Sky's the Limit: Provo Airport's 3-Year Expansion Project

Have you noticed more planes buzzing overhead in Utah County lately? There's a good reason for that! Provo Airport is spreading its wings in a major way, and it's about to change how we think about living and investing in Utah Valley.

The buzz around Provo Airport's expansion isn't just airport talk—it's a signal of significant change coming to our region's real estate landscape. As Utah County continues its impressive growth trajectory, this infrastructure development represents a critical piece of the puzzle for current homeowners, prospective buyers, and savvy investors alike. Let's explore why this matters so much for our community and your property's future.

The Little Airport That Could (And Now Will!)

Remember when Provo Airport was just a tiny regional stopover? Those days are long gone! The airport has already welcomed an impressive 2 million passengers in just three years of operation. Last month alone, nearly 96,000 travelers passed through its gates. That's roughly the population of South Jordan passing through in a single month!

This growth hasn't gone unnoticed. On Monday, state, county, and city leaders gathered to celebrate the beginning of a major three-year expansion project that will transform this rapidly growing transportation hub.

What's Changing at Provo Airport?

The expansion is substantial and addresses several needs:

• More Gates: The airport will grow from 4 to 10 gates—more than doubling travel opportunities from Utah Valley
• Larger Facilities: Expanded baggage handling and ticketing areas
• Improved Loading Areas: The airport's apron (where planes load) will be expanded by November
• Completion Timeline: While some improvements will be ready soon, the new gates are expected to open in late 2028

"With their help, the sky truly has become the limit for Provo Airport," said Provo Mayor Michelle Kaufusi at the groundbreaking. "For both leisure and business travelers, it offers something rare: convenience, comfort and connectivity—all from the heart of Utah Valley."

What This Means for Utah Valley Homeowners

If you own property in Utah County, especially in Provo or the surrounding areas, this airport expansion could be fantastic news for your home value. And if you're thinking about buying in the area? You might want to make your move sooner rather than later.

Transportation infrastructure has always been a major driver of real estate value, and airports are especially powerful value-creators. Why? Because they bring:

• Business investment: Companies love setting up shop near convenient airports. We've already seen this effect with tech companies in Lehi and American Fork citing improved air travel options as a factor in their location decisions.
• Tourism dollars: More visitors means more support for local businesses, from restaurants and retail to outdoor recreation services around Utah Lake and the Wasatch Mountains.
• Population growth: Better connectivity attracts new residents who want access to travel without the hassle of major international airports. This is especially attractive to remote workers who need to travel occasionally but don't want big-city congestion.
• Job creation: Both during construction (estimated at several hundred temporary jobs) and for permanent airport operations (potentially hundreds of new positions in everything from aviation to retail).
• Service industry expansion: Hotels, restaurants, and transportation services all tend to cluster near growing airports, creating commercial real estate opportunities.

The airport already contributes approximately $203 million in annual economic impact to Utah Valley. With this expansion, economic analysts project that figure could increase to nearly $300 million annually by 2030. That's a substantial boost to the local economy that will ripple through housing markets, commercial real estate, and land values throughout the region.

Data from similar airport expansions in mid-sized markets shows property values within a 15-minute drive radius can see appreciation rates 3-5% higher than comparable properties in the same metro area. For Utah Valley homeowners, this could translate to meaningful equity growth over the next decade.

The Olympic Factor: 2034 Is Coming

Let's not forget that Utah is preparing to host the 2034 Winter Olympics. This airport expansion isn't just about handling today's travel needs—it's positioning Utah Valley to play a significant role in this global event.

What happens to real estate values when the Olympics come to town? Historically, they tend to climb—sometimes dramatically. With Provo Airport expanding its capacity and capabilities, Utah Valley properties could become even more attractive as we get closer to 2034.

The Numbers Behind the Expansion

For those who love the details (we certainly do!), here's what's making this expansion possible:

• $78 million commitment from Utah County
• $19.5 million up-front payment from tourism tax revenue
• $3.9 million annual contribution for the next 15 years

Utah County Commissioner Skyler Beltran called this a "historic investment" and a "smart, strategic use of resources that will bring long-term returns."

