Jazmin Li
The Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) has been undergoing a major redevelopment since 2014, with the construction of a new terminal complex, roadways, and other facilities. The project has been carried out in multiple phases, with Phase 3, which includes the Central Tunnel, Concourse B Plaza, and new dining and shopping options, nearing completion as of October 2024. Phase 4, which includes extending Concourse B by 16 gates, is expected to be completed by 2026. The ongoing construction has resulted in detours and changes to roadways, causing potential delays for motorists. The SLC redevelopment aims to enhance the airport's functionality, efficiency, and aesthetic appeal, while also addressing engineering challenges due to the region's seismic activity and extreme weather conditions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Construction start date | 2014 |
| Phase 3 completion date | 22nd October 2024 |
| Phase 4 completion date | 2026 |
| Number of gates added in Phase 4 | 16 |
| Total number of gates after Phase 4 | 94 |
| Area of concession space in Phase 4 | 20,723 square feet |
| Number of tons of structural steel set | 1,340 |
| Tons of reinforcing steel placed on the North Concourse foundation | 1,200 |
| Cubic yards of concrete poured on the North Concourse site | 15,725 |
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What You'll Learn
Construction updates
As of 2025, the SLC International Airport covers 7,700 acres and has four runways. The airport has a single terminal with two concourses connected by two tunnels. The Airport Redevelopment Program broke ground in 2014, initiating the construction of a new terminal complex. The new terminal will have two linear concourses, 93 gates, two tunnels, and an elevated roadway. The SLC has been undergoing a transformation to make it more efficient and functional for aircraft and passengers. The design of the airport celebrates Utah's natural beauty and reputation as an outdoor recreation hub, with floor-to-ceiling glass walls providing expansive views of the airfield and Wasatch Mountains.
In terms of construction progress, the second phase was completed in 2023 and involved demolishing existing structures and completing the east portion of Concourse A. The third phase, which includes the new Central Tunnel connecting Concourses A and B, opened in the fall of 2024. Phase 3 also includes the Concourse B Plaza, five gates, and 12 new dining and shopping options. The fourth and final phase is scheduled for completion in 2026 and will add 16 gates to the eastern portion of Concourse B, bringing the total number of gates to 94.
Some specific construction updates include the completion of pedestrian bridges between the Terminal and Gateway Center, continued work on the baggage screening room, and the placement of reinforcing steel and concrete in various areas. The Quick Turn-Around (QTA) and Rental Service Site (RSS) buildings have also been completed, providing space for rental car fueling, cleaning, and storage. Changes have been made to roadways to accommodate the construction, with detours in place until 2020 when a new elevated roadway is completed.
The engineering team has also designed the structures to be resilient and seismically safe against earthquakes due to the airport's proximity to the Wasatch Fault. The innovative design approach includes 29 structurally independent buildings that appear as one cohesive terminal, allowing for thermal movements during extreme weather conditions.
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Phase 3 and 4 plans
The New SLC Redevelopment Program has been an extensive project, with multiple phases of construction and upgrades. Phase 3, which includes the Central Tunnel, Concourse B Plaza, five gates, and 12 new dining and shopping options, was set to open on October 22, 2024. This phase also includes the installation of exterior metal panels on the sterile corridor located in the South Concourse-West and the continuation of exterior wall framing in the Gateway Center.
Phase 4 will see a significant extension of Concourse B by 16 gates to the east. This phase will be completed in two parts, with the first five gates opening in the fall of 2025 and the remaining 11 in 2026. The new concourse will feature a mix of national and local concession operators, with a focus on highlighting the unique flavor and character of Utah. The concession space will span 20,723 square feet, adding to the overall retail concession space of approximately 45,335 square feet in The New SLC.
The construction of Phase 4 will also include ongoing sustainability efforts, such as LED-powered runway lights, renewable energy programs, and improved recycling initiatives to lower the airport's carbon footprint. The airport will also continue to implement innovative technology, such as the automated inspection of large checked items, which improves efficiency and reduces manual handling.
The overall funding for The New SLC is $5.1 billion, with no local tax dollars being spent on the project. The funding sources include airport funds, passenger facility charges, customer facility charges, airport revenue bonds, federal grants, and future bonds. The economic impact of the project is estimated to be $5.5 billion.
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The New SLC Redevelopment Program
The Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) is undergoing a major transformation with The New SLC Redevelopment Program. This comprehensive program aims to modernise and enhance the airport's infrastructure, improving the experience for travellers and boosting the local economy. The project has been underway since July 2014, with various phases and milestones already completed and others currently in progress.
One of the early milestones of the Airport rebuild project was the construction of the building housing the rental car service facilities, which opened in January 2016. This was accompanied by a significant detour of two roadways exiting the airport, which remained in place until 2020 to allow for the construction of the new terminal complex and parking garage.
