Salt Lake City International Airport Completes 12-Year, $5.1 Billion Redevelopment
Salt Lake City International Airport has completed its 12-year redevelopment, marking the end of a major construction project that began in July 2014. The final phase of Concourse B-east opened on October 27, 2026, completing the $5.1 billion project known as The New SLC.
The final addition brings seven aircraft gates and six new concessions to the airport. With the opening, the facility now has 94 aircraft gates, four hardstand positions and 101 places to eat or shop.
Airport and city leaders marked the milestone with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, celebrating a transformation that replaced aging terminals with a modern central terminal and two linear concourses.
Why This Matters to Utah Residents
The completion gives travelers access to the airport’s full redeveloped facilities after years of construction taking place alongside regular airport operations.
The additional gates expand the airport’s capacity to accommodate airline operations, while the new concessions offer passengers more food and shopping options. Five of the seven new gates are designated for United Airlines, with the remaining two available for common use by other carriers.
The airport is an important transportation link for Utah residents, businesses and visitors. Its expanded facilities are also part of the region’s longer-term preparations for growth, including the increased international attention expected around the 2034 Winter Olympics.
A 12-Year Transformation
Construction on The New SLC Redevelopment Program began in July 2014. The project replaced three aging terminals with a centralized terminal and two concourses, with construction completed in stages so the airport could continue serving passengers.
The first phase opened in September 2020, followed by additional concourse and passenger-facility openings in 2023 and 2024. More gates were added in 2025 and July 2026 before the final seven gates and six concessions opened in October 2026.
Airport officials said nearly 25,000 construction workers contributed more than 18 million craft hours to the redevelopment.
The project’s $5.1 billion cost was funded through a combination of airport funds, passenger and rental-car facility charges, revenue bonds and federal grants. Airport officials have said local tax dollars were not used to fund the redevelopment.
What Comes Next for the Airport?
Although the main redevelopment is complete, future airport improvements remain possible. Airport leadership has discussed a potential runway extension to help address operational challenges during hot weather and support the airport’s longer-term growth.
A future Concourse C is also under consideration, but its timing will depend on passenger demand and other factors. Airport officials have indicated that additional construction would be tied to future growth rather than beginning immediately as part of the completed redevelopment program.
For now, the focus is on operating the expanded airport and monitoring passenger volumes to determine when further investment may be needed.
What Travelers Can Expect
Passengers can now use the completed Concourse B-east facilities, including its new gates and concessions. The end of the redevelopment also means the airport can shift its attention from the major construction program toward day-to-day operations and future planning.
The completion is a major infrastructure milestone for Salt Lake City and the wider region. While the new facilities provide additional capacity and updated amenities, their long-term impact will depend on airline service, passenger demand and the airport’s ability to manage future growth.