A brand new airport terminal. That’s what greeted travelers in September 2020 at Salt Lake City International Airport. This wasn’t just a renovation. It was a complete transformation.
Salt Lake City International Airport isn’t just a transportation hub. It’s a reflection of Utah’s history. Its story started humbly in 1911 with a small airfield in the Salt Lake Valley. This was the site of the Great International Aviation Carnival featuring aviation pioneers like the Wright brothers and Glenn Curtiss who even brought a seaplane. The airport then became Woodward Field eventually evolving into Salt Lake City Municipal Airport. In 1968 it officially became Salt Lake City International Airport.
The airport’s growth mirrored the city’s expansion. Western Air Express started flying from Salt Lake City to Los Angeles via Las Vegas in 1926. United Airlines soon joined connecting Salt Lake City to New York and San Francisco. The airport became a hub for Western Airlines which later merged with Delta Airlines cementing Salt Lake City’s role as a major Delta hub.
The 2002 Winter Olympics brought a surge of visitors highlighting the need for improvements. A new parking garage opened in 1991. A new runway opened in 1985. An international terminal followed including concourse E for SkyWest. More gates opened in 2001. Delta launched nonstop service to Paris in 2008 marking Salt Lake City International Airport’s first transatlantic route. KLM soon added flights to Amsterdam.
The old terminals couldn’t keep up with the growth. Passenger numbers soared past 26 million annually. The old airport was only designed for 10 million. The airport needed seismic upgrades and more space to accommodate larger planes. Thus the multi-phase redevelopment.
The new Terminal A opened in September 2020. It boasts a canyon theme with modern shops and dining. It’s not only functional but reflects Utah’s stunning landscapes. The airport’s transformation included a central terminal Concourses A and B and a massive parking garage. Later phases added more gates. A permanent tunnel connects the concourses. The new airport is designed to handle 34 million passengers annually.
Salt Lake City International Airport stands as a testament to vision. It’s a modern airport offering convenience and reflecting the spirit of the city it serves. This airport isn’t just a place to pass through. It’s a destination in itself.