Salt Lake City International Airport completes $5.1 billion overhaul
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Salt Lake City International Airport. Photo: George Frey/Bloomberg via Getty Images
More than 12 years after breaking ground, Salt Lake City International Airport's massive makeover is officially complete.
Why it matters: The $5.1 billion revamp to replace aging terminals has transformed the airport into a major hub in the Mountain West.
Driving the news: The airport opened seven gates and six concessions Tuesday, marking the final additions to its yearslong overhaul.
- This brings the total to 94 gates and 101 concessions.
What they're saying: "This airport is for all of you, Salt Lake City, Utah, the entire region, and now the world," Mayor Erin Mendenhall said at a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
- Bill Wyatt, who leads the city's department of airports, said travelers will no longer have to deal with construction, dust walls and long walks stretching more than a mile to get through the building.
Dig in: The new food options on the east side of Concourse B include a mix of local and national brands, such as Moochie's Cheesesteaks, Einstein Bros. Bagels, Mr. Charlie's Chicken Fingers, Mexican restaurant Monarca and, because this is Utah, Swig.
Zoom in: A new art installation, "Crossroads of the World," by artist Gordon Huether was also added.
Catch up quick: Since its overhaul began, the airport has received recognitions for its customer experience and on-time departures.
- A recent JDPower survey tied the airport for seventh place in customer satisfaction among large airports in North America.
By the numbers: About 28 million people travel through the airport each year.
What's next: The airport's expansion isn't over.
- Wyatt said the airport's next major project will extend the center runway from 12,000 feet to 14,500 feet ahead of the 2034 Winter Olympics, allowing planes to take off more efficiently on hot days.
- While the airport's long-term plans include a Concourse C, Wyatt said discussions about its construction won't take place until annual passenger traffic reaches 34 million to 35 million.