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Salt Lake City airports present FY2026–27 budget as redevelopment program nears completion
Summary
Airport leaders told the council the airport redevelopment will conclude in 2026, increasing gates to 94 and driving a FY27 operating request that adds about $17 million and 19 FTEs to support new facilities; staff emphasized that revenues have outpaced expense growth and that capital work and debt service remain primary financial drivers.
Salt Lake City’s Department of Airports presented its proposed FY2026–27 budget to the council on April 21, outlining operational increases tied to the final phase of the long-running redevelopment program.
Bill Wyatt, director of airports, said the airport’s redevelopment program will finish later in 2026 after about 14 years of construction and that the airport will grow from 52 to 94 jet bridges over the life of the project. "We will be adding... staff required to manage that, the additional janitorial staff required to clean that," Wyatt said, noting passenger feedback favors a clean airport.
Airport controller Sean Anderson said FY27 operating requests include an approximately $17 million increase and the addition of 19 full‑time positions to manage added space and systems. He said the airport’s on‑and‑m budget request is roughly $242 million and that the airport’s debt stands at about $4.1 billion (shared with airlines). Anderson told councilors projected enplaned passengers are about 14.1 million for FY26 and staff budgeted 14.4 million for FY27.
The briefing highlighted revenue drivers and planned capital work: parking and rental‑car contracts are major non‑aeronautical revenue sources (the airport plans to raise daily garage parking from $40 to $45 and economy‑lot rates from $12 to $14 starting July 1); new rental‑car agreements are increasing counter and garage revenue; and planned capital projects total roughly $134 million in budgeted authorization for items such as taxiways, baggage and landside work and employee parking expansion. Anderson said some large capital items are grant‑eligible and that the airport expects to continue meeting its debt servicing obligations.
Councilors asked about transportation access for large events (the 2034 Olympics and the planned temple opening), the state and federal grants picture, and airport contingency planning for fuel‑price and geopolitical shocks that can affect travel demand. Airport staff said they are coordinating with state and regional partners on logistics and will bring specific proposals back as needed.
No appropriations vote was taken during the work session; the briefing will inform upcoming budget hearings and formal appropriation processes.
