If you’ve recently traveled internationally through Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), you may have noticed how quickly you breezed through the U.S. Customs process. You can credit a new three-letter test program called “EPP,” or Enhanced Primary Processing, that has reduced wait times for most travelers.

“It was super quick,” said Munich to Charlotte passenger Zane Pendleton. “I’ve only been through Customs once before at LAX, and it was the longest day of my life. It was just so packed.”

__Testing Sites__

CLT is one of four sites, along with Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Denver International Airport (DEN), and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), where U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is testing the new biometric screening. CLT joined the test program in early February 2025.

CBP calls it a game changer for travelers in Charlotte. “We can get passengers through faster while completing our CBP processes, and the likelihood of a passenger missing their connecting flights is significantly reduced,” said Acting Port Director Cherrise Montgomery.

The facial comparison technology is designed to create a more secure and seamless process for U.S. citizens entering and exiting the country.

It also prevents CLT’s federal inspection station and primary inspection hall from becoming overcrowded with passengers arriving simultaneously on multiple international flights. During peak times, there can be as many as ten arriving flights, each with an average of 200 passengers on board.

In 2024, 16,283 international arrival flights (including preclearance flights) landed at CLT Airport. That number is projected to increase by 2.1% in 2025.

__How it works__

Travelers who have not already completed their CBP processing in another country will arrive at CLT and present themselves for processing by walking up to one of the designated kiosks. (Global Entry holders will visit a different area.)

A camera linked to CPB’s Travel Verification System compares live facial images with existing photos from the passengers' travel documents and the airline manifest, which the airlines transmit 24 hours before arrival.

Once past the kiosk, the traveler is directed to a CBP officer to complete their declaration of items purchased or obtained while abroad that they are bringing back with them. Then the passenger is cleared to exit and continue their travels or directed to complete further inspection.

Passengers who choose not to have their photo taken will be redirected to a CBP officer to complete their processing.

Even though only U.S. citizens are eligible to pass through EPP, the benefits, including shorter wait times, indirectly extend to non-U.S. citizens.

Since the EPP test program began at CLT in early February 2025, wait times for U.S. citizens (USC) have been reduced by up to 51%. The average wait time for USC went from 16 minutes to 8.63 minutes. The current average wait times for non-U.S. citizens (NUSC) have also decreased from 22 minutes to 14.33 minutes.

__By the Numbers__ (*Updated through 4/6/25 by: CBP Office of Field Operations)

- Up to 51% reduction in (USC) wait times
- Wait times reduced from16 minutes to 8.63 minutes
- Non-USC wait times reduced from 22 minutes to 14.33 minutes

__How is this different from Global Entry?__

There is no cost associated with using the Enhanced Primary Processing; however, Trusted Traveler Programs like Global Entry, which costs $120 for a five-year membership and requires a background check and interview, provide advantages to trusted travelers.

Passengers who are Trusted Travelers and have Global Entry can bypass EPP, receive TSA PreCheck benefits and access expedited entry benefits during their travel to other countries, making it appealing to frequent overseas travelers.

__CLT International Numbers Growing__

CBP estimates that approximately two million international travelers will pass through CLT in fiscal year 2025 (Oct. 1, 2024 to Sept. 30, 2025), exceeding last year’s total of just under 1.9 million. Approximately 85% of international arrivals into CLT are USC and are eligible for Enhanced Primary Processing.

The implementation of EPP as a test allows CBP to test technology advances that support the efficient and accurate processing of passengers arriving in the U.S., while continuing to ensure mission-critical actions are accomplished in the execution of CBP’s National Security Mission.

*Photo Caption: CBP officer processes an arriving international traveler at CLT using Enhanced Primary Processing. Photos courtesy of U.S. Customs and Border Protection*

Officer EPP

CLT Tests Enhanced Primary Processing, Cuts Customs’ Wait Times

New concessions at CLT are delighting taste buds, effusing rich fragrances and providing pampering from your head to your toes. 

The Waterman Fish Bar, a Charlotte local favorite, is serving up scrumptious seafood on Concourse C. Menu items include fish and shrimp tacos, fisherman’s pick sandwich, fish n’ chips, N.C. mountain trout, citrus salmon, clam chowder and lobster rolls. There’s also fresh shucked oysters from the raw bar. 

