Salt Lake City International Airport Nears Completion of Major $5.1 Billion Redevelopment
Salt Lake City International Airport is approaching the final stage of its major redevelopment program, marking a significant transformation of one of the Mountain West’s most important transportation hubs.
The $5.1 billion “New SLC” redevelopment began with groundbreaking in 2014 and has been constructed in multiple phases. The first phase opened in 2020, followed by additional phases in 2023 and 2024.
The final phase is now underway, with the remaining facilities scheduled to open in October 2026.
The Final Phase Adds More Gates and Amenities
Phase 4 focuses on the eastern portion of Concourse B and includes 16 additional gates.
Four of those gates opened in July 2026, while the remaining seven gates are scheduled to open to the public on October 27, 2026.
Once Phase 4 is complete, the airport will have:
- 94 aircraft gates
- 101 concessions
- Four hardstand positions
- Expanded passenger facilities
- Additional restaurants and retail options
The final phase includes six additional concessions scheduled to open with the remaining gates in October.
A Major Investment in Utah’s Transportation Infrastructure
The redevelopment is designed to accommodate the region’s long-term aviation needs.
Salt Lake City International Airport handled more than 28.1 million passengers in 2025, demonstrating the airport’s importance to Utah’s economy and transportation network. The airport currently has more than 330 daily departures to approximately 100 nonstop destinations.
The completed airport is designed to accommodate approximately 34 million passengers.
This expanded capacity is intended to support continued growth in business travel, tourism and regional connectivity.
What This Means for Travelers
For residents and visitors, the redevelopment provides a more modern airport experience.
The New SLC includes:
- Modern terminal facilities
- Two linear concourses
- Passenger tunnels connecting the concourses
- Expanded gate capacity
- New restaurants and retail
- Larger aircraft capabilities
- Modern passenger facilities
- Improved accessibility features
The airport’s new concourses are designed to accommodate larger aircraft, while all gates include passenger boarding bridges.
More Flight Capacity for the Mountain West
The expansion also strengthens Salt Lake City’s role as a regional aviation hub.
The airport currently serves approximately 100 nonstop destinations and continues to add air-service options. In June 2026, for example, Volaris launched nonstop service between Salt Lake City and Guadalajara, Mexico.
Additional gates give airlines greater flexibility as passenger demand and air-service requirements change.
Construction Is Being Completed in Stages
The airport redevelopment has been deliberately divided into several phases.
Phase 1 — 2020
The first phase opened the new terminal facilities, parking infrastructure and portions of the new concourses.
Phase 2 — 2023
The second phase expanded Concourse A with additional gates and passenger facilities.
Phase 3 — 2024–2025
This phase included the Central Tunnel connecting the two concourses and additional gates and passenger amenities.
Phase 4 — 2025–2026
The final phase is adding 16 gates to Concourse B-east. Five opened in 2025, four more opened in July 2026, and the remaining seven are scheduled to open on October 27, 2026.
Economic Impact
The airport redevelopment represents a substantial investment in Utah’s infrastructure and economy.
According to Salt Lake City International Airport, the project created more than 24,000 jobs and generated more than $1 billion in wages during the construction period. The airport estimates the project’s total economic impact at nearly $10 billion.
The airport is also financially self-supporting. The project is being funded through airport revenues, passenger and customer facility charges, bonds and federal grants rather than local property-tax funding.
Infrastructure Improvements Extend Beyond the Terminal
Airport-related infrastructure work is continuing around the facility as well.
The Utah Department of Transportation is currently completing work around the I-215/I-80 interchange, including bridge improvements and ramp closures that can affect travelers heading to the airport.
Drivers traveling to SLC should check current road conditions and allow additional time when construction affects airport access.
What This Means for the Salt Lake City Community
Large infrastructure projects can have effects beyond the facility itself.
Improved airport capacity can support:
- Tourism
- Business travel
- Employment
- Hotel demand
- Restaurants and retail
- Transportation services
- Regional economic development
For communities throughout the Salt Lake Valley, improved transportation infrastructure can also influence future development patterns and demand for residential and commercial properties.
What Homeowners and Community Associations Should Watch
Infrastructure improvements can be particularly relevant to growing communities.
HOAs and community managers should monitor major transportation projects because changes to roads, airport access and regional development can affect:
- Traffic patterns
- Construction activity
- Community accessibility
- Local business development
- Residential growth
- Property demand
- Long-term infrastructure planning
Communities near major transportation corridors may experience additional development as regional connectivity improves.
What Travelers Should Do
Anyone traveling through Salt Lake City International Airport should check the airport’s official website before traveling, particularly during periods of construction or road work.
Travelers should:
- Check their airline for flight updates
- Allow additional time during construction
- Check airport parking availability
- Review current road conditions
- Consider public transportation when appropriate
- Follow airport signage and staff instructions
The airport also provides current construction and operational updates through its official website.
Final Takeaway
Salt Lake City International Airport is not beginning a new terminal project in 2026. Instead, Utah’s major airport redevelopment is approaching its final stage after more than a decade of construction.
The $5.1 billion New SLC project, which began in 2014, is expected to reach its final major milestone in October 2026, when the remaining Phase 4 gates and concessions open to the public.
The completed airport will provide greater capacity, modern passenger facilities and additional gates while strengthening Salt Lake City’s role as a major transportation hub in the Mountain West.
For residents, businesses and community associations, the project is more than an airport upgrade. It represents a significant long-term investment in the region’s transportation infrastructure, economic development and continued population growth.