SALT LAKE CITY — Rising hangar rental rates at Salt Lake City International Airport are raising concerns among general aviation pilots. This includes Lance Weekley, a retired pilot who uses his plane to transport rescue dogs as part of his volunteer efforts with Desert Dog Aviation LLC.

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Weekley has been at the airport since the early '90s and has occupied his current hangar since 2018. He recently received a notice indicating that his monthly rental will increase from approximately $455 to $837 starting January 1. A subsequent increase planned for July 2027 will further raise the cost to $1,219.

"The letter said by July it's going to be $1,219 a month, so that's quite a bit more than double the price," Weekley expressed. Despite Salt Lake City International Airport handling 95% of Utah's passenger traffic, the city has determined the current rental rates for general aviation hangars are below market value, as per a recent market analysis. The city announced that these increases would help fund ongoing maintenance and improvements at the airport.

Nancy Volmer, Public Information Officer for the Salt Lake City International Airport, stated that while the increase is significant, the existing rates have been historically low. She noted that these new rates are lower than those at similar international hub airports in surrounding states. An independent study from 2019 suggested a rate of $1,200 for standard single hangars. Comparatively, surrounding Utah airports charge significantly less; for instance, Provo charges $185 for a shade hangar and $405 for single-engine hangars.

Weekley emphasized that the increased costs could threaten his volunteer work. "This is all volunteer... $1,219 is probably going to shut us down," he remarked, highlighting the importance of his services, which include transporting therapy and cadaver dogs for various organizations.

Ronnie Riner, a coordinator with English Springer Rescue America, acknowledged the critical role volunteer pilots play in transporting dogs across the Mountain West, stating that she relies on Weekley's services. She noted that several pilots have already stopped flying due to rising costs, particularly hangar rentals.

Although Weekley occasionally receives fuel donations, most of the operational costs come from his savings. He plans to continue his efforts as long as possible, stating, "I'm not giving up, so I'm going to try." For him, helping animals and people remains a priority, even as financial pressures mount.