Breakfast pairs perfectly with a Shipwreck Mary or Passionfruit Mimosa. The Waterman is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Cinnabon in making air travel sweeter on Concourse A. Passengers can treat themselves to the classic Cinnabon roll, caramel pecanbon, churro sticks, bonbites, cold brewed iced coffees, or Chillattas in the flavors of Oreo cookies and cream, strawberries & cream and double chocolate mocha. Cinnabon is also located in the Atrium. 

MAC on the D/E Connector was remodeled to include the rememberable fragrances of Jo Malone, known for unique scents and high-quality ingredients. Stop in to pick up bestsellers – “English Pear & Freesia,” “Cypress & Grapevine” or “Wood Sage & Sea Salt”– to name just a few.

A massage, manicure, pedicure and facial – have one of each at Be Relax Spa on the A Connector and D/E Connector. They also offer waxing and sell massagers for your eyes, back, muscles and neck. According to the company’s website, “The primary mission of Be Relax is to ensure weary travelers have accessible relaxation options wherever they may be, delivering a consistently relaxing experience for every guest.” Hours of operation are 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Concessions coming soon are:
- Sammy Hager’s Beach Bar and Grill – Concourse D
- Great American Bagel – Concourse D
- Catawba Trade – Atrium
- Charlotte – Atrium 
- Dunkin’ – Ticketing

CLT has more than 130 concession locations. See what [restaurants and retail stores](https://www.cltairport.com/shop-dine-and-relax/) are awaiting your visit. 


The Waterman Fish Bar - Main Photo

The Waterman Fish Bar 2-25-25 (21 of 23)

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Be Relax 2

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Discover Latest Concession Openings

Spring break travelers will notice some big changes at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT).

The much-anticipated Checkpoint 2 (formerly Checkpoint C) is now open and ready to welcome the expected surge of passengers in March and April. The Airport is expecting  nearly three million passengers Thursday, April 10 – Sunday, April 27.

With an estimated average of 170,000 passengers per day, the busiest travel days will likely be:
- Thursday April 10 and Friday, April 11  for departures
- Friday, April 18  and Sunday, April 20  for arrivals

__Checkpoint 2 Checks In, Exit Lane 4 Opens__

Checkpoint 2 officially went live on March 24 and will be the brand-new primary Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Pre-Check checkpoint.

This latest milestone in the Terminal Lobby Expansion means that Checkpoints 1, 2 and 3 are now all operational.

CLT has consolidated its five previous checkpoints into three larger ones, creating four additional screening lanes for a total of 21 lanes, including 11 Automated Screening Lanes. This will further increase the Airport’s capacity to move passengers quickly. TSA estimates it will be able to screen 600 more passengers per hour. 

Automated Exit Lanes also help CLT operate more efficiently and can process around 2,000 people per hour:
- Automated Exit Lane 2 is open.
- Automated Exit Lane 4 opening mid-April.
- Automated Exit Lane 3 opening April/May.
- Automated Exit Lane 1 opening in fall.

__Don’t Wing It: Prepare to Fly__

Remember, the Airport will be busy! Last year during spring break, over one million passengers flew out of CLT in a 12-day period from March 28 to April 8. 

Don’t wing it on your 2025 travels! Here are some tips to help you have a smooth trip.

__Ride Shares Temporarily Relocated__

Beginning on April 3, Uber and Lyft ride-share services will temporarily relocate to the __inner lane__ of the upper-level Ticketing/Departures area of the terminal for both drop offs and pick ups. 

Previously, they were located at the Arrivals/Baggage Claim level (lower level, Zone 4).

All personal vehicles will use the __outer lanes__ of traffic on both the upper and lower levels. The move is designed to improve traffic flow and operational efficiency. 

__Royalty Program Offers Parking Perks__

Try to book your parking as soon as you book your flight. 

Even though CLT has plenty of parking options - nearly 25,000 spots - they fill up quickly, especially during peak times like spring break and the holidays, when average daily occupancy is often above 90%.

Currently, 15,000 parking spots are designated for online booking only. A reservation guarantees the availability of your preferred option. It’s designed to give travelers peace of mind and better rates the further out they book, while helping the Airport operate more efficiently.

