087. Salt Lake City Airport (SLC)

Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) stands as a testament to Utah’s evolution from a remote mountain outpost to a global destination for business, tourism, and recreation. As one of the most significant infrastructure projects in the state’s history, the newly rebuilt SLC Airport combines innovative design, cutting-edge technology, and sustainable practices to create a world-class travel hub. This comprehensive guide explores the airport’s rich history, current operations, facilities, and future developments.

SLC History: From Marshy Pasture to Modern Aviation Hub

The story of Salt Lake City’s airport begins in 1920 when the city faced a crucial challenge: securing a permanent landing field to become a hub for U.S. airmail operations. The Commercial Club (predecessor to the Salt Lake City Chamber of Commerce) led efforts to identify a suitable location, ultimately purchasing a 100-acre plot for $600 in what was described as a “partially waterlogged salt grass pasture” west of the city.

On December 21, 1920, this modest airfield opened with a single cinder-covered runway and one hangar. Named “Woodward Field” after local pilot John P. Woodward, the facility was christened with the help of world heavyweight boxing champion Jack Dempsey. Initially serving only as an airmail outpost, the airfield would soon witness aviation history.

On May 23, 1926, Ben Redman and J.C. Tomlinson became the first commercial airline passengers in the United States when they paid $98 each (equivalent to about $1,736 today) to fly from Salt Lake City to Los Angeles on Western Air Express. The following year, Charles Lindbergh visited Woodward Field with his famous “Spirit of St. Louis” aircraft.

By 1930, the facility was renamed Salt Lake City Municipal Airport and had expanded to include 11 hangars and two runways. As aviation evolved, so did the airport:

1933: A waiting room, lunch room, and radio control room were added
1950: Runways were upgraded to accommodate the jet age
1960: A new terminal was constructed with 21 gates
1968: The airport was officially renamed Salt Lake City International Airport
1980s: Terminal 1 was expanded and remodeled
1986: Western Airlines merged with Delta Air Lines, establishing SLC as a major hub
1995: A new runway was added
1999: A 328-foot control tower, approach control facility, and fire station opened
2002: The airport welcomed over one million visitors for the Winter Olympics
2014: Ground was broken on the Airport Redevelopment Program for a complete rebuild

The most transformative chapter in the airport’s history began in 2014 with the launch of the Airport Redevelopment Program, culminating in the opening of The New SLC in September 2020. This $5.1 billion project represents the largest public works initiative in Utah’s history and the first new hub airport built in the United States in the 21st century.

SLC Quick Facts and Statistics

Location: Approximately 4 miles (6.4 km) west of downtown Salt Lake City
Size: 8,044 acres total airport property
IATA Code: SLC
ICAO Code: KSLC
Classification: Joint civil-military international airport
Ranking: 23rd busiest airport in North America, 86th busiest in the world
Passenger Traffic: 28,364,610 passengers in 2024 (a record year)
Operations: 328,352 takeoffs and landings in 2024
Runways: Four total runways
- Runway 16L/34R: 12,002 feet
- Runway 16R/34L: 12,000 feet
- Runway 17/35: 9,596 feet
- Runway 14/32: 4,892 feet (general aviation)
Airlines: 14 airlines and their affiliates
Destinations: 100 nonstop destinations across North America and Europe
Hub Status: Major hub for Delta Air Lines (approximately 70% of total traffic)
Terminal Size: 4 million square feet

The New SLC Airport Facilities

The complete rebuild of Salt Lake City International Airport has created one of the most advanced and passenger-friendly airports in North America. Key features of the new facility include:

Terminal and Concourses

The airport features a single central terminal with two linear concourses (A and B) connected by underground tunnels. The terminal design emphasizes natural light with 50-foot floor-to-ceiling glass walls that provide expansive views of the Wasatch Mountains and airfield.

Phase 1 of the project, which opened in September 2020, included:

Central Terminal Building (909,000 square feet)
Concourse A-west and Concourse B
45 gates initially
A 1,000-foot-long passenger tunnel connecting the concourses

Phase 2, completed in October 2023, added 22 gates in Concourse A-east along with 19 additional concessions.

Phase 3 opened in October 2024, adding Concourse B Plaza with five gates and 12 concessions to the east. Construction continues on additional gates in Concourse B-east, with five gates scheduled to open in fall 2025 and 16 more by 2026.

When fully completed in 2026, the airport will feature a total of 73 gates.

