Undergoing a significant $1.3 billion capital improvement project, Hollywood Burbank Airport, co-owned by the City of Pasadena, is in the process of replacing its existing terminal with a contemporary, sustainable and passenger-centric facility. 

This complex project carried out by the Holder-FCI Joint Venture using a progressive design-build process, began in early 2024 and is expected to be completed by October 2026.

The new terminal, spanning 355,000 square feet, will replace the existing structure built in the 1930s. A significant part of this project is the relocation of the terminal to guarantee compliance with the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA)

 new runway safety area regulations. It will improve operational safety. Furthermore, the renovated infrastructure will include seismic resilience, improved passenger flow dynamics and full compliance with current accessibility rules, assuring ease of movement for all users.

A crucial component of the development plan is the execution of a transportation program, which includes a new fleet of electric shuttle vehicles and a newly developed electric vehicle charging infrastructure. These environmentally conscious shuttles will serve parking lots, terminal complexes and other airport facilities. It demonstrates the airport’s dedication to environmentally responsible operations.

The modern terminal will have 14 gates, expanded Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening rooms and a variety of modern amenities aimed at improving the passenger experience. The facility is being designed and built to obtain LEED certification. It truly shows a dedication to energy efficiency and sustainability-based construction. The design also covers future-ready ventilation systems to improve the air quality and increase natural lighting, resulting in a more pleasant and welcoming environment for travelers.

In early 2025, the structural topping out of the steel framework marked a crucial milestone in the project’s progress. That achievement signaled the finishing of the vertical building phase.

“Modernization is about more than just aesthetics; it is about future-proofing the airport,” says Frank Miller, Executive Director of the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority. “We are creating a safer, greener and more accessible airport for future generations.” This statement emphasizes the project’s long-term vision, which focuses on developing robust and sustainable infrastructure that will meet the region’s needs for decades.

Construction operations are taking place strategically near the operational terminal, allowing airport services to continue uninterrupted. Opportunities for contractors and subcontractors in the construction sector exist in a variety of areas, including electrical, HVAC, civil and vertical construction. It focuses on competence in LEED certification and sustainable infrastructure construction.