Starting in January 2025, the city of Provo, Utah, shared a new campaign slogan on its airport’s website: “Anywhere you want to go, Fly Provo.” The slogan focuses on using Provo Municipal Airport (PVU) as a hub for access to the state of Utah, not only for vacation but business as well. This is an effort to continue the record growth and milestone 2024 season.
In this article, we will explore the airport of Provo, the airlines serving the commerce center, and how the location of PVU was the fastest-growing airport in the US for 2024.
From dusty origins to the second-busiest airfield in Utah
Sitting at nearly 4,500 feet above sea level (1,370 meters), Provo Municipal Airport is situated 45 minutes south of Salt Lake City, Utah’s capital and largest metropolitan center. According to the airport, it was originally a dirt airstrip beginning in the 1940s, but over time, since expanding to its most recent terminal building, Provo has been an important provider to the greater Salt Lake City population for air travel services.
Photo: Alexander Lukatskiy | Shutterstock
2024 was an impressive year for PVU. According to The Salt Lake Tribune, Provo Municipal Airport grew 481% in passengers boarding planes to fly out of the airport. This number translated is seen as going from 77,217 passengers in 2020 to 448,972 in 2024!
“Exciting news for Provo travelers! Provo Airport is officially the fastest-growing commercial airport in the U.S., and it’s about to get even bigger. With a six-gate expansion in the works, we can’t wait to see what the future holds.” – @flightsfromprovo via Instagram
- Location: Southwest Provo, near Interstate 15.
- Runways: Two asphalt runways – one for commercial flights and one primarily for general aviation.
- Terminal: Recently expanded, featuring modern amenities to accommodate growing passenger demand with a goal of 10 gates.
Airlines and destinations for PVU
As mentioned, Provo has experienced a significant uptick in flight operations, with a total of nearly 900,000 passengers arriving and departing in 2024. This high amount of throughput has been the result of calculated and thoughtful planning by Utah County with target dates to have improvements to terminal expansion by the 2034 Olympics in Salt Lake City. These efforts have paid off with partnerships with three major airlines that include Allegiant Air
, and 
American Airlines
.
Photo: Danille Nicole Wilson | Shutterstock
Allegiant Air first took off from Provo to Phoenix/Mesa in February 2013. Just a month later, it announced twice-weekly flights to Oakland. By July 4, 2013, there was even more news: flights to LAX would start on September 26, giving travelers another big-city option.
In June 2016, Allegiant added San Diego to the mix, with flights beginning that September. However, service to both Oakland and San Diego was dropped in 2018. On the bright side, Allegiant introduced flights to Tucson in November of that same year.
Photo: Allegiant
In 2020, Allegiant kept expanding, announcing flights to Denver in August, which started that November. Later, it shared plans for a new route to Orange County, California, kicking off in February 2021. By May 2021, Allegiant was at it again, adding flights to St. Pete–Clearwater in Florida and Phoenix Sky Harbor. Those routes launched in October, giving Provo travelers even more options to get away.
In 2022, Utah-based Breeze Airways shook things up by adding five new routes from Provo, including nonstop flights to San Francisco, Las Vegas, and LAX.
Between August and December, Breeze has 31% of Provo’s flights. Photo: via Provo Airport.
In 2024, American Airlines, through its regional brand American Eagle
, jumped into the mix in October with new flights to Dallas/Fort Worth and Phoenix. That meant more options for travelers and a little competition for Breeze and Allegiant on those routes!
|
Destinations from Provo (PVU) |
|
|---|---|
|
Dallas (DFW) |
Orlando (MCO) |
|
Dulles (IAD) |
Phoenix (PHX) |
|
San Francisco (SFO) |
Nashville (BNA) |
|
Chicago (MDW) |
Austin (AUS) |
|
San Diego (SAN) |
Portland (PDX) |
|
Houston (HOU) |
Orlando (SFB) |
|
Santa Ana (SNA) |
Mesa (AZA) |
|
San Bernadino (SBD) |
*From FlightsFrom.com |
Which aircraft do these carriers use out of Provo?
Looking at data from aeroLOPA, we can see configurations and amenities with the various offerings out of Provo. If traveling with the low-cost, high-efficiency Allegiant Air, you will most likely be aboard the Airbus A319
or Airbus A320
series aircraft. In the smaller A319, the aircraft is configured in an all-economy 3-3 arrangement. This option allows Allegiant to maximize capacity, and provides up to 156 seats per flight.
