For an LA trip, choosing Hollywood-Burbank Airport can mean a compact alternative to LAX—but will its new terminal make getting to your gate harder? The preview suggests not: reporter Annita Katee timed walks from security to Gate 1 at four minutes and Gate 14 at two, according to Condé Nast Traveler.
The 355,000-square-foot terminal is scheduled to open October 13, 2026. It is about 53% larger than its predecessor, but consolidates the airport’s two terminals into one and retains 14 gates. The project’s primary purpose was safety: the new building sits about 880 feet from the runway, compared with 250 feet for the old terminal, and exceeds current FAA standards.
What Travelers Can Expect Inside
The terminal adds space and amenities without changing the gate count. It has 13 local food and beverage concepts, six retail spots—including Octavia’s Bookshelf inside Pasadena Mercantile—and five post-security restrooms with free menstrual products. There are also three family rooms, two ADA-friendly rooms, two nursing rooms and a pet relief area.
At gate desks, charging options include magnetic charging, and outlets have USB-C slots rather than traditional USB ports. Bring a compatible cable if you plan to charge. Drivers will find a six-level, EV-friendly garage with 2,000 spaces, described as steps from the terminal.
Security screening has eight lanes, compared with five across the previous terminals. That is more screening capacity, but it does not establish how long lines will take in everyday operations. The four- and two-minute figures are the reporter’s timed walks from screening to the furthest gates, not a guarantee of total time from curb to gate.
The building’s natural light and mid-century design add visual character, including a silver roof canopy inspired by the silver screen. Still, the most concrete travel benefit in the preview is straightforward navigation through a single terminal.
More Room for Planes, Not a Sudden Route Boom
The new gates can accommodate larger aircraft, but the airport will still have 14 gates. Burbank currently handles 70 to 85 flights per day, and the source says that number is unlikely to change drastically for now. Southwest, the airport’s dominant airline, is looking to use larger aircraft and increase frequency on some existing nonstop routes, rather than add new routes at present.
Bigger planes also do not guarantee full passenger loads: Burbank’s relatively short runways and warm Valley weather may require airlines to limit passengers, bags or fuel.
Before booking, compare the actual flights from BUR with your schedule and destination, then check the airport’s new pickup and drop-off locations near Winona Avenue and Hollywood Way. Would the shorter gate walk and added amenities change which LA-area airport you choose?
Source image: Condé Nast Traveler.