Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is ranked among the world’s busiest airports, with an average of 1,400 arrivals and departures and 118,000 people traveling to, from and through CLT each day, according to Airports Council International.

In its 2022 rankings, ACI placed CLT No. 7 in the U.S. and world for air traffic. In passenger traffic, the Airport ranked 10th nationwide and 19th worldwide. The rankings continue to reflect the Airport’s important role in the aviation industry and as the second-largest hub for American Airlines. ACI based its rankings on 505,589 annual aircraft arrivals and departures and an annual passenger total of nearly 48 million people in 2022.

In 2023, passenger counts reached a record-breaking 53,445,770, while aircraft arrivals and departures rose to 539,066. That followed a pandemic downturn from the 2019 record-breaking 50.2 million passengers.

CLT offers nonstop air service to 180 destinations around the globe and is home to eight major air carriers, 15 regional carriers and three foreign flag carriers.

The Airport is operated financially on a fully self-sustaining basis – no general fund revenues have ever been or are appropriated to the cost of the facilities or operations. Rather, Airport revenues defray all capital and operating costs including the cost of city furnished services. Airport revenue types include the airfield, terminal area, concessions, parking and the cargo area. This gives the Airport its annual operating budget.

CLT Airport Activity Reports are available for download.

CLT's Vision:

We will serve as an economic engine of the Carolinas, facilitating the movement of people and goods, creating jobs and enterprise and sustaining a higher quality of life.

CLT's Mission:

We will be the preferred airport and airline hub by providing the highest quality product for the lowest possible cost.

CLT's Strategic Principles:

Safety and Security: Establish a strong safety and security culture that protects people and property.
Employee Success: Promote a diverse and inclusive workplace that values authenticity, belonging and teamwork.
Customer Experience: Deliver a superior travel experience anchored by innovation and creative solutions.
Strategic Growth: Maintain global competitiveness through demand driven, economically conscious development.
Positive Partnerships: Safeguard business and community relationships by practicing integrity, transparency and fiscal responsibility.
Asset Preservation: Minimize service disruptions and improve reliability through proactive strategies.