Exploring Slc Airport: Efficient Gate System

Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) is located just 4 miles west of downtown Salt Lake City, Utah, and is the closest commercial airport for over 3 million people. The airport has undergone significant expansion and renovation since 2014, with the construction of a new terminal complex, parking facilities, and concourses. As of 2025, SLC airport has a total of 73 gates across two concourses, with plans to expand to 94 gates by 2027. The airport serves as a major gateway to the Intermountain West and West Coast and is a hub for Delta Air Lines. SLC airport is known for its impressive approach, with the Wasatch Mountains to the east and the Great Salt Lake to the north, providing a stunning visual welcome to the city.

Salt Lake City International Airport has 94 gates in total

The second phase, completed in 2023, added 22 more gates to Concourse A, bringing the total number of gates in this concourse to 47. Phase 3, which opened in October 2024, added five more gates to the eastern portion of Concourse B, with the remaining 11 gates scheduled to open in fall 2025. Phase 3 also included the Concourse B Plaza, featuring a refurbished version of the airport's distinct world map landmark, as well as art installations and concessions.

The fourth and final phase, expected to be completed in 2027, will add 16 gates to the Concourse B east expansion, bringing the total gate count to 94. This phase will also introduce the airport's first non-Delta club and its only non-airline-specific club, an American Express Centurion Lounge.

The Salt Lake City International Airport is located just five miles northwest of downtown Salt Lake City and is known for its impressive approach, with the Wasatch Mountains to the east and the Great Salt Lake to the north. It is one of the least busy international airports, offering passengers the advantage of shorter wait times and smaller crowds while still providing access to major airlines and destinations. The airport serves as a hub for Delta Air Lines and is a gateway to the Intermountain West, West Coast, and several national parks.

Concourse A has 47 gates

Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) has 47 gates in Concourse A, which was completed in October 2023. This concourse is part of the airport's new terminal complex, which began construction in 2014 and opened in phases starting in 2020. The new complex replaced the airport's aging facilities, including the old five-concourse horseshoe design, with a modern, efficient layout.

The first phase of the new terminal, which opened in 2020, included the western portion of Concourse A with 25 gates. The second phase, completed in 2023, added the eastern portion of Concourse A and another 22 gates. This brought the total number of gates in Concourse A to 47. The final 13 gates of this phase opened on October 31, 2023, marking the completion of Concourse A.

Concourse A is connected to Concourse B by an underground midfield tunnel. Concourse B also opened in phases, with the first phase including the western portion and 21 gates, and the second phase, completed in October 2024, adding five more gates in the eastern portion. Further phases of the airport's expansion are currently underway and will add even more gates and amenities to the airport complex.

The new SLC terminal complex offers a range of amenities and services for passengers, including free Wi-Fi, language translation services, water bottle refilling stations, infant and mother's rooms, and animal relief areas. The complex also features dozens of shops and more than 30 dining options, ranging from coffee shops to sit-down restaurants. The expansion has also improved efficiency, with a linear layout that reduces taxi times and aircraft idling while waiting for a gate.

Concourse B has 26 gates, with 21 more opening in phases from 2025 to 2027

Salt Lake City International Airport's Concourse B currently has 26 gates, with 21 more gates set to open in phases from 2025 to 2027. This expansion is part of the airport's ongoing redevelopment program, which began in 2014 with the construction of a new central terminal and two linear concourses. The first phase of the project was completed in 2020, with the western portion of Concourse B opening with 21 gates.

Phase 2 of the project, which included the eastern portion of Concourse A and additional concession options, was completed in 2023. Phase 3, which is currently underway, will add five more gates to the eastern portion of Concourse B, along with the Concourse B Plaza and the Central River Tunnel. The Central River Tunnel will connect Concourses A and B, reducing walk times between the concourses by up to half.

Phase 4, which is already in progress, will include the remaining 16 gates of the Concourse B east expansion, bringing the total number of gates at the Salt Lake City International Airport to 94 upon its completion in 2027. This phase will also introduce new shops and restaurants, including local brands such as Thirst, Cotopaxi, The Canyon, Sunday's Best, and Weller Book Works.

The airport's redevelopment program is a phased approach to construction, allowing certain parts of the airport to remain open during the building process. This complex project involves careful planning and coordination between various contractors, architects, and engineers.

The airport has six dual-use international gates

The Salt Lake City International Airport has six dual-use international gates. The airport is located about 4 miles west of Downtown Salt Lake City, Utah, and is the closest commercial airport for over 3 million people. It is also within a 30-minute drive of nearly 1.3 million jobs.

The airport is a key gateway to many national parks, including the five Utah parks, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and Glacier. It is also one of the least busy international airports, which means passengers benefit from shorter wait times and smaller crowds. The airport underwent a major remodel in 2020, resulting in a clean and modern facility. The waiting areas are usually busy but not overcrowded.

The first phase of the new terminal opened in 2020 and included the western portion of Concourse A with 25 gates and the western portion of Concourse B with 21 gates. Phase 2 of the project, which opened in 2023, added the eastern portion of Concourse A with 22 gates and additional concession options. Phase 3, which opened in October 2024, included five additional gates in the eastern portion of Concourse B, the Concourse B Plaza, and the Central River Tunnel, which connects Concourses A and B. The Central River Tunnel features an art installation called "The River Tunnel" by artist Gordon Huether.

The final phase, Phase 4, is currently under construction and will add 16 gates to the Concourse B east expansion, bringing the total number of gates at the airport to 94. Phase 4 is expected to be completed in 2026, 13 years after the project began.

The airport is one of the least busy international airports

Salt Lake City International Airport is one of the least busy international airports. Despite being the 28th busiest airport in the world in terms of aircraft operations, the airport still maintains a large general aviation presence. In 2008, 19% of aircraft movements at the airport came from general aviation traffic. This is in contrast to most large airports, which encourage general aviation aircraft to use smaller or less busy airports to prevent delays to commercial traffic.

The airport covers 7,700 acres and has four runways. SLC has a single terminal with two concourses, Concourse A and B, connected by two underground tunnels. There is a single security checkpoint with 16 lanes and 11 baggage carousels, with additional facilities for international arrivals.

The airport is located just 5 miles northwest, or 15 minutes, from downtown Salt Lake City. It is one of the closest commercial airports for more than 3 million people and is within a 30-minute drive of nearly 1.3 million jobs. The airport is also a key gateway to many national parks, including the five Utah parks, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and Glacier.

The airport works with 13 airlines and their affiliates, including major carriers such as American, Delta, Frontier, Southwest, and United. The airport provides free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal and concourses, as well as a language translation service. There are dozens of small shops and over 30 eateries, ranging from coffee shops to sit-down restaurants.

The Airport Redevelopment Program began in 2014, with the construction of a new terminal complex. Phase 1 was completed in 2020, introducing a new parking garage, a central terminal, and the west portions of Concourses A and B, with a total of 46 gates. Phase 2 was completed in 2023, adding 22 more gates to Concourse A. Phase 3 was opened in October 2024, with five additional gates in Concourse B, and Phase 4 is currently underway, expected to be completed in 2026, adding 16 more gates. The final phase will bring the total number of gates at the Salt Lake City International Airport to 94.

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