Utah Airports Ranked: The Ultimate List of Best-to-Worst Places to Fly

Located in the western United States, Utah caters to adventurers, culture seekers, history buffs, and business travelers from all over the globe. From the stunning red rock formations of Zion and Bryce Canyon to its spectacular ski resorts and vibrant cities, Utah is a charming state that is well worth the visit. There are a number of airports located within the state, each with different levels of amenities, ease of access, and convenience. So, which one should you choose? Our list of the best to worst Utah airports can help you decide!

7. Canyonlands Regional Airport (CNY)

Located just outside of Moab, the Canyonlands Regional Airport (CNY) serves as a center for general aviation in southeastern Utah. It is located near several iconic destinations, like Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, Dead Horse Point State Park, Manti-La Sal National Forest, and the Colorado River. CNY is a smaller airport, covering 985 acres, with an asphalt runway as well as a gravel runway.

6. Vernal Regional Airport (VEL)

The smallest airport on our list is the Vernal Regional Airport (VEL). Located just a mile southwest of Vernal, UT, it covers just 393 acres with one asphalt runway. However, it can be a good option for those traveling to and from the Uintah Basin Area. 

The VEL Airport offers commercial flights daily through Contour Airlines (in affiliation with American Airlines), and flights to SLC twice a week through Redtail Air Connections. Parking at the airport is free, and you can find rental car services as well as buses that run on weekdays. 

5. Cedar City Regional Airport (CDC)

Cedar City Regional Airport (CDC) is another smaller airport in Utah. Although it hosts only limited commercial flights, there is much less traffic, which means your travel experience will be less stressful overall. The CDC Airport is conveniently just 2 miles from Cedar City, making it the closest airport to many national parks like Bryce Canyon and Zion. It covers 1,040 acres and hosts two asphalt runways and one terminal with two concourses. There are a few restaurants in the airport to enjoy as well while you’re waiting for your flight, such as The Hangar and the Cedar City Cafe.

4. Ogden-Hinckley Field Municipal Airport (OGD)

The Ogden-Hinckley Fiel Municipal Airport (OGD) isn’t a major hub for connecting flights, but it does schedule commercial flights. It is Utah’s busiest municipal airport for private planes and caters well to general aviation. 

Covering 721 acres, the airport has an FAA control tower, two paved runways, and an instrument landing system (ILS) for all-weather operations. It also hosts over 300 private aircraft based in its facilities and is a major part of the economy in Ogden. Unfortunately, there are not many commercial flight options here. In addition, while it is conveniently located for Ogden residents, the airport is out of the way for many people in other areas of Utah. 

3. Provo Municipal Airport (PVU)

The Provo Municipal Airport (PVU) may be small, but it is also the second busiest airport in Utah! Covering 869 acres, it has two runways and offers domestic flights through airlines like Allegiant Air and Breeze Airways. Due to scheduling and design, the airport typically avoids the longer lines and congestion of other major airports, making travel a much more relaxed experience. 

Located in Provo, the PVU Airport is a convenient alternative for customers in central Utah. It is also close to many of Utah’s premier ski resorts and just 15 minutes from Brigham Young University and Utah Valley University. The PVU Airport doesn’t provide as many amenities as larger airports, but it is sufficient and easy to navigate. 

2. St. George Regional Airport (SGU)

Although much smaller in scale, the St. George Regional Airport is a modern, well-equipped facility. Covering 1,204 acres, this airport is easy to navigate and passengers do not have to struggle with long lines and congestion. Travel in and out of the St. George Regional Airport is typically smooth and relaxed, which can make your vacation that much better!

Conveniently located close to St. George in Southern Utah, SGU is the primary airport for many heading to the state’s national parks. The airport has a single runway and is an important regional hub for general aviation and commercial airline traffic through SkyWest Airlines.

1. Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)

The best and busiest airport in Utah is the Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC). Located just 5 miles from downtown Salt Lake City, the SLC Airport serves over 300 departing flights each day. In 2023, 26,952,754 traveled through this expansive international airport in Utah!

The SLC Airport covers 7,700 acres and has three air carrier runways and a general aviation runway. Its efficient layout is easy to navigate, and in general, the staff is warm and friendly. The SLC Airport is a hub for both domestic and international flights, with major airlines like Delta, JetBlue, Alaska, United, Southwest, American, and Frontier. 

Summary of Utah Airports

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