Why Hollywood Burbank Airport's Airspace is Feared as the Next Mid-Air Accident Site

Commercial airlines and federal safety officials are voicing rising safety concerns about Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR). The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Chair Jennifer Homendy recently warned that the airport could be the location of the next mid-air collision in the US. This public warning came during a hearing on a deadly 2025 mid-air crash near Washington D.C. Commercial carriers reportedly contacted the NTSB directly with their fears.

The Demanding Landing Environment

Burbank Airport operates within one of the world's most congested airspaces. A review of safety reports found at least 12 near-collisions at Burbank since 2018. Pilots have detailed close encounters in the Aviation Safety Reporting Database (ASRS). One pilot in 2025 described the airport as a "demanding landing environment."

Several factors contribute to this high-risk environment:

• Proximity to Van Nuys Airport (VNY): VNY is only six to nine miles away. Its flight paths overlap with Burbank's commercial jet approaches.
• Mixed Traffic: Van Nuys handles up to 700 daily non-commercial flights. This includes general aviation, private jets, and helicopters. The mix creates a high air traffic control workload.
• Short Runways: Burbank's main runway is relatively short. This leaves little room for error during landing operations. A 2018 Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 overrun highlighted these challenging conditions.

Regulatory Response and Mitigation

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has acknowledged the issue. The agency stated that Burbank and Van Nuys were primary focus areas. The FAA used new AI tools to identify these "hotspots."

In response, the FAA implemented a significant change. They permanently lowered the traffic pattern at Van Nuys Airport (VNY) by 200 feet. This change took effect on January 5, 2026. Preliminary data from a 2025 trial indicated this action reduced Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) alerts for Burbank arrivals.

However, the NTSB Chair expressed skepticism about the sufficiency of the FAA’s actions. She pointed to "deep, underlying systemic failures" in airspace design. These systemic issues include an overreliance on visual separation procedures.

Impact on Commercial Aviation

The persistent safety warnings affect passenger confidence and airline operations. The airport is currently building a new terminal to meet modern FAA safety standards. The existing terminal is too close to the runways. While Burbank Airport officials maintain that safety is their "top priority," the warnings from the NTSB and commercial carriers highlight the urgent need for comprehensive airspace reform. The situation underscores the constant vigilance required for short runway operations in congested urban areas. Airlines operating at Burbank must continue to emphasize crew resource management and strict adherence to landing procedures to manage the inherent risks.

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