Burbank Airport Is LA’s Greatest-Stored Secret—and It Simply Acquired Even Higher

Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of LAX but only a 30-minute drive from West Hollywood, Hollywood-Burbank Airport (BUR) is commonly referred to as Los Angeles’ “secret” airport. It’s easy to get in and out, and closer to the east side of the city. But the locally beloved landing pad may soon become more widely known thanks to the completion of a $1.3 billion construction project.

On Tuesday, October 13, BUR airport will officially open a new 355,000-square-foot terminal that’s about 53% larger than its predecessor. The new terminal, known as Elevate BUR, was approved in 2016 and construction began in early 2024. The main reason for the new build, rather than a renovation of the existing terminal, wasn’t just cosmetics—it was safety. The original runway, built in 1930 for smaller planes, sits just 250 feet from the building: “The old terminal is not up to FAA design standards,” says John T.

Hatanaka, Executive Director of Burbank Airport. “This is a safety project.” The new space sits much farther back, with about 880 feet between the building and runway–exceeding current FAA standards. In true LA fashion, the project offered an excuse to beautify things as well. Inside the new terminal, natural light is bountiful, and the mid-century design pays homage to Old Hollywood.

As you enter, a silver roof canopy represents

As you enter, a silver roof canopy represents the silver screen while the spotted ceiling design was inspired by Marilyn Monroe’s dress when she famously sang “Happy Birthday” to John F. Kennedy. I visited the newly opened airport during a press preview on October 5, 2026—and as a Los Angeles resident who has long chosen the no-frills Burbank over LAX for its convenience and ease, I was pleasantly surprised by the continued simplicity that now comes with a much-needed dose of design and character.

Here’s everything travelers need to know about the new Burbank terminal. How long will it take to get to my gate at Burbank? Despite its larger footprint, the airport has consolidated two terminals into one. The new terminal is just a few hundred yards from the original, in the northeast quadrant of the airport. Clear signage directs you to the new drop-off and pickup areas near Winona Avenue and Hollywood Way.

TSA lines will arguably be even shorter with eight lanes, compared to five across both terminals in the past. TSA is located between gates 9 and 10, and just a short walk to all other gates. I timed myself walking to the furthest gates: It took four minutes to Gate 1, and two minutes to Gate 14. The number of gates remains the same at 14, per the agreement with the City of Burbank–however, the larger terminal means airlines can bring in larger planes.

The difference is airlines will not have

“The difference is airlines will not have to worry about what aircraft they bring here. It will even fit the [Boeing 737] Max 10,” says Hatanaka. The old terminal’s proximity to the runway meant some gates were limited to smaller planes, such as Southwest’s 137-seat Boeing 737-700. The new gates can accommodate aircraft with wingspans of up to 118 feet, including the larger 175-seat Boeing 737-800 and 737-8, as well as Frontier’s 240-seat Airbus A321neo, according to Mike Arnot, spokesperson for Cirium, an aviation analytics company.

But that doesn’t mean every larger aircraft can depart Burbank at full capacity, as its relatively short runways and warm Valley weather may require airlines to limit passengers, bags, or fuel. What amenities are inside the new Burbank airport? There are 13 local food and beverage concepts, including Perry’s Joint, Poquito Mas, and Guy Fieri’s Flavortown. There are also six retail spots, including beloved bookstore Octa

The five post-security restrooms are a real highlight, with free menstrual products and the type of upscale tilework and mirrors you’d expect to see in a high-end lounge. There are also three family rooms, two ADA-friendly rooms, two nursing rooms, and a very cute pet relief area, complete with a miniature fire hydrant. For those waiting at the gate, rest assured that outlets are plentiful, including cord-free magnetic charging at the desks.

One note: The outlets feature USB-C slots, not

One note: The outlets feature USB-C slots, not traditional USB ports, so plan accordingly. Will this increase the number of flights in and out of Hollywood-Burbank airport? Burbank currently handles between 70 and 85 flights per day, and that number is unlikely to change drastically, at least for now. However, growth is still a long-term goal. “We are hoping to work with our airline partners to show what this terminal can provide,” says Hatanaka.

Southwest Airlines remains Burbank’s dominant airline, accounting for 56.5 percent of the airport’s traffic. The airline isn’t currently looking at new routes; rather, it’s hoping to swap out its planes for newer aircraft that can carry roughly 175 passengers compared to the existing 137. “There will be some growth in flights, but most of the growth will be the seats,” says Southwest COO Andrew Watterson.

“The larger planes are about 27% larger in terms of seat capacity, and they’re also quieter and burn less fuel.”
He also noted wanting to increase the frequency of existing nonstop routes, including the new Honolulu service, which currently operates twice a week. One former pain point—parking—has also been addressed with a six-level, EV-friendly 2,000-spot garage, just steps from the terminal.

The job isn’t quite done, with phase two

But the job isn’t quite done, with phase two commencing on opening day: demolition. “We’re at $1.3 billion, and that includes $30 million for demolition,” says Hatanaka, confirming the project remains on budget and schedule. The old airport must be demolished within 12 months under the development agreement with the City of Burbank. Once demolition is complete, the site will become part of the airfield.

Overall, the new airport retains what travelers love about Burbank–small, efficient, and relatively stress-free–while adding more space, amenities, and a stylish upgrade.

Source: www.cntraveler.com