Salt Lake City airport to celebrate completion of The New SLC

Salt Lake City International Airport will mark the completion of its $5.1 billion redevelopment with a final celebration on Oct. 24, ahead of the last phase opening to the public on Oct. 27. The project adds seven gates, six concessions and brings the airport’s total to 94 aircraft gates and 101 concessions.

Why it matters: - The New SLC is the first new hub airport built in the U.S. in the 21st century. - The final phase completes a $5.1 billion redevelopment that reshaped Salt Lake City International Airport for long-term passenger and airline growth. - The last opening adds capacity, concessions and flexible gate space as air service expands.

What happened: - The Salt Lake City Department of Airports will hold a final celebration on Saturday, Oct. 24, to mark completion of The New SLC Redevelopment Program. - Phase 4, the final construction phase, opens to the public on Oct. 27. - The new phase includes seven additional gates and six new concessions. - The new gates will serve arrivals and departures for United Airlines and include two common-use gates for other airlines serving SLC.

The details: - The six concessions opening Oct. 27 are Einstein Bros. Bagels, Moochie’s Cheesesteaks, Monarca, Mr. Charlie’s Chicken Fingers, Swig and &Go SLC, a news and convenience retail store. - A large-scale art installation by Gordon Huether titled “Gateway to the World” will hang in Concourse B-east. - “Gateway to the World” is designed as a mirror image of “Swallows in Flight” on Concourse B-west. - The new artwork uses colorful dichroic cutouts shaped like airplanes rather than birds. - The first level of Concourse B-east has been built for a future hardstand operation with concessions and gate-hold seating. - That space will not be used at first, but it can be activated later as new air service and additional gates are needed. - The redevelopment program broke ground in July 2014. - Phase 1 opened in September 2020. - Phase 2 opened in October 2023. - Phase 3 opened in October 2024. - Four gates opened on July 14, 2026. - The final seven gates and six concessions will bring the airport to 101 concessions, 94 aircraft gates and four hardstand positions.

Between the lines: - The phased opening schedule shows the airport has been expanding in steps while keeping operations moving. - The addition of common-use gates suggests the airport is preserving flexibility as airline demand changes. - The new concourse art and concession mix point to an effort to turn the terminal into a more distinctive passenger experience, not just a larger one.

What's next: - The celebration on Oct. 24 will serve as the public milestone before the final phase opens two days later. - As more air service comes online, the built-out space in Concourse B-east can be activated for future gate-hold seating and concessions. - The airport will finish the redevelopment program with its new capacity and amenities in place.