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Airport Overlook

Experience Unparalleled Views, Immersive Education

and Fun-Filled Adventures at the Airport Overlook

Overlook (new) 6-5-24 (5 of 20)

Every detail of the new Charlotte Douglas International Airport Overlook is designed to inspire and propel the next generation of aviators. Opening to the public on June 7, 2024, this is the fifth dedicated Overlook at CLT since 1937 featuring spectacular airfield, skyline and terminal views.

Prime Viewing Area

The Airport Overlook offers front-row views of CLT’s active airfield, including Runways 1L-19R and 1R-19L, as well as the CLT terminal. Visitors can also watch construction progress on the Airport’s future Fourth Parallel Runway (1C-19C), offering a rare opportunity to witness a major airfield expansion take shape in real time.

When Runway 1C-19C opens in fall 2027, aircraft operations will move even closer to the Overlook, offering enhanced views of activity across one of the world’s busiest airports.

Educational Displays

Informative exhibits featuring aviation history in the Carolinas are located across the property to showcase what Overlook visitors are likely to see and how those things work, including:

  • Types of planes that fly in and out of CLT
  • Science behind a 747 soaring like an eagle
  • How runways are built and named

Playgrounds, Aircraft Display and Memorial

Two age-specific aviation themed playgrounds and play areas welcome young and old alike, including:

  • Plane-shaped climbing structure
  • Air traffic control tower with a slide
  • Mini fuel truck, baggage cart and runway for imaginative play
  • Retired U.S. military fighter jet, an F4 Phantom II that flew during the Vietnam War and Cold War
  • Dedicated memorials for USAirFlight 1016 and Eastern Airlines Flight 212
Overlook playground

Other Amenities

  • Covered picnic tables
  • Food Truck area
  • Paved car and bus parking, including accessible parking
  • Shaded areas featuring benches, trees and sails
  • Restrooms with baby changing stations
  • Pet relief areas
  • Bicycle racks

Plan Your Visit

  • Location: 5130 Airport Overlook Drive
  • Hours: Open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily (operating hours are subject to change.)
  • Admission: Free entry for all visitors
  • No organized events.

FUN FACT: The Overlook entry sign originally lived at the entrance to the Airport on Josh Birmingham Parkway from 1992-2014.

Overlook Signage