The CLT Airport Royalty Program offers Airport parking customers extra perks. It allows drivers to earn points and rewards when parking at any of CLT’s parking products. You’ll earn one point for every dollar you spend. 

You can create a Royalty Parking account at [parkCLT.com](https://www.cltairport.com/parking/) or on the CLT Airport app. 

Enhanced Valet parking also was recently introduced. Check out the upgrades. 

__Real ID Gets Real Soon__

You may not need it for your spring break travel, but you will need it very soon!

After two decades, REAL ID will become a reality for domestic air travel on May 7. Without one, you could face delays and enhanced screening at TSA checkpoints.

Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005, but its implementation has been postponed multiple times. The Transportation Security Administration says it will not extend the May deadline but will phase in the enforcement to allow some flexibility.

While REAL ID is optional in [North Carolina](https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/license-id/nc-real-id/Pages/default.aspx) and [South Carolina](https://www.scdmvonline.com/Driver-Services/Drivers-License/REAL-ID), if you opt out, you will need to provide additional identification, such as a passport or other acceptable form of ID, to board a domestic or commercial flight or visit select federal facilities and military installations. 

__Time Is Your Friend__
- CLT suggests arriving at the terminal two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights. During busy travel periods, you may need to allow extra time.
- Plan to reach the parking lot thirty minutes before your desired arrival time at the terminal, as you might need to take a shuttle bus from your location.
- Consider alternate routes in case of traffic congestion. Use a navigation app to avoid trouble spots.

__Stay Informed__
- Connect with your airline or monitor the CLT Airport app for flight updates. Check in for your flight before leaving home and save your boarding pass on your mobile phone.
- Review the [TSA website](https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/all) for information on what you are allowed to bring through security. You can also text “travel” to AskTSA (275-872) or send a message through Facebook Messenger, X (formerly Twitter) or Apple Messenger.
- Check the CLT Airport website and app for [shuttle bus wait times](https://www.cltairport.com/airport-info/bus-wait-times/) and [security checkpoint wait times](https://www.cltairport.com/airport-info/security/).

__Explore CLT’s Growing Food, Shopping & Art Scene__

Whether you’re craving a bite to eat, looking for a place to shop, or just want to get your steps in and explore the terminal, you can find it all at CLT! 
The CLT Airport app allows you to browse options. Click on “change area” to sort them by location.

Here are a few of our latest offerings:
- The Waterman Fish Bar - Concourse C
- Olde Mecklenburg Brewery (OMB) Biergarten - Concourse D
- The Delta Sky Club - Concourse A Expansion - Phase II.

Browse some of our newest retailers:
- Be Relax Spa – Concourse A near A Connector and Concourse D near D/E Connector
- Market Place – Concourse A
- Lego, MAC/Jo Malone, Hip & Humble - Concourse D near D/E Connector.

__And if you are an art lover, CLT has expanded its gallery of public art:__
- “Nurture and Nature” mural by Olalekan “LeK” Jeyifous (Domestic Arrivals)
- “Weightless Monument,” a hanging sculpture composed by Benjamin Ball, made entirely of 10,000 stainless steel ball chain segments (Concourse A-Phase I)
- “Garden Carpet” terrazzo flooring by Susan Brenner (West Mezzanine)

Remember to follow CLT on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/cltairport/), [X](https://x.com/CLTAirport),  [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/cltairport/) and [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/CLTAirport) for the latest Airport news. 


Passenger Travel Spring Break 3-20-25 (3 of 5)

Checkpoint 2 Awaits Spring Break Travel

Two incredible new pieces of original artwork now adorn CLT’s terminal. Whether passengers depart or arrive, these installations give everyone something to admire.

__“Weightless Monument” – A Modernist Hanging Masterpiece__

Los Angeles-based artist Benjamin Ball has created a massive hanging sculpture in Concourse A-Phase One. This modernist installation, titled “Weightless Monument,” stretches 90 feet and showcases vibrant clouds of delicate, interlacing stainless steel ball chain segments suspended in catenary curves beneath the skylight. The artwork seeks to capture the essence of light and space. As natural light changes throughout the day and evening, the piece's reflective qualities also will evolve.

