NTSB Warns Hollywood Burbank Airport Faces Imminent Midair Collision Risk

The safety of Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) is under intense scrutiny. This follows a stark warning from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy stated that commercial airlines fear a midair collision is imminent at the facility. This serious concern stems from the airport’s unique location and complex airspace. The situation involves high-volume commercial traffic mixing with general aviation flights.

Airspace and Operational Challenges

Burbank Airport is situated in a valley. This geography creates tight operational parameters for all aircraft. Its main runway is also notably short. Adding to the complexity is the close proximity of Van Nuys Airport (VNY). VNY is a busy general aviation hub, just six miles away.

Commercial jets landing at Burbank must descend over VNY’s traffic pattern. This setup leads to overlapping flight paths. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) notes a wide variation in pilot experience at Van Nuys. This includes many student pilots. The combination of these factors creates a demanding landing environment.

• Burbank is a Class C airport, serving major passenger airlines.
• Van Nuys is a Class D airport, handling private and training flights.
• The mixed traffic types increase the workload for air traffic controllers.

Record of Near-Collisions

Safety records indicate a pattern of near-miss incidents. Since 2018, at least 12 near-collision incidents have been reported. These reports were filed in the Aviation Safety Reporting Database. Pilots frequently detail close encounters with Van Nuys aircraft. Many incidents involved a Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) alert. These alerts warn pilots of an aircraft flying too close. Such warnings often require an immediate reroute or an aborted landing attempt. One pilot reported being “scared the hell out of me” after a 2018 incident. Another pilot called for changes in 2025, citing the demanding environment.

Regulatory Response and Industry Impact

The NTSB Chair’s comments came during a hearing on a fatal 2025 midair collision. She drew a parallel between that crash and the Hollywood Burbank Airport safety concerns. She specifically noted the danger of mixing commercial and helicopter traffic.

The FAA has acknowledged the high-risk area. The agency took action to address the midair collision risk.

• The FAA lowered the Van Nuys traffic pattern altitude.
• The change was a permanent 200-foot reduction.
• This new altitude was effective on January 5, 2026.
• Preliminary data showed this reduced the number of TCAS alerts for Burbank arrivals.

However, the response from some pilots has been lukewarm. Some aviators believe a 200-foot separation increase is insufficient. They argue that small altitude drifts could still lead to dangerous conflicts. The high volume of Los Angeles airspace congestion remains a persistent challenge.

For airlines operating into Hollywood Burbank Airport, the increased scrutiny means heightened operational awareness. Carriers must manage the risks associated with the short runway and complex approach procedures. The focus on safety by the NTSB and the FAA’s recent action highlight the need for continuous risk mitigation in this congested corridor.

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