
Hollywood Burbank Airport, located in Los Angeles County, California, is a medium-hub primary commercial service facility. The airport has been renamed several times since its opening in May 1930, including United Airport (1930-1934), Union Air Terminal (1934-1940), and Lockheed Air Terminal (1940-1967). Despite its compact size, the airport offers essential services for travellers, such as dining and shopping options, and convenient transportation options, including a direct rail connection to Downtown Los Angeles. With ongoing construction projects, such as a new terminal and a baggage screening facility, the airport continues to enhance its facilities and improve the passenger experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport Name | Hollywood Burbank Airport |
| Location | Northwest Burbank, Los Angeles County, California, United States |
| Owner | Burbank–Glendale–Pasadena Airport Authority |
| Operator | TBI Airport Management, Inc. |
| Police | Burbank–Glendale–Pasadena Airport Authority Police |
| FAA Category | Medium-hub primary commercial service facility |
| Terminals | 2 (Terminal A and Terminal B) |
| Gates | 14 |
| Services | Dining, shopping, parking, transportation drop-off, etc. |
| Transportation | Rental cars, taxis, rideshare services, public transportation, train services |
| Noise Compatibility | $805,900 allocated for Airport Noise Compatibility Planning study |
| Year Opened | May 1930 |
| Former Names | United Airport (1930-1934), Union Air Terminal (1934-1940), Lockheed Air Terminal (1940-1967), Hollywood-Burbank Airport (1967-1978), Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport (1978-2003), Bob Hope Airport (since 2003) |
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Hollywood Burbank Airport's history and name changes
Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) is a public airport located three miles northwest of downtown Burbank, in Los Angeles County, California, United States. The airport is conveniently situated near major freeways and is accessible via train services, with two nearby stations: Burbank Airport-North and Burbank Airport-South. It is the only airport in the area with a direct rail connection to Downtown Los Angeles.
The airport has a rich history dating back to the 1920s and has undergone several name changes over the years. Here is a detailed account of the airport's history and name evolution:
History
The story of Hollywood Burbank Airport began in the late 1920s with the United Aircraft and Transport Corporation, a partnership between Boeing and United Airlines. This corporation owned multiple small airlines, including Pacific Air Transport, which Boeing acquired in 1928 due to its attractive mail routes. Following this acquisition, United Aircraft and Transport began searching for a new airport site for Pacific Air Transport. They were aided by surveys conducted by the Aeronautics Department of the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce, which had identified potential airport locations as early as 1926.
The chosen site in Burbank spanned 234 acres and required significant preparation, including clearing vines and trees, filling and levelling the ground, and ensuring good drainage. The site offered favourable conditions, such as steady winds and a firm landing surface.
In 1930, the airport was named United Airport, marking the beginning of its journey through various name changes.
Name Changes
- United Airport (1930–1934): As mentioned, the airport was initially known as United Airport, reflecting its association with United Aircraft and Transport Corporation and United Airlines.
- Union Air Terminal (1934–1940): After four years, the airport's name transitioned to Union Air Terminal, perhaps signifying the unification of various airlines or terminals.
- Lockheed Air Terminal (1940–1967): When Lockheed purchased the airport, it was served by major airlines such as United Airlines, Western Airlines, and TWA. Despite facing competition from the newly opened Los Angeles Airport in 1947, Lockheed Air Terminal thrived as one of the largest satellite airports in the Los Angeles area.
- Hollywood–Burbank Airport (1967–1978): In 1967, the airport embraced a name that highlighted its proximity to Hollywood and Burbank, attracting travellers interested in visiting the iconic destinations nearby.
- Burbank–Glendale–Pasadena Airport (1978–2003): Following Lockheed's sale of the airport to the Burbank–Glendale–Pasadena Airport Authority in 1978, the airport's name shifted to encompass the three cities in its governing authority.
- Bob Hope Airport (since 2003): On November 6, 2003, the airport's name was officially changed to Bob Hope Airport to honour the beloved comedian Bob Hope, a longtime resident of nearby Toluca Lake who had passed away that year. This change aimed to commemorate Bob Hope's connection to the airfield, as he kept his personal airplane there. However, in 2015, the airport was rebranded as Hollywood Burbank Airport due to the lack of recognition of Bob Hope Airport's geographic region.
