Airport presenter says Provo Airport will expand from four to 10 gates

A presenter at Provo Airport said the facility will expand from four gates to 10 over the next two years, a change officials say will add carriers and routes and boost the local economy.

"Things are awesome here at Provo Airport," the presenter said, and described the project as a way to bring "more carriers, more routes, more convenience to our local residents" while serving as an economic driver for Utah Valley.

The presenter said the airport already has a brand-new terminal with four passenger gates and works with three airline partners flying to 15 non-stop destinations. The planned increase to 10 gates, the presenter said, is expected to make the airport more attractive to additional carriers and routes.

The presenter emphasized that Provo is not seeking to compete with Salt Lake International for non-stop long-haul service, saying, "We're not going to ever compete with Salt Lake International on non-stop. We're not trying to." Instead, the airport is positioning itself as a convenient regional option, noting that parking to the gate is about 100 yards, TSA wait times are typically five to 10 minutes, and all gates are on one floor.

The presenter cited a $130 million total annual economic impact for the facility and its operations in 2022 and credited a funding plan worked out about 18 months ago with Provo City, the state and the Federal Aviation Administration for making the expansion possible. "About 18 months ago, we partnered with Provo City, with the state, with the FAA, and we came up with a funding plan that worked to allow us to do this expansion all at once," the presenter said.

The presenter closed by thanking community and elected officials for their support and urging residents to try the airport's services.

No formal motions or votes were recorded in the presentation.