Alaska Airlines will reintroduce nonstop flights from Burbank to Honolulu for the first time in 20 years, launching daily service with Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft. This marks the revival of a route last operated by Aloha Airlines, which ceased service in 2005 due to bankruptcy. The timing aligns with the upcoming 2026 opening of Burbank’s new 14-gate terminal, designed to enhance passenger experience while maintaining the airport’s small, convenient feel.
Burbank, located closer than LAX to key Southern California neighborhoods, offers easier access and more affordable parking options, an appealing alternative for travelers. Economy parking at Burbank costs around $15-$16 per day compared to $30-$35 at LAX.
Alaska Airlines plans to capitalize on this route as part of a broader strategy to establish Burbank as a Southern California gateway to Hawaii, complementing its existing offerings from Los Angeles, Long Beach, and San Diego. The airline’s merger with Hawaiian Airlines will also allow seamless connections for passengers traveling between the islands and the mainland.
While Alaska seeks to build on the past ambitions of Aloha Airlines, it possesses greater resources and operational capabilities to ensure a successful launch this time around. The introduction of this route promises to enhance travel options for Southern Californians heading to Hawaii, potentially offering promotional fare reductions during its rollout.
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