In the slightly larger A320, there are 186 available main cabin seats in a similar 3-3 seating arrangement. Every non-stop flight has a variety of in-flight drinks and snack menu options.
Leaving or arriving in Provo on American Eagle by American Airlines, flights use the Bombardier CRJ-700. These aircraft are configured with 9 domestic first class and 56 main cabin seats. Gogo inflight Wi-Fi allows access to personal device streaming entertainment and standard food and beverage services are offered on these regional trips.
Ending with the aircraft offering from Breeze Airways, the carrier’s Provo flights favor the Airbus A220-300
. These sleek aircraft are configured with 12 ‘Breeze Ascent’ (first class) and 125 economy seats. Viasat satellite Wi-Fi will be available for your inflight entertainment needs on the many flights offered to and from PVU.
Related
Breeze Airways Launches 5 Destinations From Provo/Salt Lake City
Breeze will base four aircraft in Provo and launch its first services in August.
Growth and expansion of PVU
In a release from the Utah County Government on January 30, 2025, the Provo Airport was granted $78 million in financial commitment from the county resources for expansion and improvement projects to the airport, airfield, and facilities. This whopping amount also includes $19.5 million in upfront funding to begin work on the massive transformation. This funding is to lead-turn the projected demand for PVU with the 2034 Olympic Games occurring in nearby Salt Lake City.
Photo: Danielle Nicole Wilson | Shutterstock
The expansion will include:
- Enhanced capacity as a regional central transportation hub.
- Critical infrastructure upgrades.
- Expanded terminal facilities.
- Improved services.
All of these improvements will better meet visitors while enhancing economic growth for the community of Provo.
Comparison to Salt Lake City International Airport
While Provo provides travelers with convenience and lower-cost flights, it does have a limited range of destinations compared to Salt Lake City. Provo Municipal Airport provides travelers with shorter lines, quicker security screening, and easier access from parking lots. With the expansion of the facilities, these conveniences will only improve.
Flight fares are generally more affordable from Provo to major destinations because of the low-cost carrier airlines that primarily operate out of PVU. These cheaper fares are often lower than the costs of flights out of SLC.
Related
American Airlines Adds To Domestic Network With New Service To Provo, Utah
The carrier will serve the rapidly-expanding airport from its hubs at Dallas/Fort Worth and Phoenix.
As mentioned above, Provo does admittedly have a more limited destinations list than the much larger, 70-gate Salt Lake City International Airport. However, its growth shows no signs of slowing down despite its smaller network.
Not just for commercial aviation
Provo Municipal Airport has a thriving private aviation sector, serving corporate, charter, and general aviation
needs. As one of Utah’s key regional airports, it provides a less congested alternative to Salt Lake City International Airport for private pilots and business travelers.
Photo: Gulfstream
The airport is home to several fixed-base operators (FBOs), which provide essential services for private aircraft, including fueling, maintenance, hangar space, and ground support.
Duncan Aviation, one of the largest privately-owned business jet service providers in the country, has a major facility at PVU. It offers full-service aircraft maintenance, repairs, and modifications, making the airport a popular destination for private jet owners seeking high-quality support.
Private jet charters also operate out of PVU, offering on-demand flights for business executives, celebrities, and high-net-worth individuals who prefer the convenience and flexibility of private air travel. Companies like CW Flight provide private aircraft management and maintenance services. The airport’s location in Utah County makes it an attractive choice for businesses and entrepreneurs needing quick access to major cities in the western US.
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Flight training is another major aspect of private aviation at PVU. The airport hosts multiple flight schools, training new pilots in both private and commercial aviation. Utah Valley University (UVU), which has a well-regarded aviation program, uses PVU for hands-on pilot training, contributing to the airport’s busy general aviation activity.
The airport’s infrastructure supports a range of private aviation operations, with multiple runways and a new terminal designed to handle both commercial and private traffic. With increasing demand for executive travel and flight training, Provo Municipal Airport continues to grow as a hub for private aviation in Utah.
A prosperous future for Provo Municipal Airport
Provo Municipal Airport is expected to continue expanding as Utah County’s population grows. While some lawmakers have raised concerns about sustainability and taxpayer funding, airport officials remain confident in its long-term viability.
“For PVU to continue to be the pioneer we are, our commercial service has to work. Our daily flights need the support of our business and education community to thrive and grow.” – Mayor Kafusi via Provo.gov
As we have seen, PVU is a gateway to the western US and has shown extraordinary growth to the point of being the fastest-growing in the states. There will certainly be more to see from this airport for many years to come.
