Salt Lake City International Airport held ceremonies recently for the opening of the first five operating gates of the new Concourse A-East. Concourse A-East will mirror the already-operating Concourse A-West when completed.

“Our airport is changing and growing to keep up with our capital city and I’m thrilled that these new gates are now open to better serve our residents and travelers,” said Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall.

It has been 31 months since the{mprestriction ids="1,3"} last gate opening celebration took place on Concourse B-West in October 2020. During that time, the former airport was demolished and the infrastructure to build the eastern portion of Concourse A began.

“Launching the initial east-side gates is very rewarding,” said Bill Wyatt, Salt Lake City Department of Airports executive director. “We have been working nonstop since opening Phase 1 — more than two years ago — to get to this point. To be here today took a lot of demolition work, a lot of steel and a lot of paving.”

The airport will open an additional four gates on the south side of Concourse A-East on Aug. 22. The remaining 13 gates and all 19 new restaurants and shops will open on Oct. 31.{/mprestriction}