These name changes reflect the airport's evolving identity and its efforts to associate itself with the nearby entertainment industry and iconic destinations. The current name, Hollywood Burbank Airport, emphasises the airport's proximity to the media centre of Burbank and its significance in serving the northern Greater Los Angeles area, including Hollywood and various other attractions.
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Burbank Airport's ownership and management
Hollywood Burbank Airport (IATA: BUR, ICAO: KBUR, FAA LID: BUR) is a public airport owned by the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority and controlled by the governments of those cities. The Airport Authority was created under a joint powers agreement between the three cities of Burbank, Glendale, and Pasadena in 1977 for the sole purpose of owning and operating the airport. The Authority consists of nine Commissioners, three from each city, who are appointed by their respective city councils.
The Airport Authority contracts with TBI Airport Management, Inc., to operate the airport, which has its own police and fire departments, the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority Police. They also share police helicopters based out of Burbank airport on the north-east end of the airport on taxiway Bravo. The airport has been named United Airport (1930-1934), Union Air Terminal (1934-1940), Lockheed Air Terminal (1940-1967), Hollywood-Burbank Airport (1967-1978), Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport (1978-2003), and Bob Hope Airport after comedian Bob Hope (since 2003).
In 2017, the airport was rebranded as Hollywood Burbank Airport due to the lack of recognition of Bob Hope Airport's geographic region. The airport has undergone various upgrades and improvements over the years, including the construction of a new terminal, a baggage screening facility, and a Regional Transportation Center. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems for 2017–2021 categorized it as a medium-hub primary commercial service facility.
Located three miles (4.8 km) northwest of downtown Burbank, in Los Angeles County, California, the airport serves Burbank, Hollywood, and the northern Greater Los Angeles area, including Glendale, Pasadena, the San Fernando Valley, and the Santa Clarita Valley. It is conveniently located near major freeways and is accessible via train services, with stations Burbank Airport-North and Burbank Airport-South.
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The airport's compact size and quick access
Hollywood Burbank Airport is known for its compact size, which makes it stand out from other airports. This feature translates to quick and easy access for travellers from the parking lots and transportation drop-off points to the terminals. The airport is easily accessible via car, train, and public transportation. It is conveniently located near major freeways and is also accessible via the Metrolink and Amtrak train services, with the Burbank Airport-North and Burbank Airport-South stations. The airport is also recognised for its direct rail connection to Downtown Los Angeles, which sets it apart from other airports in the area.
The airport is owned by the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority and is controlled by the governments of those cities. It is located three miles (4.8 km) northwest of downtown Burbank, in Los Angeles County, California, United States. The airport serves Burbank, Hollywood, and the northern Greater Los Angeles area, including Glendale, Pasadena, the San Fernando Valley, and the Santa Clarita Valley. Its convenient location makes it closer to many popular attractions, such as Griffith Park and Universal Studios Hollywood, than Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
The compact airport consists of two terminals, Terminal A and Terminal B, with a total of 14 gates. Despite its small size, the airport provides essential services for travellers, including dining options ranging from quick snacks to full meals in both terminals. There are also shopping opportunities, such as newsstands, gift shops, and local souvenir stores. The airport's size allows for efficient and straightforward transportation to and from the airport, making it a convenient choice for travellers.
The Burbank Airport has undergone several name changes over the years, reflecting its history and the region. The airport first opened as the United Airport in May 1930 and has had names such as Union Air Terminal, Lockheed Air Terminal, Hollywood-Burbank Airport, Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport, and Bob Hope Airport. The name changes showcase the airport's evolution and the importance given to its representation of the local community. The current name, Hollywood Burbank Airport, was adopted to better associate the airport with its geographic region.
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Terminals, gates, and essential services
Hollywood Burbank Airport (IATA: BUR, ICAO: KBUR, FAA LID: BUR) is a medium-hub airport with two terminals, Terminal A and Terminal B, and a total of 14 gates. The airport is currently constructing a new terminal in the northeast quadrant, which will also have 14 gates and be significantly larger at 355,000 square feet. The new terminal will resolve long-standing safety and accessibility issues, and meet newer seismic standards. It is set to open in October 2026.
The airport offers a range of essential services and amenities to enhance the passenger experience. Dining options are available in both terminals, ranging from quick snacks to full meals. There are also several retail options before and after the security checkpoints. Language translation services are available via courtesy phones located throughout the terminals.
