Hollywood Burbank Airport Makes a Powerful Leap Into 2027 as Southwest, Alaska and Many Other US Airlines Develop Southern California Connectivity

Hollywood Burbank Airport in California has reached a major milestone in its aviation development, with a new passenger terminal that opened on October 13, 2026, as several US airlines introduce or maintain important domestic connections. Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Breeze Airways, and Allegiant Air are contributing to the airport’s evolving route network, connecting the Los Angeles region with destinations across Hawaii, Utah, Oregon, Washington and the Midwest. The terminal development is expected to improve the travel experience, modernize airport operations and strengthen Burbank’s position as an alternative gateway to Southern California. However, the airport’s expansion is primarily focused on infrastructure improvements rather than increasing the number of aircraft gates.

This development promises greater convenience for millions of travelers visiting Los Angeles and surrounding destinations. Improved security, upgraded baggage facilities and streamlined passenger services are reshaping the travel experience. The changes could benefit regional tourism, hospitality businesses and domestic connectivity. However, sustained passenger growth will depend on airline demand, reliable schedules and the long-term success of these services.

Which US Airlines Are Expanding or Supporting Operations at Hollywood Burbank Airport?

Why Is Hollywood Burbank Airport Becoming More Important for Southern California Travel?

Hollywood Burbank Airport serves as an important transportation gateway for travelers visiting Los Angeles County and surrounding communities. Located in Burbank, the airport provides convenient access to Hollywood, Glendale, Pasadena and several entertainment and business districts.

Its location makes it particularly attractive to travelers seeking alternatives to Los Angeles International Airport. Visitors heading to film studios, entertainment attractions, corporate offices and residential neighborhoods in the San Fernando Valley can use Burbank as a practical arrival point.

The airport’s importance is increasing as airlines develop additional domestic connections and the region continues to attract leisure and business travelers.

The opening of the replacement terminal marks a significant step in the airport’s long-term development strategy. Modern passenger facilities are expected to improve operational efficiency and support the airport’s competitiveness.

For Southern California’s tourism industry, improved airport infrastructure could encourage more travelers to consider Burbank when planning trips to the greater Los Angeles area.

How Is the New Hollywood Burbank Airport Terminal Transforming Passenger Facilities?

Hollywood Burbank Airport’s replacement passenger terminal officially opened on October 13, 2026, introducing a modern facility designed to address longstanding infrastructure and safety requirements.

The approximately 355,000-square-foot terminal replaces the airport’s older passenger facilities while maintaining the existing total of 14 aircraft gates.

Unlike airport developments focused on adding runway or gate capacity, Burbank’s project emphasizes passenger safety, accessibility and improved terminal operations.

The new building includes centralized ticketing, a consolidated Transportation Security Administration checkpoint, indoor baggage claim facilities and updated passenger amenities.

Travelers can also access modern seating areas, retail outlets, food services and improved charging facilities.

The development incorporates updated seismic safety standards and addresses the separation between terminal buildings and airport runways.

Importantly, Hollywood Burbank Airport has retained its distinctive outdoor aircraft boarding experience.

The improvements are intended to provide a more efficient journey while preserving the airport’s established character and convenience.

How Is Southwest Airlines Supporting Hollywood Burbank Airport’s Growing Connectivity?

Southwest Airlines remains one of the most important carriers serving Hollywood Burbank Airport, providing extensive domestic connectivity across California and the wider United States.

Its network includes major destinations such as Las Vegas, Phoenix, Denver, Sacramento, Oakland and San Jose, alongside connections to other important domestic markets.

These routes support business travel, family visits and leisure tourism throughout the western United States.

Southwest’s operations also provide opportunities for travelers to reach Southern California without relying exclusively on Los Angeles International Airport.

Hawaii represents another important market. The airport’s published destination information identified Honolulu service beginning in August 2026, strengthening links between Southern California and the Pacific islands.

Southwest is also among the airlines operating under long-term airport use agreements associated with the replacement terminal.

Its established presence is significant because a broad domestic network can help sustain passenger activity and support regional travel demand as the airport transitions to modern facilities.

Why Is Alaska Airlines Expanding Travel Opportunities Between Burbank and Hawaii?

Alaska Airlines has contributed to Hollywood Burbank Airport’s route development through additional connections serving leisure and regional travel markets.

One of its notable developments was the introduction of seasonal nonstop flights between Burbank and Honolulu in May 2026.

The service created another travel option for Southern California residents planning holidays in Hawaii while providing Hawaiian visitors with direct access to the Los Angeles region.

Honolulu is an important leisure destination, attracting travelers interested in beaches, cultural attractions, outdoor recreation and resort experiences.

Alaska Airlines also connects Burbank with destinations in the Pacific Northwest and other western US markets, including Seattle and Boise.

