Brief
Hollywood Burbank Airport opens $1.3 billion terminal after 33‑month build
The sleek terminal features high ceilings, art installations and 14 gates, but most eateries remain closed on opening day.
By Felo News Desk · Published
After 33 months of construction and $1.3 billion in spending, the Hollywood Burbank Airport’s new terminal opened on Tuesday morning, according to the Los Angeles Times.
What happened
The terminal at Winona Avenue and Hollywood Way welcomed its first departure, Alaska Flight 3401 to Santa Rosa, at 7:03 a.m., followed by Southwest Flight 189 from Las Vegas at 7:16 a.m. The day’s schedule called for roughly 90 arrivals and departures across eight airlines, matching the previous terminals’ volume. The building measures about 355,000 sq ft—about 50% larger than the two older terminals combined—and retains the airport’s 14 gates and two runways.
What the reports add
The Los Angeles Times notes that the new space includes high ceilings, terrazzo flooring, contemporary art such as Glenn Kaino’s mirrored grid, and steel sculptures by Cliff Garten flanking the entrance. While six retail stores were open, none of the 13 food concessions were fully operating; two offered grab‑and‑go options and the airport spokesperson, Mike Christensen, said more dining choices would arrive later in the day and week.
What was said
"It was weird," said Tanya Radke, 25, a Van Nuys traveler heading to Kansas City, describing her surprise at the terminal switch. She added that the new space felt like a long‑overdue upgrade. Southwest Airlines pilot Mike Petros told the Times that the taxi‑off direction changed from right to left and that passengers were warned in advance of the new terminal. Anthony Bailey, 29, learned of the change from an Uber driver and said, "So far, I’m liking it… Nice and clean. The TSA line was pretty smooth." Airport staff were deployed to guide confused travelers from the idle old terminals to the new building.
How it came about
The project, announced in 2023, aimed to replace the historic Spanish Colonial Revival terminals dating to 1930 with a modern facility. Earlier Felo coverage highlighted airport security upgrades at other U.S. hubs, underscoring a broader trend of investing in passenger experience and infrastructure.
Key facts
- The new Hollywood Burbank Airport terminal opened on 13 Oct 2026 after 33 months of construction. (latimes.com)
- Construction cost totaled $1.3 billion and the terminal is about 355,000 sq ft, 50% larger than the previous two terminals combined. (latimes.com)
- The first departure was Alaska Flight 3401 at 7:03 a.m.; the first arrival was Southwest Flight 189 at 7:16 a.m. (latimes.com)
- All 14 gates and the two runways remained unchanged, and about 90 flights were scheduled for the opening day. (latimes.com)
- None of the 13 food concessions were fully open; only two offered grab‑and‑go options. (latimes.com)
Sources
- [1] latimes.com — originally reported as “Burbank airport's new $1. 3-billion terminal opens — bigger and sleeker than ever”
