Salt Lake City International Airport celebrated the completion of the 12-year The New SLC Redevelopment Program on Saturday night. The event, themed "Gateway to the World," marked the final milestone of the project to transform the airport into a global facility.
The celebration featured the premiere of "Lux Altior," or "Higher Light," a theme composed by Utah-based composer Kurt Bestor. Additionally, the event unveiled "Crossroads to the World," a suspended art installation containing approximately 2,500 colorful, laser-cut acrylic airplanes. Speakers at the program included Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall, Airport Executive Director Bill Wyatt, Delta Air Lines State and Local Government Affairs Director Sara Gonzales, and artist Gordon Huether.
Bill Wyatt, the executive director for the Salt Lake Department of Airports (SLCDA), credited the achievement to the dedication of hundreds of workers, including planners, pavers, accountants, and architects. The redevelopment program employed nearly 25,000 craft workers who contributed more than 18 million craft hours. The project replaced three aging terminals with a central terminal and two linear concourses.
The New SLC Redevelopment Program began with groundbreaking in June 2014. Following the opening of Phase 1 in September 2020, Phase 2 in October 2023, and Phase 3 in October 2024, the airport has received recognition from Conde Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, and USA Today. The airport was also named the Best Airport in North America in the large-hub airport category by Airports Council International.
The final section of Concourse B-east is scheduled to open to the public on Oct. 27, 2026. This 132,000-square-foot addition will include six new concessions and seven new gates, with five gates designated for United Airlines and two as common-use gates. The new concessions will include brands such as Einstein Bros. Bagels, Monarca, Moochies Meatballs, Mr. Charlies Chicken Fingers, Swig, and & Go SLC.