These services support both tourism and business travel, particularly for passengers moving between California and neighboring states.

The airline’s participation in the airport’s long-term operating framework further demonstrates its established role at Burbank.

Seasonal services remain subject to airline schedules, meaning travelers should verify availability before making arrangements.

How Is Breeze Airways Bringing New Regional Destinations to Burbank Airport?

Breeze Airways has emerged as an important participant in Hollywood Burbank Airport’s changing airline network, particularly through its focus on connecting smaller and underserved domestic markets.

The airline announced a Burbank expansion program for March 2026 that included connections with Provo in Utah, Arcata-Eureka in Northern California, and destinations in Oregon and Washington.

Its announced network also included Redmond, Eugene and Pasco, although continuing availability across all these routes requires confirmation from current airline schedules.

Breeze’s business model emphasizes nonstop travel between markets that might otherwise require passengers to connect through larger airports.

For travelers visiting Southern California, these services can provide additional choices when planning leisure trips, family visits and regional business journeys.

The Arcata-Eureka connection is particularly relevant to tourism because it links the Los Angeles region with Northern California’s Redwood Coast.

Such routes can help distribute tourism activity beyond major metropolitan destinations while creating additional opportunities for regional airports.

What Role Is Allegiant Air Playing in Hollywood Burbank Airport’s Airline Expansion?

Allegiant Air has strengthened Hollywood Burbank Airport’s domestic connectivity through the introduction of services linking Southern California with smaller and midsize American markets.

The airline began operating Burbank routes in February 2026, including connections with Provo, Utah, and Bellingham, Washington.

Additional services to Des Moines, Iowa, and Indianapolis, Indiana, followed in May 2026.

These developments provide new nonstop travel opportunities between the Los Angeles region and communities that may have previously required connecting flights.

Allegiant’s leisure-focused operating model is particularly relevant to travelers seeking affordable transportation for holidays, family visits and short breaks.

Its expansion also broadens Burbank’s geographical reach beyond traditional West Coast markets.

Visitors from the Midwest can potentially use the airport to access Southern California’s entertainment attractions, beaches, cultural destinations and hospitality businesses.

However, Allegiant’s schedules can vary by route and season, making advance verification important for passengers planning specific travel dates.

How Are American, Delta and United Airlines Supporting Burbank’s Aviation Network?

American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines continue to play important roles in maintaining Hollywood Burbank Airport’s connections with major domestic aviation markets.

Their operations provide access to important airline hubs, allowing travelers to connect with destinations beyond Southern California.

American Airlines supports connections through its wider domestic network, while Delta provides access to major business and leisure markets.

United Airlines also contributes important connecting opportunities through destinations such as Denver and San Francisco.

These established carriers are significant because hub connections remain essential for travelers whose destinations are not served by nonstop flights from Burbank.

Their presence also helps diversify the airport’s airline network, reducing dependence on a single type of passenger or destination.

The three carriers are among the airport’s signatory airlines operating under long-term agreements.

Although no separate major new-route announcements were established for these airlines in the available research, their continued operations support Burbank’s role within the national aviation system.

What Do Hollywood Burbank Airport’s Passenger Numbers Reveal About Travel Demand?

Hollywood Burbank Airport experienced substantial passenger growth in the years leading up to the opening of its replacement terminal.

Official airport authority figures show that passenger traffic increased from approximately 5.97 million in fiscal 2023 to 6.22 million in fiscal 2024.

The total rose again to approximately 6.57 million passengers in fiscal 2025, representing growth of about 5.7% compared with the previous year.

These figures demonstrate the airport’s established importance within Southern California’s transportation network.

However, more recent statistics present a mixed picture.

During the first six months of fiscal 2026, passenger traffic declined to approximately 3.18 million, compared with 3.53 million during the corresponding period of fiscal 2025.

That represents a decrease of approximately 10.1%.

The figures suggest that infrastructure investment and airline route announcements should not automatically be interpreted as uninterrupted passenger growth.

Future performance will depend on demand, airline capacity, economic conditions and the sustainability of individual routes.

How Could the New Terminal Strengthen Tourism Across Los Angeles and Southern California?

The modernization of Hollywood Burbank Airport could provide important benefits for Southern California’s tourism and hospitality industries.

Burbank’s location offers convenient access to major attractions, including Universal Studios Hollywood, Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood and entertainment districts throughout Los Angeles County.

Travelers visiting Pasadena, Glendale and the San Fernando Valley may also find the airport suitable for their itineraries.

Improved passenger facilities could make the arrival and departure experience more comfortable, particularly for families, international visitors connecting through domestic hubs and business travelers.

Additional airline connections may also support demand for hotels, restaurants, ground transportation and visitor attractions.

