Here are parts of that discussion.<\/p>\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1785600317_175_.jpeg\")
<\/p>\n
(Gina Ferazzi\/Los Angeles Times)<\/p>\n
More space, more convenience<\/p>\n
Burbank\u2019s new terminal will be just over 50% larger than the current version, spanning 355,000 square feet but maintaining 14 gates.<\/p>\n
Much of that extra space will be dedicated to increased storage, office, administrative and customer waiting areas.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt will be a lot faster getting through our airport,\u201d Hampton said.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The project includes a parking structure that will feature more electric vehicle charging stations and a new on-airport access road.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re going to continue to get the beautiful service that you have received at our old terminal,\u201d Hampton said. \u201cThat beautiful \u2026 feeling like, \u2018I\u2019m not just a passenger, but an actual human being.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n
The terminal\u2019s main entrance will move from Thornton Avenue and North Hollywood Way two blocks away onto Winona Avenue.<\/p>\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1785600317_638_.jpeg\")
<\/p>\n
(Gina Ferazzi \/ Los Angeles Times)<\/p>\n
Construction is on track<\/p>\n
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\u2019s timing.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis was a parking lot, so everything [that can be] seen here has been built since January 2024,\u201d Johnson said.<\/p>\n
He described the work as \u201cbrisk\u201d and the project as being \u201con time.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ribbon-cutting is slated for Oct. 5, while the terminal is to open for commercial flights on Oct. 13.<\/p>\n
![\"Airport](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1785600317_918_.jpeg\")
<\/p>\n
(Gina Ferazzi \/ Los Angeles Times)<\/p>\n
Airport safety takes center stage<\/p>\n
While much attention focuses on extra space, the key point behind the terminal\u2019s new construction is to address long-standing compliance issues.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019t meet current FAA regulations.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe opening of the replacement passenger terminal and the demolition of the existing terminal correct this condition and comply with all current FAA design standards,\u201d Lammerding said.<\/p>\n
Something old, something new<\/p>\n
Burbank Airport is keeping some of its traditional dining options, including Jones Coffee Roasters of Pasadena and Perry\u2019s Joint sandwiches, but adding options as well.<\/p>\n
San Fernando Valley Mexican-food staple Poquito Mas, founded in Studio City in 1984<\/a>, will debut this fall along with West Coast Smash Burger.<\/p>\n One big question swirls around dining icon Porto\u2019s.<\/p>\n An airport concession program update from June 15 listed plans for a Porto\u2019s pop-up.<\/p>\n Hollywood Burbank officials confirmed that all businesses listed on the plan are a go minus the eatery and bakery. Why Porto\u2019s won\u2019t be ready for the grand opening is a mystery. Porto\u2019s also did not immediately respond to an inquiry. <\/p>\n The week\u2019s biggest stories (Etienne Laurent \/ For the Times)<\/p>\n Boyle Heights warehouse fireAirport and aviation newsTrump administration policesCrime, courts and policingWhat else is going onMust-readOther meaty readsFor your downtime (Jenn Harris \/ Los Angeles Times)<\/p>\n Going outStaying inL.A. Timeless<\/p>\n A selection of the very best reads from The Times\u2019 143-year archive.<\/p>\n Have a great day, from the Essential California team<\/p>\n Hailey Branson-Potts, staff reporter How can we make this newsletter more useful? Send comments to essentialcalifornia@latimes.com<\/a>. Check our top stories<\/a>, topics<\/a> and the latest articles<\/a> on latimes.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n ![\"Protesters](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1785600318_412_.jpeg\")
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Kevinisha Walker, multiplatform editor
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