Skip the LAX Chaos: The Stunning Hollywood Burbank Airport New Terminal is Almost Here
For travelers who would rather do almost anything than navigate the horseshoe of doom at LAX, Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) has always been Southern California’s best-kept secret. Now, the region’s most stress-free transit hub is getting a massive glow-up. The highly anticipated Hollywood Burbank Airport new terminal is officially scheduled to open its doors on October 13, 2026, replacing facilities that have stood since the golden age of aviation.
The airport authority recently updated its countdown on the project’s official website, confirming that the $1.3 billion “Elevate BUR” replacement project is right on track for its autumn debut.
A $1.3 Billion Mid-Century Modern Masterpiece
The new 355,000-square-foot facility is located on the northeast section of the airport site, drastically improving local transit access by sitting right next to the Metrolink Antelope Valley Line’s Burbank Airport North station.
Designed by an elite architectural and construction team—including Corgan, Holder, Pankow, TEC, CannonDesign, and Burns & McDonnell—the terminal is a love letter to vintage Los Angeles.
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The Silver Screen Vibe: The design features a dramatic, swooping metallic roof canopy that seamlessly extends into the facade of the parking structure, designed to mimic a classic movie screen.
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Hollywood Searchlights: The structural columns holding up the plaza’s canopy are styled to look like the iconic searchlights that defined old-school Hollywood film premieres.
More Space, Same Cozy Charm
While the Hollywood Burbank Airport new terminal is expanding to offer a far more spacious experience, it is keeping the exact same formula that made travelers fall in love with BUR in the first place.
The terminal will still feature exactly 14 gates, meaning it won’t be flooded with overwhelming crowds. Even better for aviation purists? You will still get to board your plane directly from the tarmac using stairs, preserving that classic retro travel charm.
However, the upgrades where it counts are massive. Inside, passengers will find modern ticketing lobbies, a state-of-the-art security checkpoint, expansive baggage claims, and a brand-new selection of local dining and shopping options.
October 13 cannot come soon enough. Get your suitcases ready—LA travel is about to get a whole lot more stylish!
