There are a number of aging terminal facilities around the United States. One terminal though is approaching close to a century of use! Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR), originally opened as United Airport in 1930. Initially, it served as the largest commercial airport in the Los Angeles area until it was surpassed by Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in 1946.
The airport’s original terminal was designed in a Spanish Revival style and was dedicated with significant fanfare. The opening featured a special air show, during that Memorial Day weekend in 1930. There was no expense spared for opening day. The banners, crowds and media all added to the spectacle.
Who Owned The Hollywood Burbank Airport?
Originally known as United Airport, the Hollywood Burbank Airport was owned by the United Airports Company of California. The company was a subsidiary of the Boeing Air Transport and National Air Transport, both of which were part of United Aircraft and Transport Corporation.
Hollywood Burbank was the largest airport in the Los Angeles area for many years. That record lasted until December 5th 1946, when the Los Angeles (LAX) terminal was opened.
At that time, (BUR) had two main runways: one measuring 6,886 feet (north-south) and another 5,802 feet (east-west). These runways have supported the airport’s continuous operation, accommodating a variety of aircraft over the years.
The airport has undergone several name changes as its passed through the sands of time. Some of these names included the Union Air Terminal and the Lockheed Air Terminal. Many more owners and new names were to come and go. Here’s a complete list of the name changes over the years.
The Years Of Name Changes At Burbank
Burbank’s airport terminal might be the same but the name on top of the terminal has changed many different times. Like most things in Hollywood, the only constant is change.
1930-1934: United Airport
1934-1940: Union Air Terminal
1940-1967: Lockheed Air Terminal
1967-1978: Hollywood-Burbank Airport
1978-2003: Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport
2003-2017: Bob Hope Airport
2017-present: Hollywood Burbank Airport
Hollywood-Burbank Airport has seen a lot of other changes. Since its opening it has continued to evolve, catering to both domestic and short-haul international flights. Various airlines such as Southwest, American, Delta, United, Alaska, Spirit and JetBlue operate there.
The original Hollywood-Burbank Airport has two main terminals. Terminals A and B offer a combined number of fourteen gates. Terminal A houses gates A1 to A9, and Terminal B has gates B1 through B5. That’s a total of 14 gates for the airport’s multiple carriers.
Both terminals currently feature Check-in counters, cramped security checkpoints, baggage claim areas as well as several retail shops with expensive offerings.
Burbank’s Title As the Oldest Commercial Terminal Might Not Be For Long
In order to keep up with demand a new terminal is already under construction. The new state-of-the-art facility is expected to open in October 2026 and will replace the existing terminals. The new terminal will offer enhanced passenger amenities, improved security, and increased capacity.
A new terminal will be a welcome relief for passengers at Burbank. We do have to consider though that starting in 2026, a piece of aviation history will be history. Visit it while you can and buy a $9 latte while you wait for your flight!
