feet | 355,000 square feet |
| Total Gates | 14 gates | 14 gates |
| Boarding Style | Outdoor tarmac stairs | Outdoor tarmac stairs |
| Baggage Claim | Partially outdoors | Completely indoors |
| FAA Runway Setback | Non-compliant (Too close) | Fully compliant and safe |
To guarantee a smooth departure during your first visit, arrive at least two hours early to familiarize yourself with the new roadways and parking structures. The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) warns that local traffic patterns around Hollywood Way will remain unpredictable for several weeks as local drivers adjust to the massive infrastructure shift.
