Salt Lake City Airport: What County Is It In?

what county is slc airport in

Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) is a bustling aviation hub, ranking 23rd busiest in North America and 86th busiest in the world. SLC is located in Salt Lake County, Utah, and serves as a gateway to a plethora of outdoor recreational opportunities, including ski resorts, golf courses, and state and national parks. The airport's history dates back to the early days of aviation, and it has undergone numerous expansions and upgrades over the years, including the recent addition of new concourses and facilities. With a strong on-time performance record and a diverse range of airlines serving the airport, SLC is a convenient and efficient travel destination for passengers from around the globe.

Characteristics Values
Name Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
Location Salt Lake City, Utah
Nearby landmarks South Valley Regional Airport, Tooele Valley Airport, Wasatch Mountains
Airlines AeroMexico, Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Avelo Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue, KLM, Spirit, Southwest, Sun Country, United
Ski resorts nearby 10 within an hour's drive
Parks nearby 5 national and 42 state parks
Golf courses nearby 100 statewide, 24 in Salt Lake County, 26 within an hour's drive
Annual passengers 28,364,610 (2024)
Ranking 23rd busiest in North America, 86th busiest in the world
Operations (2024) 328,352 (take-offs and landings)

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Salt Lake City International Airport

The airport has undergone significant development and upgrades over the years. In 2024/2025, Phase 2 of The New SLC is expected to be completed, which includes the expansion of Concourse A and the creation of a Central Tunnel. SLC also has a strong on-time performance record and was recognised for its fleet management in 2018.

The airport also has a rich history, with the earliest beginnings of an airfield in the area being a cinder-covered landing strip in a marshy pasture called Basque Flats. Over time, the airport expanded and improved, particularly during the jet age, when runways were upgraded to support large commercial jets. SLC has also played a role in training for the U.S. Air Force and hosted events during the Olympic Winter Games.

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SLC airport's ranking

Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) is located in Salt Lake City, Utah. It is the first new hub airport built in the United States in the 21st century. SLC is a major hub for Delta Air Lines, which account for about 70% of total traffic. The airport served 28,364,610 passengers in 2024 and ranked as the 23rd busiest in North America and 86th busiest in the world in terms of passenger numbers.

SLC has been recognised for its strong on-time performance record. In 2018, it ranked 36th in the awards for Best 100 Fleets in North America. In 2018, SLC also had the lowest percentage of cancelled flights (less than 0.5%) for the year.

In terms of customer satisfaction, SLC has also received positive rankings. In 2021, it scored 5th highest in satisfaction out of 21 large US airports. This was based on surveys from travellers who evaluated their departure or arrival experience at the airport.

SLC has also been recognised as a 3-star regional airport by Skytrax, which rates airports based on facilities, comfort, cleanliness, shopping, food and beverages, staff service, and security/immigration. While the terminals have been described as somewhat dated and space-restricted, the airport has been praised for its efficient transit hub and the warmth and engagement of its ambassador staff.

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SLC airport's ski resorts

Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) is located in Salt Lake County, Utah, and is a gateway to ski resorts in the region. The airport is just an hour's drive from ten world-class ski resorts, including four within 35 miles of the airport: Alta, Brighton, Solitude, and Snowbird. These resorts offer incredible conditions, affordable tickets, and lessons, as well as no-wait lift lines, making them very popular among skiers and snowboarders.

The unique geography of Salt Lake City allows for easy access to the slopes, with some resorts just 45 minutes from the airport. This convenience makes SLC a favourite among ski enthusiasts seeking maximum time on the mountain. The resorts in the region cater to a range of skill levels, from beginners to advanced skiers, with a variety of terrain to explore.

One notable resort is Deer Valley, an upscale, skiers-only resort known for its premium skiing experiences, immaculate grooming, and efficient lift system. Deer Valley offers luxurious accommodations, top-notch dining, and a vast range of terrain, making it a popular choice for families seeking a refined and crowd-controlled environment.

Another well-known resort is Park City, which offers consistent snowfall and excellent quality dry powder. The nearby historic town has an Old West mining vibe, featuring award-winning restaurants, cosy cafes, and boutique shops. However, it can get crowded, especially on weekends.

