Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) recently opened ten new gates and six concession areas as part of the facility’s The New SLC Redevelopment Program. This program is set to add significant capacity and amenities to the airport’s Concourse B. These new gates will serve both Delta Air Lines and Southwest Airlines, providing significant benefits for passengers.
A second Delta Sky Club and an American Express Centurion Lounge with an outdoor terrace will both be opened, alongside the airport’s third Sensory Room. Concession space has been expanded by 8,851 square feet, with names like Aubergine Kitchen, Moab Brewery, and Good Earth Market set to open up on the concourse. The project is planned in multiple phases and in total involves $5.1 billion in funding that will eventually see the airport open 94 new gates and over 100 new concession areas by the time October 2026 comes to a close.
What Are The Major Developments In This Story?
Overall, the ribbon cutting marked the opening of ten additional gates on Concourse B, which have been assigned to both 
Delta Air Lines and Southwest Airlines. Six new concession facilities are set to debut across the 8,851 square foot area, operated by At SLC Airport Concessions, Hudson Group, Paradies Lagardere, and Togas. Local brands will also be featured, including some stores selling Utah National Park-themed merchandise.
Two large lounges are also being opened on the concourse, with Delta Air Lines unveiling a second Sky Club. American Express also opened a Centurion Lounge with an outdoor terrace. Salt Lake City also added its third Sensory Room, located at the western end of Concourse B. Today’s milestone follows multiple phases of delivery, including Phase 3, which was recently completed in October 2024. The final 11 gates and six concession areas in this large expansion program are set to open in October 2026, according to the latest update from American Express.
What Are The Financial Implications Of This Expansion?
The opening of these new facilities unlocks immediate revenue growth and increases long-term earnings power. Ten additional gates expand airside capacity for Delta Air Lines and 
Southwest Airlines, supporting more aircraft turns and higher overall passenger throughput. This also results in stronger aeronautical revenues, including landing fees, gate rentals, and apron services. Six new concessions across more than 8,800 square feet increase non-aeronautical income while minimum annual guarantees and overall percentage rent continue to rise.
Using local brands only continues to improve overall capture rates and basket sizes. Two premium lounges, including the new Centurion Lounge and a second Delta Sky Club, will help raise overall passenger spending per enplanement indirectly while deepening Salt Lake City’s overall attractiveness to high-yield travelers and corporate contracts. This further sustains carrier capacity commitments and overall hub connectivity.
The third Sensory Room opened by the airport broadens overall inclusivity and brand equity, mostly for the purpose of boosting overall demand. From a financial perspective, this fits within the airport’s $5.1 billion overall redevelopment plan, which includes a phased rollout and the spread of overall capital expenses that reduces disruption quite significantly.
What Will Be The Overall Impact On Passengers?
Passengers see several tangible wins coming out of this expansion effort, including wins across time, comfort, and choice. Ten new gates for Delta Air Lines and Southwest Airlines reduce crowding during peak flight banks, support more on-time turns, and shorten overall taxi-in and taxi-out variability. This is especially the case during irregular operations, as it preserves walking flows within the airport’s Concourse B.
Six added concessions areas help diversify food, retail, and last-minute essentials options, with local names like Aubergine Kitchen, Moab Brewery, and Good Earth Market all improving quality and a sense of place for travelers. This is especially the case for customers who will spend hours sitting at SLC between flights.
The obvious crown jewels of this whole expansion are two new lounges that will significantly improve the passenger experience for those with access. The American Express Centurion Lounge will offer quieter workspaces, better dining options, and improved shower facilities. As this program approaches its end in October 2026, there will be 94 gates and over 100 new concession areas, for passengers to experience.
