If you have flown through Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) in the last few years, you have likely noticed that things look a little different. The carpets are gone, the ceilings are higher, and the windows are massive, framing the Wasatch Mountains like a living painting. But you might have also noticed the construction walls, the detours, and the lengthy walks to reach your gate. That is because the “New SLC” isn’t just a renovation, it is a complete rebuild of the entire airport atop the footprint of the old one.
We are currently navigating through the final stages of this massive redevelopment program. With the first few phases already operational, the focus has shifted to the final pieces of the puzzle: Phase 3 (which gave us the central tunnel) and the upcoming Phase 4. For travelers, understanding the layout of this shifting terminal map is crucial to avoiding stress before a flight.
The New SLC is designed to handle 34 million passengers a year with efficiency and style, but until the final ribbon is cut, it can feel a bit like a maze. This guide breaks down the current terminal map, explains what Phase 4 brings to the table, and offers practical tips for navigating the airport during this transition. Whether you are a Delta loyalist or a Southwest regular, here is everything you need to know about getting from the curb to the clouds at SLC.
The Logic Behind the Layout: A Tale of Two Concourses
To understand the expansion, you first need to understand the basic geometry of the new airport. The old SLC had a spoke-and-hub design that worked well in the 1960s but created severe bottlenecks as passenger traffic grew. The new design replaces those spokes with two linear, parallel concourses: Concourse A and Concourse B.
This linear design is more efficient for aircraft movement. It reduces the time planes spend taxiing on the tarmac, which saves fuel and helps flights arrive on time. However, for passengers, it changes the navigation dynamic entirely. Instead of walking to a central hub and taking a short turn to a gate, you are now operating on a grid.
Concourse A: The South Parallel
It is the primary structure attached directly to the main terminal and the “Gateway” center (where security is located).
- Primary Tenant: Delta Air Lines occupies the vast majority of gates here.
- Access: Once you clear the centralized security checkpoint, you enter “The Plaza.” From here, you can turn left (West) or right (East) to access Concourse A gates.
- Phase Status: Concourse A is largely complete. The western wing opened first, followed by the eastern wing (Phase 2), creating a massive, continuous hall of gates, shops, and restaurants.
Concourse B: The North Parallel
Concourse B runs parallel to Concourse A, situated further north.
- Primary Tenants: This is home to Alaska, American, Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest, Spirit, and United. Delta also uses gates here for regional flights.
- Access: This has been the main point of contention for travelers. To get to Concourse B, you must travel from Concourse A through an underground tunnel.
- Phase Status: This is where the active construction is happening. While the western portion is open, the eastern tail is part of the final expansion phases.
Unpacking Phase 4: The Final Stretch
When people talk about the “construction” at SLC, they are mostly referring to the work happening on the east side of the airport. Phase 4 is the final major component of the Airport Redevelopment Program.
What Phase 4 Actually Builds
Phase 4 focuses on extending Concourse B to the east. The original plan built the western half of Concourse B first. To build the eastern half, demolition crews had to wait. Why? Because the old airport terminals were physically standing in the way.
Once the old structures were demolished and the debris cleared, construction began on the extension. Phase 4 adds approximately 16 new gates to Concourse B. When this phase is complete, Concourse B will mirror the length and capacity of Concourse A, creating a symmetrical layout.
The Timeline
Construction schedules for massive infrastructure projects are always fluid, but the timeline for the New SLC has been remarkably fast-tracked. Originally expected to take longer, parts of the project were accelerated during the pandemic when passenger traffic lulls allowed for faster demolition. The final gates of Phase 4 are expected to come online incrementally, with a target for full completion roughly around late 2026 or early 2027.
Why This Matters for Your Walk
The completion of Phase 4 doesn’t just mean more gates, it means a change in how pedestrian traffic flows. Currently, if you are flying out of a high-numbered gate in Concourse B, you likely have a significant trek. As the concourse extends eastward, the distance from the central tunnel to the furthest gate increases.
However, the completion of the facility also means more amenities will open further down the line. You won’t have to walk all the way back to the central plaza to find a decent cup of coffee or a restroom, the services will scale with the expansion.
The “River Tunnel”: Connecting A and B
If there is one feature of the map that defines the Phase 3 and 4 era, it is the central tunnel. For the first few years of the new airport’s life, passengers had to use a temporary mid-concourse tunnel that created a notorious bottleneck.
That changed with the opening of the permanent central tunnel, often referred to as the River Tunnel due to the art installation inside. This tunnel connects the main terminal plaza directly to the center of Concourse B.
This connection is vital for the Phase 4 map. It acts as the spine of the airport. When you exit security, you don’t just wander, you are funneled through The Plaza. If your gate is in Concourse B, you bypass the shops in A and head straight for the escalators down to the tunnel.
The tunnel is equipped with moving walkways, but it is still a significant distance (roughly 1,000 feet). The completion of Phase 4 doesn’t shorten this tunnel, but it does balance the passenger load. As more gates open on the East side of B, the flow of people turning right after exiting the tunnel will increase, relieving congestion for those turning left.
Art as a Wayfinding Tool
One of the smartest aspects of the SLC terminal map is how it uses art to help you navigate. The airport architects understood that long corridors can feel monotonous and confusing, so they integrated massive art installations that double as landmarks.