For nursing mothers, freestanding, private lactation suites can be found post-security in Terminal A between Gates A4 and A5, and in Terminal B across from Gate B4. Skycaps are on hand at the entrance to Terminal A to assist passengers with any queries, and the Police Department substation is also located at the Terminal A main entrance.
The airport's Lost & Found is located in the Terminal B arrival area and is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. It can be contacted on 818.729.2231, and messages left over the weekend are returned the next business day.
Other notable features of Hollywood Burbank Airport include its efficient operations, personable service, and convenience for travellers. Its compact size allows for quick and easy access from parking lots and transportation drop-off points directly to the terminals. The airport also has its own police and fire departments, and shares police helicopters based out of the north-east end of the airport.
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Airport infrastructure upgrades and funding
The United States' commercial airports serve nearly a billion passengers annually and support 10 million jobs, generating an economic output of $1.1 trillion per year. However, they face significant challenges in upgrading their infrastructure to keep up with the increasing demands of passenger traffic, security upgrades, and cargo distribution. Over the next five years, US airports will need more than $173 billion in infrastructure upgrades and expansion to meet these demands.
Airport Infrastructure Funding Sources
Despite a common misconception, US airports are not funded by taxpayer dollars. Instead, they rely on three primary funding mechanisms: federal grants through the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Airport Improvement Program (AIP), the Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) local user fee, and tenant rents and fees.
The AIP provides grants for rehabilitating or constructing runways and taxiways, improving airfield safety, and enhancing airport security. However, AIP grants generally do not cover terminal projects, which account for 60% of total airport infrastructure needs. The PFC, a local user fee, is required by law to fund FAA-approved airport improvement projects.
Case Study: Hollywood Burbank Airport
The Hollywood Burbank Airport (IATA: BUR, ICAO: KBUR, FAA LID: BUR), located in Los Angeles County, California, is owned by the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority and serves the northern Greater Los Angeles area. The airport has been working to upgrade its infrastructure to improve passenger experience and spur airline competition.
In 2013, the Burbank Airport Authority unveiled plans for a new terminal building, which was approved by Burbank city voters in 2016. The new terminal will be significantly larger, allowing for enhanced passenger amenities and improved security screening areas. Additionally, the airport received $3 million for infrastructure upgrades in 2022, with a portion of the funds dedicated to an Airport Noise Compatibility Planning study.
Impact of Funding Limitations
The lack of major updates to funding options in the last 20 years has left airports with limited financial resources, resulting in delayed projects and increased construction costs. This has hindered their ability to modernize facilities and keep up with the nation's aging airport system. Congress can play a crucial role in addressing this issue by adjusting the outdated federal cap on the PFC user fee, which has remained unchanged for almost 20 years.
Recent Developments in Airport Infrastructure Funding
Recent initiatives, such as President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, have allocated $25 billion to support airport repair, maintenance, expansion, and energy efficiency upgrades. Additionally, the US Department of Transportation's FAA has announced a seventh round of Airport Infrastructure Grants (AIG), totaling $289 million for airports across 40 states. These grants will enhance safety and efficiency at airports of all sizes.
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Frequently asked questions
Burbank Airport, officially known as Hollywood Burbank Airport, is a medium-hub primary commercial service facility. It is a public airport located in northwest Burbank, Los Angeles County, California. The airport has undergone several name changes over the years and serves Burbank, Hollywood, and the northern Greater Los Angeles area.
Burbank Airport is known for its compact size, offering quick and easy access from parking lots and transportation drop-off points to its two terminals, Terminal A and Terminal B. It provides essential services for travellers, including dining options ranging from quick snacks to full meals, and shopping opportunities such as newsstands, gift shops, and souvenir stores. The airport also has a direct rail connection to Downtown Los Angeles, making it convenient for those travelling to and from the city centre.
Burbank Airport first opened as United Airport in May 1930 and was the largest commercial airport in the Los Angeles area at the time. It has since undergone several name changes, including Union Air Terminal (1934-1940), Lockheed Air Terminal (1940-1967), Hollywood-Burbank Airport (1967-1978), Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport (1978-2003), and Bob Hope Airport (since 2003). The airport has continued to invest in upgrades and improvements, with recent developments including a new terminal, a baggage screening facility, and a Regional Transportation Center.










































