Jose Mier has always believed that understanding Sun Valley, California, means looking beyond the neighborhood itself. Our daily lives are connected to nearby communities, workplaces, attractions and transportation hubs, and one of the most important regional changes this fall is the opening of the new passenger terminal at Hollywood Burbank Airport. Just a short drive from Sun Valley, the airport is a practical alternative for travelers who want access to Southern California without automatically making the trip to LAX.
A major change just down the road
Hollywood Burbank Airport opened its new passenger terminal to travelers on October 13, 2026. The roughly $1.3 billion project replaces the older terminal complex, whose history reached back to the airport’s early decades. The new building covers approximately 355,000 square feet and retains 14 gates, but brings passengers into a single connected terminal rather than the former arrangement. For Sun Valley residents, this is more than an architectural makeover: it is an update to a transportation facility many people use for business trips, family visits and vacations.
The airport has long had a distinct character. Unlike the sprawling scale of Los Angeles International Airport, Burbank has traditionally been valued for its relatively compact layout and its proximity to the San Fernando Valley, Hollywood and the media industry. The new terminal aims to modernize the passenger experience while preserving some of the airport’s familiar regional feel.
What travelers will notice
The most obvious change is the consolidated terminal and ticketing hall. Travelers can use one main security checkpoint and access the gates and concessions from within the connected facility. The project also adds updated passenger spaces, more modern systems and a new parking structure. These changes are intended to address safety and accessibility needs while providing a more contemporary airport experience.
One feature that remains distinctive is the outdoor boarding process. Passengers will still walk outside to board or leave aircraft, rather than using enclosed jet bridges. That arrangement is part of Burbank’s familiar character, though travelers should be prepared for sun, wind or occasional rain while moving between the terminal and aircraft.
As with any newly opened facility, the practical details are worth checking before leaving home. Allow time to confirm the airline’s instructions, terminal entrance, parking choice and ground transportation plan. Construction projects can change familiar routes, and a few minutes spent checking current airport guidance can save confusion at the curb.
Pay attention to the new entrance and parking
The replacement terminal is on a different part of the airport property from the old complex, so drivers should not simply rely on memories of previous trips. The new main entrance is at Winona Avenue and Hollywood Way, and the airport’s address and traffic circulation have changed with the project. A navigation app may not always reflect every recent adjustment immediately, so official airport directions are a useful second check.
A new multi-level parking structure sits near the terminal, with other parking options and shuttle connections available for some lots and facilities. Pickup and drop-off arrangements have also been reorganized. Anyone collecting a friend or relative should agree on the meeting point in advance and follow posted signs rather than waiting in an unsuitable curbside area.
Can you reach the airport without driving?
For people in Sun Valley, the airport’s regional location can make a trip relatively straightforward, but transit connections still take planning. Metrolink and Amtrak serve stations in the airport area, and airport shuttle services help connect rail passengers with the terminal. The terminal’s relocation means the walk and transfer may differ from what frequent travelers remember, so check the airport’s latest instructions and train schedules before setting out.
Walking or cycling may be possible for some nearby travelers, but routes, crossing points, shade and luggage all matter. The most convenient option depends on where you start, the time of day and whether you are traveling alone or with children. If you have an early flight or several bags, a prearranged ride may be less stressful than trying to solve the last mile on arrival.
Why this matters to Sun Valley businesses
Transportation infrastructure influences local commerce in ways that are easy to overlook. A convenient airport supports business travel, visiting customers, conferences, production work and family visits. Sun Valley businesses that serve travelers or work with clients across the region may benefit from having a modern airport nearby. The effects are not limited to airlines and hotels: restaurants, rental services, event providers and other local companies are part of the broader network that helps people move through the San Fernando Valley.
At the same time, a new terminal does not remove every transportation challenge. Traffic congestion, parking costs, transit schedules and rideshare pickup rules remain relevant. The best way to take advantage of a nearby airport is to plan realistically and leave enough time for the trip from home or work to the terminal.
A piece of regional history moves forward
The airport’s older terminal was tied to Burbank’s long aviation history, including the area’s connections to aircraft manufacturing and the entertainment business. Replacing an aging facility is a practical step, but it also marks the end of a familiar chapter for generations of travelers. The new terminal brings a contemporary design and updated passenger facilities while the airport continues to serve the same broad region.
For me, this is one of the interesting things about living in Sun Valley: major changes can happen just beyond our neighborhood borders and still affect everyday life here. Whether you fly several times a year or only occasionally, knowing what has changed at Hollywood Burbank Airport makes regional travel easier to navigate.
Before your next flight
Before heading out, verify your airline’s current check-in guidance, confirm the correct terminal entrance, review parking and shuttle options, and check rail schedules if you plan to use public transportation. Give yourself extra time while the new facility becomes familiar to regular travelers. For official updates, consult the Hollywood Burbank Airport website. You can also watch this report for a look inside the new terminal:
Sun Valley’s story is tied to the wider San Fernando Valley, and the opening of this terminal is a timely reminder that regional improvements can shape how we work, travel and welcome visitors. A little advance planning will help local residents make the most of this nearby gateway.