Reimagined Hollywood Burbank Airport opens as a modernized passenger experience

Progressive design-build delivery carried the 355,000-square-foot terminal from design concept to opening day in just under three years, a remarkably fast timeline for an airport of this size. 

Replacing a terminal built in the 1930s, the new 14-gate airport retains the charm of its predecessor while improving passenger flow and modernizing security, concession and waiting areas. For Burbank airport regulars, they won’t have to travel far to the new terminal (it’s directly across from the original), and they will still board their aircraft by walking onto the tarmac and using airstairs. 

The project was designed by Corgan in association with CannonDesign and Burns & McDonnell, and delivered in partnership with the Holder-Pankow-TEC Joint Venture (HPTJV).

One of the first all-electric airport terminals in the country, the new building is designed to become the community’s preferred travel hub, offering a smooth and welcoming experience that sets it apart from other regional airports. Key updates include the following:

• A single, consolidated eight-lane security checkpoint
• Increased seating and waiting areas 
• Intuitive and clear wayfinding to baggage claim, check-in counters and security 
• More restaurant and shopping options and variety 
• Accessible links to public transportation (Metrolink rail and bus) 
• A new parking garage with more than 2,000 spaces, attached to the terminal 
• Design that meets current seismic and ADA accessibility standards

The terminal’s signature canopy sweeps across its front facade and extends to the new parking garage. Clad in perforated metal panels, it catches and reflects light to create a shimmering effect that nods to the glitz and glamour of nearby Hollywood.

Inside, that motif carries through in the material palette and finishes, balanced by natural wood ceilings, earth-toned walls and abundant daylight that connect the terminal to its surrounding landscape.

Following years of impact studies and planning, Burbank voters approved the replacement terminal in 2016. The Corgan and CannonDesign team then developed three design concepts for the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority, which ultimately selected “The Icon” for its bold arrival statement.

“Inspired by the sleek sophistication and glamour of Hollywood’s Golden Age, The Icon celebrates the region’s rich entertainment legacy through a distinctive architectural expression that creates a timeless and memorable gateway to Burbank,” said Kevin Nyhoff, CannonDesign's West Region design director and design collaborator on the project. “The arrival experience evokes a sense of grandeur that extends into the terminal, where simplicity, elegance and intuitive flow define the journey.” 

With “The Icon” design concept chosen in early 2023 and construction beginning shortly after in 2024, the progressive design-build nature of this project allowed for just three years between design concept and first flights.

The opportunity to build a new airport from the ground up is rare. Many current American airport modernizations are extensive renovation processes in operating airports, meaning they take longer to complete and typically disrupt the traveler experience.  

The design-build nature of the project meant there was a guaranteed maximum budget set by the airport authority for full design and construction of building. Continuous collaboration among Burbank and neighboring cities, the design-build team, airport leadership and staff, and the airlines kept the project on budget and on schedule.