“I think it’s amazing,” said traveler Bob Glah of Colorado. “I love how the primary colors interact with one another…as you look at it, it almost turns purple.”

Ball’s team spent four months fabricating the materials in his studio, using algorithms to arrange the 10,000 tiny chain segments -approximately 28 miles in length - into three-dimensional patterns connected to a cable system with four anchor points. Despite its enormous size, the suspension has a “see-through” effect.

“In the flow, some travelers will see the dynamics of moving water or billowing clouds. Others might see a jet trail,” said Ball, the co-founder of Ball-Nogues Studio. “My aim is not to prescribe references, but to turn the traveler’s imagination loose so they can create their own meanings.”

The award-winning artist has exhibited at major institutions around the world and completed public commissions for Los Angeles International Airport, San Diego International Airport, the Chicago Transit Authority, Royal Caribbean International and the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, among others.

__“Nurture and Nature” Arrives in Domestic Arrivals__

The philosophical debate on “Nurture and Nature” inspired Nigerian-born, Brooklyn-based artist Olalekan “LeK” Jeyifous, who is known for addressing social issues through his artwork. Jeyifous is also a trained architect, which proves useful when designing large-scale pieces. “It’s not just about solving spatial challenges; it’s about telling stories,” he said.

Jeyifous’s vinyl tile mural — which spans 3,800 square feet and weighs 11,560 pounds — now graces the Airport’s Domestic Arrivals area. (A mirror image of it will eventually be installed alongside a second set of escalators leading to Baggage Claim.)

It showcases illustrations and iconography that represent the business and industry in Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, N.C. - including banking, energy, motorsports and the film industry — alongside imagery of the region's native plants and wildlife. The bold, graphic panels are arranged in alternating blocks, in a nod to the tradition of Black American quilting patterns.

Jeyifous expressed excitement that his work at CLT will reach such a wide audience. “It’s one of the reasons that, as a visual artist, I decided to do public art because the gallery space can feel a bit intimidating and sometimes exclusionary,” he said. “So having my work in a public space that your everyday person passes and can appreciate is incredibly exciting...to bring artwork to individuals who may not be going to art galleries and museum openings on a regular basis.”

Jeyifous received a bachelor’s degree in architecture from Cornell University, where he currently serves as a visiting lecturer. His work has been exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City and the Studio Museum in Harlem. Jeyifous also has created large-scale public installations for X’s (formerly Twitter) Manhattan offices and at the 2017 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.

View other [artwork throughout the terminal ](https://www.cltairport.com/airport-info/airport-art/)and where you can see them firsthand at CLT. 


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Weightless Monument 3-18-25 (4 of 6)

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Olalekan Jeyifous - Nature and Nurture still

Olalekan Jeyifous artist 2-5-25 (7 of 16) (1)

New Terminal Artwork Captivates Passengers

“Sing us a song, you’re the piano man, sing us a song tonight,” crooned the legendary Billy Joel. 

Another piano man - this one from the Queen City - could emerge as the next breakout star of “American Idol.” 

Singer, songwriter and musician Josh King is competing in Season 23 of the popular ABC show, and if he looks familiar, it’s because you might have seen him tickling the ivories and belting out tunes at the Airport.

“It’s very exciting to have one of our volunteer piano players as an American Idol contestant,” said Charles Tabor, CLT Airport exhibit coordinator. “I’m excited not only for Josh to get this opportunity, but also for CLT and the other players in the piano program, who will gain exposure and hopefully opportunities like this.” 

The 24-year-old King has been a CLT volunteer since 2018, performing on the baby grand piano in the Airport Atrium. “I remember seeing a piano at the Airport when I flew in once, so I reached out to see if I could volunteer,” he said. “I love to watch planes, so being able to play piano and watch the aircraft taxi out is pretty nice.”

The volunteer piano gig has its perks, like having one of the Beach Boys stop by to give career advice or joining classical violinist and YouTube star Rob Landes for an impromptu concert during his layover at CLT. 

__Volunteer Piano Program__

King is one of six professional musicians who perform regularly at CLT Airport, sharing their talents with the traveling public passing through the Atrium. To be considered, the pianists must apply to the program, audition and display a vast song library. They also must be able to engage with inquiring customers and positively represent the City of Charlotte and CLT. 