For more advanced skiers, Snowbird offers challenging terrain with world-class snow and adventurous double black diamond runs, including tree runs, chutes, and cliffs. While Snowbird has limited beginner terrain, it is renowned for its consistent snowfall and powder, attracting serious skiers from around the world.

With its convenient location and easy access to ski resorts, SLC International Airport is an ideal gateway for travellers seeking to experience the renowned "Greatest Snow on Earth" that Utah has to offer.

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SLC airport's golf courses

Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) is located in Salt Lake County, Utah. The airport is a gateway to 100 golf courses statewide, 24 of which are in Salt Lake County and 26 more within an hour's drive.

One of the most popular golf courses in the area is Bonneville, which is considered by many to be the top public course in SLC. The course offers plenty of variety from hole to hole, and is a great place to practice your short game, putting and driving. It also has a well-equipped pro shop and a practice driving area. Another well-known golf course in the area is Wingpointe, which is considered one of the best golf courses in the state of Utah. This course offers some nice elevation changes and well-kept greens, but it is also known for its expensive rates and unfriendly staff.

For those looking for a more scenic option, the Stonebridge Golf Club in West Valley City offers a unique Scottish links-style layout with water, sand, wide fairway landing areas, bentgrass greens, and lovely native grass plantings. The club is located just minutes from the Salt Lake International Airport and offers 27 holes of challenging golf, as well as amenities for weddings, banquets, and other events.

In addition to these options, there are several other golf courses within close proximity to the airport, including Old Mill, Mountain Dell, and The Ridge Golf Club, offering a variety of layouts and challenges for golfers of all skill levels.

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SLC airport's history

Salt Lake City International Airport (IATA: SLC, ICAO: KSLC, FAA LID: SLC) is a joint civil-military international airport located about 4 miles (6.4 km) west of Downtown Salt Lake City, Utah, United States. The airport is owned by the City of Salt Lake City and is administered by the municipal Department of Airports. SLC is a major hub for Delta Air Lines, with about 70% of total traffic. The airport is within a 30-minute drive of nearly 1.3 million jobs and is the closest commercial airport for more than 3 million people.

The history of SLC airport can be traced back to 1911 when a site for an airfield was chosen on Basque Flats, named for the Spanish-French sheep herders who worked in the fields of the then-desolate area of the Salt Lake Valley. The same year, the Great International Aviation Carnival was held in Salt Lake City, bringing together aviation pioneers such as a team representing the Wright Brothers and world-famous aviator Glenn H. Curtiss, who brought his newly invented seaplane.

In 1920, the advent of airmail propelled communication across the country, and America was on the cusp of exponential growth in aviation. By 1968, Western Airlines began offering its first commercial international flight from Salt Lake City to Calgary, and the Salt Lake City Municipal Airport was renamed Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC). Over the subsequent decades, SLC constructed another terminal and became a hub for Western Airlines, which was eventually acquired by Delta Air Lines. In 1996, the airport exceeded 20 million passengers per year.

SLC airport faced a unique challenge in 2002, just months after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, as it prepared to host the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics and Paralympics. The airport became the first in the country to screen checked bags for explosives, ensuring it remained a welcoming and secure place.

The Airport Redevelopment Program broke ground in 2014, initiating the construction of a new SLC terminal complex to replace the existing aging facilities. Phase 1 of the new terminal was completed in 2020, with the western portion of concourse A featuring 25 gates and the western portion of concourse B with 21 gates. The ongoing phases of redevelopment include the construction of new concourses, tunnels, gates, and concessions, with the goal of accommodating larger planes and the growing number of travellers.

Frequently asked questions

Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) is located in Salt Lake County, Utah.

SLC airport ranks 23rd busiest in North America and 86th busiest in the world in terms of passenger numbers. It is also a major hub for Delta Air Lines, with about 70% of total traffic.

SLC airport provides convenient access to five national and 42 state parks, as well as 100 golf courses statewide, including the famous Alpine courses in the nearby Wasatch Mountains.

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