Hollywood Burbank Airport Terminal Project Nears 2026 Opening

The Elevate BUR Replacement Terminal Timeline

The Elevate BUR replacement terminal project at Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) is approaching its final construction phase, with the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority (BGPAA) confirming an expected completion date of October 13, 2026. This Burbank Airport $1.3B makeover represents one of the most significant infrastructure shifts for the Southern California aviation hub, which has operated from its original 1930 terminal for nearly a century.

Operational Impact and Infrastructure Upgrades

The new facility is designed to address critical deficiencies in the legacy structure. According to the City of Burbank, the project is essential for meeting modern Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) runway distance safety standards, which require a greater buffer between the terminal building and active flight lines. Beyond runway clearances, the project incorporates seismic safety improvements and full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), addressing structural vulnerabilities inherent in the 1930s-era building.

As noted in the Elevate BUR official project FAQ, the new terminal will span 355,000 square feet across two levels and a basement. While the footprint is significantly larger than the existing 232,000-square-foot terminal, the airport will maintain its current capacity of 14 gates. This capacity-neutral approach reflects a specific mandate from local residents and the city, who secured a hard gate cap to mitigate future noise and traffic concerns.

Project Execution and Stakeholder Roles

The massive infrastructure undertaking is being executed by a Holder, Pankow, TEC joint venture, which serves as the design-build lead. Jacobs oversees the project management for the BGPAA, ensuring the facility meets current building codes while maintaining the airport’s operational convenience. Airlines currently operating at the airport, including Southwest, Alaska, and Avelo, are expected to transition their operations to the new facility upon completion, benefiting from modernized baggage handling and enhanced dining options.

Legacy Airport Replacement Trends

The project follows a broader industry trend of legacy airport replacement, where airports built in the mid-20th century undergo complete facility rebuilds rather than incremental renovations. This pattern is mirrored in recent high-profile projects at LaGuardia (LGA), Kansas City (MCI), and Salt Lake City (SLC), where aging infrastructure was replaced to accommodate modern security requirements and safety standards. Historically, the SLC redevelopment program in 2020 demonstrated that complete replacement is often the most effective path to meeting contemporary seismic and operational mandates.

Technical Comparison: Legacy vs. New Terminal

What Comes Next: The October 2026 Opening

The BGPAA has outlined a clear path toward the facility's opening. Following the expected completion on October 13, 2026, the authority will oversee the transition of passenger operations from the existing terminal. Once the new facility is fully operational, the original 1930s terminal will be demolished to finalize the project footprint and improve overall airfield geometry.

Why This Matters for the Region

For travelers and residents, this project signifies a transition to a safer, more intuitive terminal environment without the downsides of uncontrolled capacity expansion. By prioritizing safety and accessibility over raw growth, the project provides a model for how regional airports can modernize while respecting community-imposed operational constraints. The successful delivery of this $1.3 billion investment will be a litmus test for the BGPAA as it balances modern aviation requirements with the local demand for a manageable, community-centric airport experience.