After nearly a decade of construction, Salt Lake City’s airport rebuild is finally taxiing toward the gate. Airport officials say the last portion of Concourse B-east will bring 11 more gates plus six new shops and restaurants, with the sweeping program set to hit its long-awaited finish line on October 27. The expansion caps a multi-phase, $5.1 billion overhaul that has already reshaped how travelers move through the Wasatch Front.
Final stretch adds gates and shops
According to the Salt Lake City Department of Airports, the last stretch of Concourse B-east will add 11 additional gates, six restaurants, and retail spaces, and is expected to be completed on October 27. Salt Lake City Airport carried the initial announcement on X on February 10, while the airport’s press materials spell out the remaining construction timeline. Once the work is complete, the eastern end of Concourse B is slated to begin taking flights and hosting the new concessions later this year.
A $5.1 billion program nearing the finish line
The rebuild program has cost roughly $5.1 billion and will bring the revamped airport to 94 gates, with crews still finishing jet bridges, paving, and baggage infrastructure ahead of the planned 2026 wrap-up, Engineering News-Record reports. ENR notes that there is approximately $370 million in remaining construction, and some paving and ancillary work could extend into early 2027. Project managers told ENR the final groups of gates will open in phases to avoid disrupting airline operations.
Local flavors and national names
The airport has been deliberate about mixing Utah concepts with national brands. Earlier concession selections for Phase 4 include local names such as Aubergine Kitchen, Moab Brewery, and Good Earth Markets alongside national operators. The Salt Lake City Department of Airports said the final phase is designed to balance full-service restaurants, quick-serve options, and specialty retail across the new concourse. Officials add that many of the chosen operators are local and ACDBE-certified to spotlight Utah businesses.
When will notice the difference?
Passengers should start seeing the first five Phase 4 gates open in fall 2025, with the remaining 11 scheduled for the following fall, according to the program timeline and local coverage. KSL reports the finished layout will be able to handle roughly 34 million passengers annually, up from about 28 million in 2024, which airport leaders say will support Salt Lake City’s growing hub role. Travelers can expect phased openings, continued finishing work, and a rolling debut of new retail and lounge options through late 2026 and into early 2027.