“A lot of passengers are stressed out from traveling and the presence of live music is a brief respite for many of them,” said King. “So, a lot of people feel comfortable coming up to the pianists to share what they are going through.”

__Auditioning for Idol__

Last fall, King successfully auditioned for “American Idol” and received a golden ticket to advance to the Hollywood round - quite an achievement considering tens of thousands of singers submitted online audition videos for show producers before being invited to a live audition in front of the judges in Nashville.

“It was a relatively challenging drive as it was only a few days after Hurricane Helene, and a large portion of I-40 was closed due to the damage,” recalled King. “My dad helped with the drive so I could use the time to prepare for the audition.”

__How It Began__

King’s musical journey began as a child when the late James Cotton, a Grammy-winning American blues harmonica legend, mentored him. Cotton encouraged King to explore different genres, which led to his unique sound. King says if Cotton were still with us, he would probably tell him “Not to let the pressure get into my head.”

__Thank You, CLT!__

No matter what happens on his “American Idol” journey, King says his goal is to be a performer for the rest of his life. “I appreciate all the support everyone has shown me over the years,” added King. “Every tip and message people have left me at CLT has been invaluable in helping me follow my dreams and encouraging me not to give up. So, I just want to say, ‘thank you!’”

Several other contestants from North Carolina launched successful music careers after competing on the show, including Charlotte’s own Fantasia Barrino, Clay Aiken, Chris Daughtry, Kellie Pickler, Scotty McCreery and Caleb Johnson.

__Want to Vote for Josh?__

Season 23 of “American Idol” airs Sundays at 8 p.m. EST on ABC-TV. Tune in to watch Josh compete and cast your vote! 


Josh King - Main Photo

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Josh King American Idol 2-14-25 (1 of 4)

CLT Pianist Lands on “American Idol”

CLT, along with its tenants and partners, is hosting an Airport Job Fair from 9 a.m. until noon on Saturday, April 26, at Bojangles Coliseum (2700 E. Independence Blvd.) 

Hundreds of full- and part-time, seasonal and temporary positions are available from entry level to managerial.

Employers will include, American Airlines, PSA Airlines, Paradies Lagardère (CLT’s retail concessionaire), HMSHost (CLT’s food and beverage concessionaire), the Transportation Security Administration, City of Charlotte - Aviation Department and various other city departments.  

Recommended attire is business casual. Attendees should bring multiple copies of their resumes. On-site interviews and conditional offers may be available during the event.

CLT is one of the largest employers in the Charlotte region, supporting approximately 184,400 jobs for North Carolina and South Carolina residents, according to a recent study conducted by the Institute for Transportation Research and Education at North Carolina State University.

As the seventh busiest airport worldwide for aircraft movements, CLT offers a wide range of employment opportunities, including airline, retail, food and beverage, security and customer service.

Check out [cltairport.com/careers](https://www.cltairport.com/careers/) to view current Aviation Department and other job openings as well as to watch videos about the benefits of working at CLT as described by Airport employees. 


Airport Job Fair 2024 009

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Elevate Your Career Attend the April 26 Airport Job Fair

Things are about to get real with REAL ID. 

Starting May 7, travelers who want to board domestic flights without a REAL ID could face significant delays and enhanced screening at airport security checkpoints. 

“They may still be allowed to fly, but their screening experience will take longer,” said Daniel Velez, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regional spokesman. “The TSA officer may ask them to complete an identity verification process, which includes collecting information like their name and current address, as well as other information to confirm their identity. They also will undergo enhanced screening.”

__What is REAL ID?__

The new requirements - passed by Congress in 2005 - resulted from the 9/11 Commission’s recommendations to establish minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. REAL ID will be required to board federally regulated commercial aircraft, access certain federal facilities and enter nuclear power plants. It is designed to prevent fraud and counterfeiting and expedite the screening process.

In South Carolina, 62% of all cards issued are REAL IDs. In North Carolina, it is now 51%.

“You can use a passport if you don’t have REAL ID yet,” added Velez. “It will more than likely be the most popular alternative for most people who do not have a REAL ID.”

