BURBANK, California — Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) opened its replacement passenger terminal on October 13, 2026, moving all arriving and departing passengers into a 355,000-square-foot (33,000-square-meter) facility. Alaska Airlines (AS) reported the move in its opening-day update, which also confirmed that passengers continue to board and leave aircraft outdoors.
The new terminal retains 14 gates. The airport authority describes Elevate BUR as a safety project, with greater separation between the terminal and runways and a building designed to meet current earthquake and accessibility standards.
More Space, Greater Gate Flexibility
Our May interview on the replacement terminal described the project's value as US$1.3bn. Executive Director John Hatanaka compared the new building's 355,000 square feet with the old terminal's 232,000 square feet (21,600 square meters). That adds 123,000 square feet (11,400 square meters) without increasing the gate count.
Hatanaka said the replacement terminal's gates would be uniform in size, giving airlines more flexibility to assign aircraft. At the old facility, some aircraft could use only particular gates because of their dimensions. He also identified a larger baggage-handling area and more flexible aircraft movement on the new ramp as changes intended to improve airline operations.
Burbank residents approved Measure B in 2016 with 70% of the vote. The city identifies the need to meet Federal Aviation Administration standards for runway separation as a reason for replacing the terminal.
Centralized Screening, Outdoor Boarding
Passengers now use one ticketing hall, one security checkpoint and one indoor baggage-claim area, according to Alaska. Previously, the airport had separate checkpoints for its two concourses, and one baggage-claim area was partly outdoors, Hatanaka told Airways.
Project design partner CannonDesign reports an eight-lane consolidated checkpoint, larger waiting areas and a new parking garage with more than 2,000 spaces. The firm also says the design meets current seismic and Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility standards.
Alaska says seating includes power outlets at every seat, with digital displays and dining and shopping after security. Separate arrivals and departures lanes are designed to improve vehicle flow at the terminal.
For returning travelers, access changes as well. The airport's project FAQ places the new entrance at Winona Avenue and Hollywood Way.
Featured/All images: BUR
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