Travelers arriving in the Los Angeles area now have a refreshed option at Hollywood Burbank Airport. On October 5, airport officials and community members gathered to mark the completion of a long-planned replacement terminal, a project completed on time and within its $1.3 billion budget. The facility opens to the public on October 13 and preserves the airport’s signature walk-out experience while introducing modern comforts shaped by the region’s film heritage. ([1])
The Vision Behind the Replacement
The new terminal replaces a structure nearly a century old that had grown inadequate for current safety standards and passenger needs. Designers at Corgan and CannonDesign drew from Hollywood’s glamour and Burbank’s deep ties to the motion-picture industry to shape the 355,000-square-foot building. The result maintains the airport’s intimate scale, with the same 14 gates allowed under a long-standing development agreement that limits expansion while improving facilities.
Local leaders emphasized how the project reflects community priorities. Burbank Mayor Tamala Takahashi highlighted the desire for a contemporary terminal that still feels familiar and welcoming. Comedian and longtime airport supporter Jay Leno praised the convenience that sets the airport apart, noting its role as a practical alternative for those who value simplicity.
Thoughtful Design and Traveler Comforts
Passengers enter a spacious ticket hall with high ceilings and abundant self-service kiosks, a clear improvement over the previous cramped spaces. After security, a striking 30-by-40-foot steel-mesh artwork by Glenn Kaino titled “When We Reflect” hangs overhead, its mirrored surfaces inviting quiet contemplation. The piece also nods to the site’s World War II history as a camouflaged Lockheed plant.
Throughout the single concourse, seating includes cup holders and power access at every position, while generous worktables support travelers who need space to prepare for their journeys. Restrooms feature outward-opening stall doors and individual oval mirrors that evoke classic Hollywood vanity styling. Additional thoughtful touches include expanded family facilities, a pet relief area, and nursing rooms.
Dining and shopping options draw from local businesses, with more than a dozen places to eat and several retail outlets scattered along the concourse. A single, centralized baggage claim area with three modern carousels replaces the previous split indoor-outdoor setup, streamlining the arrival process.
Art, History, and Local Connections
Outside the terminal stands a sculpture by Los Angeles artist Cliff Garten titled “The Two Electras.” The pair of 16-foot ellipses honors Amelia Earhart, who used the airport, then known as United Airport, as a base in the 1930s and departed from there on her final flight in 1937. The work draws inspiration from her Lockheed Electra 10E, built locally.
These elements weave the airport’s story into the broader narrative of Southern California’s aviation and entertainment legacy. The design choices encourage travelers to pause and notice the region’s layered past while moving through a space built for today’s needs.
Benefits for Airlines and the Region
Southwest Airlines, the busiest carrier at Burbank, marked the opening by bringing its “California One” livery to the event. The new terminal allows the airline to operate its larger, more efficient Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft on routes including service to Honolulu. Carrier executives noted the environmental and community advantages of quieter, fuel-efficient planes alongside expanded flight options.
Eight airlines now serve more than 30 destinations from the airport, which handles over 6.2 million passengers annually. The unchanged gate count ensures the airport remains a compact, manageable gateway rather than a sprawling hub.
What matters now: The terminal preserves the walk-to-plane experience many travelers value while adding modern amenities and respectful nods to local history. It stands as a practical, community-shaped addition to arrival options in the Los Angeles region.
AI Disclaimer: This article was created with the assistance of AI tools and reviewed by a human editor.