Airfield Redesignation Continues

Passengers may not immediately notice the airfield changes, but for pilots and air traffic controllers, recent updates to CLT’s extensive runway pavement markings and signage are crucial.

The large numbers serve as both a visual cue for pilots and a cross-reference for cockpit instruments, ensuring alignment with the correct runway during takeoffs and landings.

Second Runway Redesignated – Meet 1R-19L

In early July, the airfield reconfiguration reached its next milestone when the second of CLT’s three current runways was temporarily closed, then redesignated, repainted and given new signage.

The latest transformation occurred overnight, from July 8 to July 9, when Runway 18C-36C officially became Runway 1R-19L. Fun fact: The last departure from the former 18C was American Airlines flight 1674 to Seattle (SEA).

Crews replaced 64 vertical sign panels and 23 surface-painted signs and markings. (The westernmost runway was redesignated back in May.)

“Closing a runway for any length of time can be a challenge,” said Trent Sellers, CLT Airport Planning Project Coordinator. “Closing a runway for a period of 12 hours has taken close to a year to plan, prepare and coordinate with our stakeholders.”

Preparing for the Fourth Parallel

The changes are underway to make way for CLT’s Fourth Parallel Runway, which will eventually become the new center runway and be designated 1C-19C. The Fourth Parallel is scheduled to be commissioned in fall 2027.

Here is how the runways will look when complete:

Completed to Date:

• May 14 (18R-36L became 1L-19R)
• July 9 (18C-36C became 1R-19L)

Scheduled:

• Sept. 3 (CLT’s original runway 18L-36R becomes 18-36)
• Fall 2027 (New 1C-19C opens)

Why all the Renumbering?

CLT will soon have four parallel runways. While multiple parallel runways are common at busy airports (CLT is currently ranked seventh worldwide for aircraft operations), they present specific challenges.

Because only three runways in the same orientation can be designated Left, Center, or Right, CLT’s Fourth Parallel Runway needed a new designation to prevent confusion or errors among pilots and air traffic controllers.

Therefore, it has been adjusted by one digit (ten degrees), along with the two existing parallel runways on either side.

The new Fourth Parallel Runway will be designated Runway 1C-19C. The Airport’s original runway (18L-36R) will retain the same magnetic heading but will be designated Runway 18-36.

The airfield reconfiguration will ensure system-wide consistency, safety and compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards and regulations. The timeline also provides pilots with sufficient time to adjust to the changes and for aviation charts to be updated and synchronized.