Pilots Raise Concerns Over Safety Risks at Burbank Airport

Proximity to Van Nuys Airport and short runway create 'demanding landing environment'

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Pilots who regularly fly in and around Hollywood Burbank Airport have raised concerns about the airport's unique location and airspace, which they say creates a high risk of midair collisions. The airport's short main runway and its proximity to the busy Van Nuys Airport, located just 6 miles away, leave little room for error as planes land at Burbank. Since 2018, there have been at least 12 near-collision incidents reported at Burbank, with pilots and aviation officials detailing close encounters with aircraft from Van Nuys.

Why it matters

The safety concerns at Burbank Airport have gained national attention after the head of the National Transportation Safety Board highlighted the risks, warning that a midair collision is likely to happen there. The overlapping airspace and flight patterns between the two airports, as well as the varying experience levels of pilots at Van Nuys, have created an environment that many consider an 'accident waiting to happen'.

The details

Burbank's main runway is particularly short, and the airport's proximity to Van Nuys Airport, which is home to many flight schools, creates significant air traffic in the same airspace. Pilots landing at Burbank are supposed to fly at different altitudes than planes taking off and landing at Van Nuys, but the FAA has acknowledged that Burbank-bound flights frequently receive TCAS alerts warning of aircraft from Van Nuys flying too close. This often requires pilots to abort their landing attempts and return to a higher altitude before trying again.

  • Since 2018, there have been at least 12 near collisions reported at Burbank.
  • In 2025, a pilot called for changes after a similar incident, mentioning Burbank's short runway and other nearby obstacles, including Van Nuys flights, calling it a 'demanding landing environment'.

The players

Jennifer Homendy

Chair of the National Transportation Safety Board, who highlighted the safety concerns at Burbank Airport.

Trent Sanders

A private pilot who flies out of Whiteman Airport, located about 6 miles from Burbank and Van Nuys, and said he avoids flying over the area due to the heightened risk.

Rob Newman

A pilot and the department chair of Glendale Community College's Aviation Department, who explained the overlapping flight patterns between Burbank and Van Nuys.

Josh Saltsman

Owner of Hot Shot Aviation, a flight school and rental service at Van Nuys Airport, who said he is concerned the FAA's recent changes have decreased the clearance between smaller aircraft and helicopters.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's a constant thought. As long as you're able to get some good guidance and figure out how the area works and what's around you, you are able to build a safe plan and navigate appropriately. ... Safety is not negotiable.”

— Josh Saltsman, Owner, Hot Shot Aviation

What’s next

The FAA says it has made changes to increase the clearance between Burbank and Van Nuys aircraft, but some pilots remain concerned that the adjustments are not enough to significantly improve safety. The agency has also stated that Burbank's east-west runway remains the best option due to technical limitations with the airport's other runway.

The takeaway

The safety concerns at Burbank Airport highlight the challenges of operating an airport in a crowded airspace, with overlapping flight patterns and varying levels of pilot experience. While the FAA has taken steps to address the issues, many in the aviation community believe more needs to be done to prevent a potentially catastrophic midair collision at this unique and high-risk airport.