BURBANK : Airport to Charge Additional $3 Fee

Burbank Airport will charge all outbound passengers an extra $3 fee, beginning Sept. 1, airport officials said.

The new fee, approved recently by federal officials, is expected to raise about $35 million over the next seven years to help pay for runway reconstruction, land acquisition and construction of an aircraft rescue and firefighting station, said Victor Gill, a Burbank Airport spokesman.

Airlines traditionally oppose such fees because they are tacked onto ticket prices. But all seven airlines that fly into Burbank Airport supported the fee because of the advantages that would spring from the improved facilities. No public opposition surfaced either, Gill said.

Since legislation was approved four years ago, airports around the nation have imposed the passenger facility charge, including Los Angeles International and Ontario Airport. But other Southern California airports, including Long Beach and San Diego, do not charge the fee.