Public uptake for REAL ID has been somewhat sluggish. Currently, 30 states have 59% or less REAL IDs as a percentage of all state IDs. In South Carolina, 60.8% of all cards issued are REAL IDs. In North Carolina, it is approximately 50%.

__Do I need one? It depends.__

While REAL ID is optional in North Carolina and South Carolina, if you opt out, you will need to provide additional identification and paperwork to board a domestic commercial flight or visit select federal facilities and military installations.

You do not need a REAL ID to drive, vote, apply for federal benefits, enter a federal facility that does not require an ID (like a post office), or participate in federal law enforcement proceedings, such as serving on a grand jury. Anyone under 18 traveling with an adult will not need a REAL ID, but the adult companion will need one.

__How do I get a REAL ID?__

The easiest way to get a REAL ID is to visit your state’s driver licensing agency and provide the necessary documentation, which can vary but typically includes your full legal name, date of birth, social security number, two proofs of address for your primary residence, lawful status and sometimes evidence of any name change.

You can check if your current driver’s license, enhanced driver’s license or identification card is already REAL ID compliant by looking for a star or the word “enhanced” in the top right corner.

Fees differ by state, but they tend to be comparable to those for a standard license or renewal.

For more information on REAL ID, visit:
- [TSA REAL ID](https://www.dhs.gov/real-id)
- [NCDOT Real ID](https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/license-id/nc-real-id/Pages/default.aspx)
- [SCDMV Real ID](https://sc.accessgov.com/motorvehicles/Forms/Page/motorvehicles/sweetcaroline/0)

REAL ID- 4

REAL ID Gets Real in May

__What to Expect in 2025__
It’s a new year, which means added improvements and the introduction of more passenger enhancing initiatives at CLT. From the completion of the Terminal Lobby Expansion to the debut of new concessions and artwork, 2025 is shaping up to be a big year for the Airport.  

Discover what lies ahead for 2025.

## __Destination CLT Projects:__

__Terminal Lobby Expansion__
Yes, it’s happening. The Terminal Lobby Expansion (TLE) will wrap up this fall. Before then, Checkpoint 2 will open in early spring for Spring Break travelers.

The Airport also is installing three additional Automated Exit Lanes in Ticketing and two more baggage carousels in Baggage Claim.

The TLE project is adding 175,000 square feet to the lobby and renovating another 191,000 square feet of existing space.

__Fourth Parallel Runway__
Concrete paving of CLT’s Fourth Parallel Runway begins this year and will conclude in early 2027. Grading is underway through mid-2026, while drainage pipe installation and utility work will continue.

CLT’s $1.006 billion airfield project will boost operations with the addition of the 10,000-foot-long by 150-foot-wide runway that will be located west of Runway 18C/36C and serve departing traffic. The opening and commissioning are scheduled for fall 2027.

Among other improvements to CLT’s airfield, in mid-January aircraft began using the North End Around Taxiway (NEAT), which enhances connectivity between the west runway and terminal ramp.

__Terminal Renovations__
Renovations will remain underway for Concourses D and E. The makeover includes restrooms, lighting, seating and terrazzo flooring upgrades. Concourse D renovations will run through fall 2026; and Concourse E’s completion is targeted for spring 2027.

Also on the to-do-list, the Airport is planning to replace several boarding bridges throughout the terminal this fall.

__Added Service__

Starting May 2, Frontier Airlines will offer twice-weekly nonstop flights from CLT to Tampa International Airport, increasing to four times a week on May 22.

American Airlines will launch nonstop, daily service from Charlotte to Athens, Greece beginning June 5. 

Book now at CLTairport.com.

## __New Artwork__

__Concourse A Artwork__
Artist Benjamin Ball’s suspended artwork was installed in late January on Concourse A Phase I. There is not a specific name for the artwork right now, but it was created using chains to create flow and movement in the design.

__“Nurture and Nature”__
In February, artwork titled "Nurture and Nature" by Olalekan “Lek” Jeifous will debut near domestic arrivals in Baggage Claim. The work uses various shapes and patterns to help convey aspects of nurture and nature.

__Mural Changes and Holiday Dècor__
Preparation work will begin this fall for ten new gate murals in Concourses A, B and C.

Also be on the lookout for new holiday décor at the end of the year in the terminal lobby.