Baggage Handling System

The New SLC incorporates a state-of-the-art baggage handling system with several innovative features:

45-inch wide conveyor belts with large-radius turns to accommodate oversized items like skis and bicycles
First U.S. airport with automated inspection of large checked items
Energy-saving permanent magnet motors that operate only when bags are present
Processing capacity of 3,540 bags per hour in summer and 3,276 per hour in winter

Parking and Ground Transportation

The rebuilt airport includes:

A massive parking structure adjacent to the terminal
Rental car facilities within the Gateway Center
A Central Receiving and Distribution Center (CRDC) for efficient delivery of goods to airport concessions
Electric vehicle charging stations throughout the parking areas

Dining and Retail

The New SLC has dramatically improved the airport’s dining and retail options:

Approximately 45,335 square feet of retail concession space (nearly double the old airport)
Street pricing policy for all concessions
Focus on local Utah restaurants and brands alongside national chains
Various dining options from quick service to full-service restaurants

Sustainable Design Elements

Sustainability was a key focus in the airport’s design:

Extensive use of natural light to reduce energy consumption
LED-powered runway lights
Water conservation features
Enhanced recycling programs
Infrastructure for electric ground service equipment

Airlines and Destinations

Salt Lake City International Airport serves as a critical hub connecting the Intermountain West to destinations around the world. The airport is served by 14 airlines and their affiliates:

As Delta Air Lines‘ western hub, SLC offers extensive connections throughout North America. The airport provides nonstop service to 100 destinations, with particularly strong coverage of:

Western U.S. destinations
Major business centers across North America
Ski destinations and national parks
International service to Amsterdam, London, and Paris

Ground Transportation

Salt Lake City International Airport offers diverse transportation options connecting travelers to downtown Salt Lake City and the broader region:

TRAX Light Rail

The Utah Transit Authority (UTA) TRAX Green Line provides direct service between the airport and downtown Salt Lake City:

Station located at ground level outside the terminal on the east side (exit door 1A)
One-way fare: $2.50
Service hours: Approximately 5 a.m. to midnight on weekdays, 6 a.m. to midnight on weekends
Travel time to downtown: About 20 minutes
Downtown Free Fare Zone allows free rides within central Salt Lake City

Future transit improvements are in development:

A new Orange Line TRAX service connecting the airport directly to the University of Utah (expected by 2030-2032)
Blue Line rerouting to serve the airport with service to Draper (planned for 2030)
Extended service hours and increased frequency

Buses and Shuttles

UTA buses connect the airport to various parts of the Salt Lake Valley
Hotel shuttles serving major hotels in the area
Private shuttle services for group transportation

Taxis and Rideshare

Taxi service available 24/7 at designated taxi stands
Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare services operate from designated pickup areas
Travel time to downtown: Approximately 15 minutes

Car Rentals

On-site rental car facility in the Gateway Center adjacent to the parking garage
All major rental car companies represented
Easy access to I-80 and I-215

Accessibility

Paratransit service available through UTA for passengers with disabilities
Accessible facilities throughout the terminal and concourses
Wheelchair assistance available through airlines

The Future of SLC Airport

Salt Lake City International Airport continues to evolve with several significant developments on the horizon:

Remaining Construction Phases

Phase 4 will add 16 more gates to Concourse B by 2026, completing the airport’s new configuration
A permanent central tunnel connecting the terminal to Concourse B is under construction

Transit Expansion

The selection of Salt Lake City to host the 2034 Winter Olympics is accelerating transportation improvements:

New Orange Line TRAX connecting the airport to the University of Utah expected by 2030
Blue Line TRAX will be extended to the airport from Draper by 2030
Strategic double-tracking of FrontRunner commuter rail to enable 15-minute service by 2030
Expanded bus service, including possible 24-hour routes serving the airport

Strategic Importance

The new airport positions Salt Lake City for continued economic growth and development:

Designed to handle 34 million passengers annually with room for expansion
Enhanced international connectivity with room for additional long-haul routes
Improved passenger experience with modern facilities and amenities
Greater efficiency for airline operations, particularly Delta’s hub

Salt Lake City International Airport’s transformation represents more than just a new building; it marks the evolution of a century-old aviation facility into a modern global gateway. From its humble beginnings as Woodward Field to the stunning, light-filled spaces of The New SLC, the airport embodies Utah’s journey from isolation to global connection.

As a major economic driver for the region, SLC continues to strengthen Salt Lake City’s position as a center for business, tourism, and recreation while serving as a testament to the state’s forward-thinking approach to infrastructure development. With ongoing expansion and improvement plans, the airport is well-positioned to serve the Intermountain West for decades to come, connecting Utah to the world and welcoming visitors to experience the natural beauty and vibrant culture that make the state unique.

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