Hollywood Burbank Airport Rolls Out New Terminal in Live Mock‑Flight Test

On a bright Saturday in Burbank, the once‑familiar hallway of Hollywood Burbank Airport looked almost unrecognizable. The airport had just opened its brand‑new, 14‑gate terminal for a full‑scale dress rehearsal, and the buzz was palpable.

About 1,500 volunteers – friends, family, and a few curious locals – signed up to be “passengers” for a mock flight. They checked in at the sleek counters, shuffled through a newly designed TSA lane, found their gates, presented boarding passes, and then “took off” on a short ride that looped them back to a re‑created baggage claim area. It was part simulation, part community party.

The terminal itself spans roughly 355,000 square feet, a dramatic jump from the cramped facility that had served the region for 96 years. Elevated ceilings now let natural light flood the concourse, while modern restaurants and boutique shops line the walkways. Even the seats at each gate boast wireless charging stations, and animated digital displays pop up to guide travelers.

Beyond the glossy finishes, the overhaul was driven by safety. "Our old building just didn’t meet current FAA standards," explained Mike Christensen, the airport’s communications manager. "Runways were uncomfortably close to the structure, leaving little margin for error. The new design adds the necessary clearance and brings us up to code."

Operating statistics underscore the airport’s importance: roughly 133,000 to 155,000 aircraft movements a year and between 6.2 and 6.5 million passengers passing through its doors. Upgrading the terminal was, therefore, both a practical and a symbolic move.

At the end of the mock flight, volunteers were handed short surveys. “We want to know what works, what doesn’t, so we can fine‑tune everything before the real opening on Oct. 13,” Christensen said.

For those who can’t wait, the airport has scheduled a community preview on Oct. 8. Residents will be able to stroll the new concourse, sample food, and get a feel for the upgraded amenities before the official ribbon‑cutting.

Local Burbank native Gina Crawford summed up the sentiment: "I’m from the Midwest, but this new airport feels like a gateway. It’s way more convenient for anyone living in the San Fernando Valley or on this side of the hill. We’re excited for the extra options heading east."

All signs point to a smoother, brighter travel experience for Southern California flyers once the gates officially swing open next month.