The transformation of Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) isn’t just a renovation; it’s a total reimagining of what a travel hub can be. As we move through 2026, the “New SLC” is entering its final stages, proving that an airport can be both a high-tech gateway and a gallery for local soul.

Here is your guide to navigating the new-and-improved SLC.

The Salt Lake City airport is new and almost finished, and I did a near-complete tour of it. So let’s talk about it.

Old Airport

So I’ve already done a couple of posts about this. Here is one

Second one

A look at the landside of the SLC Airport

This includes a YouTube video.

An Airside Tour

🏔️ A Destination Before Your Destination

If you have ever been to the old SLC Airport, this is a big improvement. I mean a big improvement. Here is a video done in 2019.

Forget the cramped, dimly lit terminals of the past, like in that video above. The new SLC was the first major hub built in the U.S. in the 21st century, and it shows. I mean, the old one had some windows that let light in, but the new concourses are airy, flooded with natural light, and offer staggering views of the Wasatch Mountains and the surrounding area.

The Art of Travel

The airport doubled down on the “Utah vibe” with massive art installations by Gordon Huether that serve as functional landmarks:

• The Canyon: A football-field-length installation in Concourse A that mimics the undulating walls of Utah’s southern slot canyons.
• The River Tunnel: The star of Phase 3, this pedestrian tunnel connects Concourses A and B. It features blue LED-lit “fins” and a curated 109-song playlist designed to lower your cortisol levels as you walk.
• The World Map: A touch of nostalgia! Engineers painstakingly preserved the iconic 1960s terrazzo world map from the old terminal and reinstalled it in the new Concourse B Plaza.
  • You can see this pretty well in Dumb and Dumber.
• Whimsy Walls: Even the restrooms are a gallery, featuring “Whimsy Walls” created by 18 different local artists.

🍔 Eat & Shop Like a Local

One of the best things about SLC is its “Street Pricing” guarantee. You won’t pay a “captive audience” premium here—the price of a burger or a souvenir is the same as it is downtown.

Top Dining Picks

• For the Foodie: Check out Monarca for scratch-made Mexican or Market Street Grill for a classic Utah seafood experience (try the clam chowder).
• Quick & Local: Grab a “dirty soda” at Swig, a pastry at Gourmandize, or a sandwich at Moochie’s Meatballs.
• The Brew Scene: Utah’s craft beer culture is on full display with Roosters Brewing Co., Squatters, and Wasatch Brew Pub.
  • Yes, Utah has beer, and a lot of craft beer.

🛠️ The 2026 Update: What’s New?

If you haven’t visited in a few months, things have likely changed. The airport is currently finishing Phase 4:

• New Gates: By October 2026, the final 11 gates of Concourse B will be fully operational, bringing the airport’s capacity to 34 million passengers annually.
• The Delta Sky Club: A massive new 34,000-square-foot Sky Club has opened, alongside an Amex Centurion Lounge, making SLC a premier hub for frequent flyers.
• Efficiency Upgrades: The airport now features the first U.S. automated inspection for “large items” (think skis and golf clubs), making it the smoothest arrival point for mountain adventurers.

💡 Pro-Traveler Tips

1. Give Yourself Time: While the new linear concourses are efficient, the walk to the far end of Concourse B can be long. Use the River Tunnel and enjoy the music!
2. Tech-Ready: You don’t have to hunt for an outlet. Every single seat in the gate areas is equipped with power and USB ports.
3. The Greeting Room: If you’re being picked up, tell your ride to meet you in the massive “Greeting Room”—it’s designed specifically for large groups and families, staples of Utah arrivals.
   1. If you know, you know.
4. But you can tell them to pick you up at the curb; that is probably the best.

Next Week

I will be talking about International Flights from SLC

YouTube