Phase 2 of the Redevelopment Program was marked by the departure of flight #349 to Atlanta, with a ceremony revealing the remaining 13 gates and 12 new shops and restaurants on Concourse A-east. Phase 3 of the program was then unveiled, featuring the Central Tunnel, Concourse B Plaza, 12 concessions, and initially, five Delta Air Lines' gates. The Central Tunnel also showcases four new art installations celebrating Utah's beauty and natural history, including "The River Tunnel" by Artist Gordon Huether.
Phase 4 of the program is currently underway, with plans to extend Concourse B by 16 gates to the east. This phase includes significant construction work, such as reinforcing the trench drain north of the Central Tunnel with steel and concrete, raising the first steel beam for the Concourse B-east structure, and installing lighting systems in the Central Tunnel. The SLC Department of Airports conducted a review to evaluate the feasibility and establish the requirements and layout for this phase.
The SLC Redevelopment Program also includes improvements to the terminal building, with continued work on the baggage screening room where all checked luggage will be screened. Pedestrian bridges have been placed between the Terminal and Gateway Center, and progress has been made on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection extension. The Gateway Center has also seen exterior wall framing progress, and motorists picking up passengers will experience a changed traffic flow.
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Passenger experience
The Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) has been undergoing a major transformation since 2014, with a focus on enhancing the passenger experience and creating a stunningly beautiful and functional facility.
The new SLC terminal complex is designed to be a significant upgrade from the previous aging infrastructure, offering improved efficiency and convenience for travellers. One of the key features of the new terminal is its light-filled design, boasting 50-foot floor-to-ceiling glass walls that not only provide expansive views of the airfield and the breathtaking Wasatch Mountains but also flood the space with natural light. This design aesthetic celebrates Utah's natural beauty and its reputation as an outdoor recreation hub.
The SLC redevelopment has been carried out in multiple phases, with each phase introducing new amenities and conveniences for passengers. Phase 2, completed in 2023, involved demolishing old structures and completing the east portion of Concourse A. This was followed by Phase 3 in 2024, which centred on the new Central Tunnel connecting Concourses A and B, along with the addition of five gates and 12 new dining and shopping options. Phase 3 marked a significant milestone in the project, showcasing the airport's commitment to enhancing the passenger experience by providing a diverse range of dining and retail choices.
Phase 4, scheduled for completion in 2026, will further extend Concourse B by 16 gates, bringing the total number of gates to 94. This final phase will also introduce the airport's first non-Delta club, a United Airlines club, and an American Express Centurion Lounge, catering to a diverse range of travellers. The SLC redevelopment has also included the construction of a new elevated roadway, improving traffic flow and providing easier access to the terminal for motorists.
Throughout the construction process, the engineering team has prioritised safety and resilience. Due to the airport's proximity to the Wasatch Fault, the structures have been designed to be seismically safe against earthquakes. Additionally, the team has considered extreme weather conditions, creating 29 structurally independent buildings that function as one cohesive terminal, allowing for thermal movements during extreme temperature fluctuations while maintaining the terminal's structural integrity.
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Airport history
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) has a long and fascinating history that dates back over a century. In 1911, a site for an airfield was chosen on Basque Flats, named for the Spanish-French sheep herders who worked the fields in the then-desolate area of the Salt Lake Valley. A cinder-covered landing strip was created, and the Great International Aviation Carnival was held the same year, bringing world-renowned aviation pioneers to the city, including Glenn H. Curtiss, who awed the 20,000 spectators with his newly invented seaplane.
For several years, the airfield was primarily used for training and aerobatic flights. However, as aviation technology advanced, the airport grew in size and significance. By the following decade, SLC had expanded to over 7,000 acres, and its facilities continued to develop to accommodate the growing aviation industry.
The airport has witnessed several significant milestones in aviation history. In June 2008, Delta Air Lines inaugurated the airport's first transatlantic route to Paris, and the following year, they added the first direct flight from Salt Lake City to Asia, with a link to Tokyo's Narita Airport. Unfortunately, the airport has also experienced its share of tragedies, with several accidents occurring over the years, including the crash of United Airlines Flight 227 in 1965, resulting in 43 fatalities.
In 2014, the Airport Redevelopment Program commenced, marking a new chapter in SLC's history. This initiative aimed to replace ageing infrastructure with modern facilities, including a new terminal complex, concourses, gates, and improved transportation links. The program has been implemented in phases, with Phase 3 unveiled in 2024, featuring enhanced passenger experiences, such as new concessions, art installations, and a large-scale replica of Utah's state fossil, "Ally the dinosaur."
SLC continues to evolve, with future plans to add even more gates and improve the overall passenger experience, ensuring its place as a significant aviation hub in the years to come.
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Frequently asked questions
The Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) construction is set to be completed in 2026.
The SLC Airport construction includes a new terminal complex, a rental car center, a parking garage, two linear concourses with 93-94 gates, two tunnels, and an elevated roadway.
As of October 2024, the SLC Airport construction is in Phase 3, which includes the Central Tunnel, Concourse B Plaza, five gates, and 12 new dining and shopping options. Phase 4, which will add 16 gates to the eastern portion of Concourse B, is scheduled for completion in 2026.
