Salt Lake City International Airport celebrated the completion of the 12-year New SLC Redevelopment Program on Saturday night. The celebration, themed "Gateway to the World," marked the final construction milestone for the $5.1 billion project.
The event featured the premiere of "Lux Altior," or "Higher Light," a musical theme composed by Utah-based composer Kurt Bestor. Additionally, the airport unveiled "Crossroads to the World," a suspended art installation containing approximately 2,500 colorful, laser-cut acrylic airplanes. Performance elements included 37 singers, including students from Salt Lake’s Madeleine Choir School, and 21 musicians playing instruments from various countries.
Airport Executive Director Bill Wyatt stated that the project was completed through the dedication of hundreds of workers, including architects, accountants, planners, and pavers. Wyatt noted that these workers showed foresight and determination to build a new airport despite numerous challenges. The redevelopment program utilized nearly 25,000 craft workers who contributed more than 18 million craft hours.
The final phase of the redevelopment includes the opening of Concourse B-east, which is scheduled to open to the public on Oct. 27, 2026. This 132,000-square-foot addition will feature seven new gates and six new concessions. Five of these gates will be used by United Airlines, while two will serve as common-use gates. Concessions in this section include brands such as Einstein Bros. Bagels, Monarca, Moochies Meatballs, Mr. Charlies Chicken Fingers, Swig, and Go SLC.
The New SLC Redevelopment Program began with groundbreakings in 2014 and replaced three aging terminals with a central terminal and two linear concourses. The project has seen multiple phases: Phase 1 opened in September 2020, Phase 2 in October 2023, and Phase 3 in October 2024. Four gates previously opened in July 2026. Upon completion, the facility will feature a total of 101 concessions and 94 aircraft gates. The airport has received recognition from Conde Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, and USA Today, and was named Best Airport in North America in the large-hub category by Airports Council International.