For regional tourism businesses, greater air connectivity can expand the number of markets from which potential customers can travel.

Nevertheless, the actual economic benefits cannot be determined from route announcements alone.

Reliable assessments will require data on visitor spending, hotel occupancy, passenger origins and the proportion of airport users traveling for tourism.

Why Does Burbank Airport’s Modernization Matter for California’s Wider Aviation Industry?

Hollywood Burbank Airport’s development reflects a broader challenge facing airports across the United States: modernizing aging infrastructure while accommodating changing passenger expectations.

The replacement terminal addresses safety and accessibility requirements that could not be adequately resolved through limited upgrades to the older facilities.

Its design also introduces modern passenger processing systems intended to improve operational reliability.

Unlike large airport expansion projects, however, Burbank’s development does not increase the existing number of gates.

This distinction is important when evaluating its long-term capacity.

Airlines may improve connectivity through scheduling changes, new destinations and more efficient aircraft utilization, but substantial growth will still depend on operational constraints.

The airport’s location within a densely developed urban area also makes careful infrastructure planning essential.

For California’s aviation industry, the project demonstrates how regional airports can improve passenger facilities and maintain their relevance without necessarily undertaking major airfield expansion.

What Should Passengers Know Before Traveling Through Hollywood Burbank Airport in 2026?

Travelers using Hollywood Burbank Airport following the October 13 terminal opening should familiarize themselves with the airport’s updated layout and ground transportation arrangements.

The transition to the replacement terminal has changed passenger access routes, parking facilities and terminal circulation.

A new parking structure began operating alongside the terminal opening, while some older parking areas were closed as part of the redevelopment process.

Passengers should therefore consult official airport information before departure, particularly if they have previously used Burbank’s older terminal.

Airline schedules also require attention because some newly introduced services operate seasonally or on selected days rather than daily.

Travelers considering Breeze Airways, Allegiant Air or seasonal Hawaii flights should verify operating dates directly with their airlines.

Arriving early enough for security screening and allowing additional time to navigate unfamiliar terminal facilities can help reduce travel difficulties.

The airport’s official website remains the primary source for current parking, terminal and passenger guidance.

What Does Hollywood Burbank Airport’s Transformation Mean for Southern California Travel in 2027?

Hollywood Burbank Airport enters 2027 with modern passenger infrastructure and an airline network that has gained several new domestic connections.

The opening of its replacement terminal represents a substantial investment in aviation safety, accessibility and passenger convenience.

Southwest Airlines continues to provide broad domestic connectivity, while Alaska Airlines has strengthened access to Hawaii and western US destinations.

Breeze Airways and Allegiant Air have introduced additional routes serving smaller regional markets, including communities in Utah, Washington and the Midwest.

Together, these developments create opportunities for travelers seeking alternatives to larger Los Angeles-area airports.

The next phase will depend on whether airlines sustain their new services and whether passenger demand improves following the decline recorded during the first half of fiscal 2026.

For Southern California, the airport’s transformation offers a stronger transportation platform that could support tourism, business travel and regional economic activity.

Hollywood Burbank Airport Begins a New Chapter in Southern California Aviation

Hollywood Burbank Airport’s new terminal and expanding airline connections represent an important development for Southern California’s travel industry. Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Breeze Airways and Allegiant Air are helping diversify domestic travel opportunities, while established carriers maintain access to major US markets. The modernized terminal improves safety, accessibility and passenger facilities without increasing the airport’s 14-gate capacity. Although recent traffic figures show some weakness, the airport now has infrastructure better suited to contemporary travel requirements. Its long-term success will depend on sustained airline demand, reliable service and the ability to attract travelers visiting Los Angeles and surrounding communities.

What Should Travellers Know Before Flying Through the New Terminal?

Travellers using Hollywood Burbank Airport after 13 October 2026 should pay particular attention to the changed terminal access arrangements. All arriving and departing flights moved to the replacement facility, while parking and road access arrangements also changed.

The airport announced that parking structure and valet operations relocated to the new terminal on opening day. Lot E closed permanently, and Lot C had already closed in August. Passengers should consult current airport directions rather than relying on older terminal maps.

Hollywood Burbank Airport’s transformation marks an important milestone for Southern California’s aviation and tourism industries. The replacement terminal addresses outdated infrastructure, improves passenger safety and delivers a more convenient travel experience. Meanwhile, additional domestic airline connections create opportunities for leisure travelers, businesses and regional tourism destinations. Although the development retains the existing 14 aircraft gates, modern facilities could strengthen operational efficiency and passenger satisfaction. The airport’s future growth will depend on sustained demand, competitive airfares and reliable route performance. As airlines evaluate their networks for 2027, Burbank is better positioned to serve travelers seeking convenient access to greater Los Angeles.

[Image: Hollywood Burbank Airport]