The scene inside Hollywood Burbank Airport’s new terminal this week was a mix of power tools and work benches, plastic-wrapped TSA security devices and a glimpse into efforts to make the airport faster and safer once it opens in October. |
Officials offered media tours on Tuesday of the more spacious $1.3-billion terminal, which promises to keeps some of its quirks, including outdoor passenger loading. |
Essential California spoke with several airport officials during the sneak peak. |
Here are parts of that discussion. |
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(Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times) |
More space, more convenience |
Burbank’s new terminal will be just over 50% larger than the current version, spanning 355,000 square feet but maintaining 14 gates. |
Much of that extra space will be dedicated to increased storage, office, administrative and customer waiting areas. |
In the new terminal, the furthest gate from the TSA security checkpoint will be 300 feet closer than the current configuration, according to Tyron Hampton, president of the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena airport authority. |
“It will be a lot faster getting through our airport,” Hampton said. |
A new 45,900-square-foot structure will also offer more spacious and quicker boarding and deplaning for passengers, who can keep the thrill of jumping onboard from the airport tarmac outside. |
The project includes a parking structure that will feature more electric vehicle charging stations and a new on-airport access road. |
“You’re going to continue to get the beautiful service that you have received at our old terminal,” Hampton said. “That beautiful … feeling like, ‘I’m not just a passenger, but an actual human being.’” |
The terminal’s main entrance will move from Thornton Avenue and North Hollywood Way two blocks away onto Winona Avenue. |
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(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) |
Construction is on track |
Roger Johnson, executive program director for Dallas-based Jacobs Program Management Company, which managed the design and construction of the airport, said he was pleased with the project’s timing. |
“This was a parking lot, so everything [that can be] seen here has been built since January 2024,” Johnson said. |
He described the work as “brisk” and the project as being “on time.” |
Ribbon-cutting is slated for Oct. 5, while the terminal is to open for commercial flights on Oct. 13. |
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(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) |
Airport safety takes center stage |
While much attention focuses on extra space, the key point behind the terminal’s new construction is to address long-standing compliance issues. |
One problem is that the existing terminal is located in the runway object free area, an area besides the runways that Federal Aviation Administration regulations say must be free of objects. Such obstructions could cause a safety hazard in the event of an aircraft excursion from the runway, said Patrick Lammerding, Burbank Airport deputy executive director of operations, safety management systems and security. |
Another problem is that the existing taxi lanes used by aircraft to move to and from the gates are also located in the runway safety area, a safety zone meant to be clear and dedicated for planes that overshoot the landing area. The terminals and the taxi lanes were built when the airport opened in 1930 and don’t meet current FAA regulations. |
“The opening of the replacement passenger terminal and the demolition of the existing terminal correct this condition and comply with all current FAA design standards,” Lammerding said. |
Something old, something new |
Burbank Airport is keeping some of its traditional dining options, including Jones Coffee Roasters of Pasadena and Perry’s Joint sandwiches, but adding options as well. |
San Fernando Valley Mexican-food staple Poquito Mas, founded in Studio City in 1984, will debut this fall along with West Coast Smash Burger. |
One big question swirls around dining icon Porto’s. |
An airport concession program update from June 15 listed plans for a Porto’s pop-up. |
Hollywood Burbank officials confirmed that all businesses listed on the plan are a go minus the eatery and bakery. Why Porto’s won’t be ready for the grand opening is a mystery. Porto’s also did not immediately respond to an inquiry. |
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Have a great day, from the Essential California team |
Hailey Branson-Potts, staff reporter
Hugo MartÃn, assistant editor, fast break desk
Kevinisha Walker, multiplatform editor
Andrew J. Campa, weekend writer
Karim Doumar, head of newsletters |
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