The Canyon (Concourse A)
As you exit security, you enter “The Canyon.” This is a massive installation by artist Gordon Huether that mimics the undulating rock walls of Utah’s slot canyons. The wavy, fabric-like fins on the walls change color with LED lighting. If you are surrounded by the Canyon walls, you know you are in the main terminal or Concourse A.
The River Tunnel (Connection)
The central tunnel features “The River“, another installation by Huether. Blue LED lights and wave-patterned wall sculptures create the sensation of walking along the bottom of a riverbed. If you are surrounded by blue waves, you know you are in transit between concourses.
The Northern Light (Concourse B)
Concourse B has its own distinct aesthetic. While Phase 4 will continue the architectural language of the rest of the airport, look for the “Northern Light” installation, a massive dichroic glass sculpture that serves as a focal point. These landmarks are helpful reference points when you are rushing to catch a connection.
Survival Tips for the Phase 4 Era
Until the dust settles and the final paint dries, navigating SLC requires a bit of strategy. The distances are longer than in the old airport, and the construction walls can still confuse first-time visitors.
1. The 20-Minute Rule
The most common mistake travelers make at the New SLC is underestimating the walk time. In the old airport, you could get from security to almost any gate in 5 to 10 minutes. In the new layout, walking from the security checkpoint to the furthest gate in Phase 4 (Concourse B-East) could take 20 to 25 minutes at a moderate pace.
If you have mobility issues, do not try to “tough it out.” Request wheelchair assistance from your airline when you book your ticket. The airport is fully ADA compliant, but the sheer scale of the footprint makes walking difficult for many.
2. Download the SLC International App
The airport’s official app is surprisingly useful during these expansion phases. It features an interactive map that is updated as new gates and amenities open. Since Phase 4 involves opening gates in stages, the printed maps in travel magazines might be outdated. The app will tell you exactly where your gate is relative to security and which restaurants are open nearby.
3. Utilize the “Greeting Room”
If you are picking someone up, you can no longer wait at the gate (a post-9/11 rule everywhere, but specifically relevant here due to the layout). The new Greeting Room is located on the ground level of the terminal, near the baggage claim. It features a large fireplace and plenty of seating. It is the designated meeting spot and saves you from clogging up the curb.
4. Hydration Strategy
SLC is at a high altitude and the air is dry. Combined with the long walks of the Phase 4 layout, dehydration hits fast. There are high-tech water bottle refill stations located near almost every set of restrooms. Bring an empty reusable bottle through security to save money and stay hydrated during your trek to Concourse B.
A Taste of Utah: The Local-First Retail Strategy
One of the best distractions from the long walks and construction barriers is the food. The New SLC made a conscious decision to price street-side and gate-side items the same. This means a burger at the airport costs the same as it does at the restaurant downtown, no “airport markup“.
As Phase 4 opens, more local favorites are being added to Concourse B. The strategy is to showcase Utah brands rather than generic national chains.
- Market Street Grill: A Salt Lake seafood staple.
- Squatters Pub Brewery: For local craft beers.
- Beans & Brews: High-altitude roasted coffee, a local favorite over the big Seattle chain.
As you navigate the new expansion, look for these local outposts. They are strategically placed to break up the long concourses, giving you a place to rest your feet and refuel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the “long walk” to Concourse B ever going away?
No, the distance is a permanent feature of the linear design. However, the experience of the walk has improved significantly with the opening of the permanent central tunnel (The River Tunnel), which replaced the longer, circuitous temporary route. The moving walkways in the tunnel also speed up the journey.
Which airlines are in Concourse B?
Concourse B primarily serves Alaska, American, Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest, Spirit, and United. Delta also uses gates here for Delta Connection flights. If you are flying Delta mainline, you are likely in Concourse A, but always check your ticket.
When will the construction fully end?
The major terminal work, including the Phase 4 extension of Concourse B East, is projected to wrap up around 2026/2027. However, airports are living organisms, minor renovations and updates will always be part of the operational lifecycle.
Is there a train or tram between concourses?
Currently, no. The airport was designed as a walking airport. While there were discussions about a future tram system if a Concourse C is ever built, for now, moving walkways are the primary form of mechanical assistance.
Does the new map affect parking?
The parking garage is located directly across from the terminal and connected by bridges. The walk from the garage to the terminal is short. The changes in Phase 4 primarily affect what happens after you clear security.
The Future of SLC
While Phase 4 is often called the “final” phase, it is really just the completion of the current master plan. The New SLC was built with future growth in mind. The master plan includes provisions for a potential Concourse C located even further north, should passenger traffic demand it in the coming decades.
For now, travelers can look forward to the completion of Concourse B East. When those construction walls finally come down, Salt Lake City will boast one of the most modern, efficient, and seismically safe airport complexes in North America. The dust, the detours, and the noise are temporary, the mountain views and the world-class facilities are here to stay.
So the next time you fly through, take a moment to look at the map. You aren’t just looking at a list of gates, you are looking at a city reinventing its front door. Wear comfortable shoes, enjoy the art, and appreciate that you are witnessing the final steps of a massive transformation.
