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BUR Airport Faces Midair Collision Concerns

  //automotive-transportation.news-articles.net/co .. bur-airport-faces-midair-collision-concerns.html
  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Tuesday, January 27th 2026 at 23:43 GMT by Los Angeles Times
      Locales: California, UNITED STATES

Burbank, CA - January 28, 2026 - Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) is under renewed scrutiny following a warning from a U.S. Department of Transportation official regarding the potential for midair collisions. An internal memo, recently obtained by the Los Angeles Times, details concerns over the airport's challenging geographical location and increasingly complex airspace, prompting calls for an immediate and comprehensive safety review.

The memo identifies a confluence of factors contributing to the heightened risk. BUR is uniquely situated within a densely populated urban environment, surrounded by steep hills and frequently utilized airspace from neighboring airports and general aviation traffic. This creates a particularly complex operating environment for pilots, demanding precise navigation and adherence to procedures. The official's warning doesn't state current procedures are non-compliant with regulations, but rather that they may not adequately mitigate the inherent risks present at the location.

While the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has acknowledged the concerns and indicated they are currently reviewing the recommendations outlined in the memo, this isn't the first time safety at BUR has been questioned. Local pilots have voiced frustrations for years, claiming their warnings about potential hazards have been largely ignored. One pilot, speaking anonymously to avoid potential repercussions, stated, "We've been sounding the alarm for years about the dangers at BUR. It's concerning that it took an official warning for anyone to take it seriously." This sentiment highlights a growing disconnect between those operating within the airspace daily and the regulatory bodies responsible for ensuring safety.

The specific areas of concern identified in the memo center on departure and arrival procedures. The combination of the airport's location and the surrounding terrain necessitate unique flight paths, which, if not executed perfectly, could lead to near misses or, worse, collisions. The FAA review is expected to focus on the adequacy of current navigational aids, communication protocols, and pilot training in relation to these specific challenges.

Hollywood Burbank Airport is a vital transportation hub, serving both commercial airlines and a significant number of private aircraft. It's a particularly popular choice for travelers seeking convenient access to the entertainment industry, as well as for business travelers in the region. In 2025, BUR saw a record 6.7 million passengers pass through its gates, a figure that is projected to continue rising in the coming years. Any disruption to airport operations, whether due to safety concerns or resulting operational changes, could have a significant impact on travel plans and the local economy.

Beyond the immediate concern of midair collisions, experts suggest the situation at BUR reflects a broader issue within the national airspace system. Increased air traffic, coupled with the proliferation of drones and other unmanned aerial vehicles, is placing greater strain on existing infrastructure and procedures. The incident underscores the need for ongoing investment in air traffic control technology and enhanced safety protocols to keep pace with the evolving landscape of aviation.

The review will likely involve a detailed analysis of incident reports, air traffic data, and pilot feedback. It may also necessitate on-site inspections and simulations to assess the effectiveness of current procedures under various conditions. Potential solutions could range from implementing new technological solutions - such as enhanced surveillance systems or improved ground-based navigation aids - to modifying flight paths and procedures to create greater separation between aircraft. A potential but drastic change could be limiting the types of aircraft allowed to operate at BUR or the number of takeoffs/landings permitted per hour.

The FAA is expected to release a preliminary report on its findings within the next six weeks, with a more comprehensive review anticipated to take several months. Local residents and pilots are eagerly awaiting the results, hoping that this time, their concerns will be addressed before a tragedy occurs. The incident at Hollywood Burbank Airport serves as a stark reminder of the constant vigilance required to ensure the safety of the nation's airspace.