We couldn't agree more. This is exactly the kind of forward-thinking infrastructure development that supports healthy real estate markets.

The Surprising Success Story

Here's something that caught even airport officials by surprise: in just three years of operation, more than 2 million passengers have flown through Provo Airport. Last month alone saw around 96,000 travelers pass through its doors!

Brian Torgersen, Provo Airport Director, put it perfectly: "When we first opened the doors, we knew we were building more than just an airport terminal. We were building a gateway to growth, opportunity and connection for all of Utah County and even the entire state of Utah. What we didn't expect was how quickly that vision would take flight."

With an additional million passengers expected this year, the airport is likely to be elevated to "small hub" status. That's impressive growth by any standard!

What This Means for Real Estate Investors

If you're looking at investment properties in Utah Valley, the airport expansion should definitely factor into your decision-making. Here's why:

1. Rental potential could increase: More business travelers and tourists mean more demand for short-term and long-term rentals
2. Commercial opportunities: Businesses that support travelers (restaurants, shops, services) will need space
3. Development potential: Areas with easy airport access often see new residential and commercial development
4. Long-term appreciation: The infrastructure improvements that come with airport expansion typically support property value growth

Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce President Curtis Blair highlighted that the airport makes business connections easier, creating "intangible" benefits through relationships and connections made for future investments.

Timeline: What to Expect

If you're wondering when all this will happen, here's the roadmap based on the official announcement:

• The airport's apron (plane loading area) will be expanded by November 2025
• The new gates are expected to open in late 2028
• The entire project is planned as a three-year expansion
• Three public open houses are being held to gather community input (the first has already taken place)

For real estate timing, this phased approach creates interesting opportunities. Property appreciation often follows an S-curve during major infrastructure projects—initial announcement bump, steady growth during construction, and then accelerated growth as completion nears. Smart investors often look to enter the market either very early (now) or at the midpoint of construction when concrete progress is visible but full pricing impact hasn't yet been realized.

The three-year timeline also aligns well with typical investment horizons. Purchasing investment properties now could position investors to consider selling or refinancing as the project completes and maximum impact on surrounding property values is achieved.

The Bigger Picture for Utah Valley

This expansion isn't happening in isolation. Utah Valley is one of the fastest-growing regions in the country, with a booming tech sector, excellent universities, and an outstanding quality of life.

The airport expansion fits perfectly into this growth story, addressing both business and leisure travel needs. As Mayor Michelle Kaufusi noted, the expanded airport offers "something rare: convenience, comfort and connectivity — all from the heart of Utah Valley."

What Should Property Owners Do Now?

If you own property in Utah Valley, now might be a good time to:

• Review your long-term plans: If you've been considering selling in the next few years, the announcement of this expansion could start impacting market perceptions even before construction is complete. Alternatively, holding through completion could maximize appreciation.
• Consider improvements: Strategic upgrades to your property could help maximize the benefit from potential market growth. Focus on features that appeal to the professional demographic likely to be attracted by improved air travel access.
• Evaluate refinancing options: With potential appreciation on the horizon, now might be an opportune time to access equity for additional investment or improvements while interest rates remain favorable.
• Analyze rental potential: If you've been considering converting a property to a rental or purchasing an investment property, the airport expansion could strengthen the case for doing so, particularly in Provo, Orem, and other nearby communities.
• Look at proximity advantages: Properties within a 15-20 minute drive of the airport may see the most direct benefit. If you're considering a move within Utah Valley, this could influence your location decision.

Conclusion

Let's cut to the chase: when airports grow, communities thrive. This $78 million expansion isn't just about more gates and bigger baggage areas—it's about connecting Utah Valley to new opportunities, new businesses, and new residents. With 2 million passengers already flowing through in just three years (and another million expected this year alone), Provo Airport has proven it's no longer just a convenient alternative to Salt Lake—it's becoming a powerful economic engine for Utah County.

As the 2034 Olympics approach and Utah Valley continues its remarkable growth story, properties with good access to this expanding transportation hub could see significant appreciation. Smart investors and homeowners are already factoring this development into their long-term strategies.

The sky's no longer the limit for Provo Airport—and your property's potential might just be taking off too.