__New Concessions__
Whether it’s shopping or dinning, 2025 concession openings will provide more options for passengers.

-     The Waterman Fish Bar (Concourse C)
-     Charlotte's Landing (Concourse A)
-     Catawba Trade (FKA Mint Trading) (Atrium)
-     Dunkin’ (Lobby-Ticketing Level)
-     Sammy’s Beach Bar & Grill (Concourse D)
-     Great American Bagel (Concourse D)

Learn more about CLT’s construction projects, artwork and concessions by visiting cltairport.com.

Busy airport drop-off area with multiple cars, passengers, and luggage under a large glass and steel canopy.

What to Expect in 2025
It’s a new year, which means added improvements and the introduction of more passenger enhancing initiatives at CLT. From the completion of the Terminal Lobby Expansion to the debut of new concessions and artwork, 2025 is shaping up to be a big year for the Airport.   


Big Year Lies Ahead for the Airport

## Volunteer and Fiancée Will Tie the Knot

Growing up in a military family, Todd Scandrett wanted to become a pilot but was told he was too tall. He ended up serving in the U.S. Army for 18 years before taking a medical retirement as a major in 2013. He volunteers twice a week at the Sullenberger Aviation Museum and even started an aviation-focused nonprofit for disabled veterans called ResurgencePPG.

But those dreams of flying never faded. “I enjoy sharing my love of aviation with the guests,” said Scandrett. “I primarily volunteer with the simulators and really enjoy seeing the multitude of reactions as they try to fly the various airplanes.”

Little did Scandrett, a widower, know that his passion for aviation would ultimately lead him to find love again with his fiancée, Genevieve Mezinskis, a senior developer and data analyst at Wells Fargo.

Two years ago, shortly after Valentine’s Day, Scandrett and Mezinskis met online. She quickly learned of his fascination with flight and within a few dates, Scandrett took her on a very adventurous outing — a tandem ride in his paramotor (a type of powered paraglider).

“It was exciting; I don’t have a fear of heights,” said Mezinskis. “I was maybe a little bit scared, but once you get up there, you are not moving very fast.”

“It was a beautiful sunset flight, and she got to see why my flying hobbies consumed my conversations,” added Scandrett. “Unfortunately, the landing did not go so well, and I rolled it over right after touchdown. We were both hanging upside down, and once I got Gen unbuckled and assessed the damage (Gen also had a bloody nose and Todd had a broken wrist), I was sure this was the end of our relationship,” he admitted. “But she looked at me and asked, ‘When were we going to go again?’ At that moment, I knew she was dedicated to us, through even the toughest of circumstances.”

Despite that very bumpy landing, a love connection was made, and now their May wedding will be the first-ever nuptials at the Sullenberger Aviation Museum since it opened in June 2024 — a ceremony and reception for 150 guests featuring dinner, dancing and a scavenger hunt in the main gallery space.

“We had looked at other venues here in Charlotte,” said Scandrett. “But our thoughts kept returning to wanting to have a memorable experience for our guests. You can’t beat having an F-14 sitting there while you are tying the knot.”

The museum provides a stunning venue for numerous events and tours throughout the year. Now, it’s gearing up for an extra special evening.

“We couldn’t be more excited that the very first wedding at the new Sullenberger Aviation Museum is for one of our incredible volunteers!” said Misty Sweat, the museum’s vice president of education. “Our museum is built on a love for aviation and community, and it’s truly special to see it now become a place for love and new beginnings. We are honored to be a part of this unforgettable moment in their lives.”

For more information about events, rentals and other programs at the Sullenberger Aviation Museum, visit sullenbergeraviation.org or call (704) 997.3770.

Sullenberger Wedding Couple

Volunteer and Fiancée Will Tie the Knot

Growing up in a military family, Todd Scandrett wanted to become a pilot but was told he was too tall. He ended up serving in the U.S. Army for 18 years before taking a medical retirement as a major in 2013. He volunteers twice a week at the Sullenberger Aviation Museum and even started an aviation-focused nonprofit for disabled veterans called ResurgencePPG.

Sullenberger Aviation Museum Lands First Wedding

__Online Booking Encouraged__

If you’re rushing to the Airport to catch a flight, the last thing you want is to furiously drive around searching for a place to park. Even worse, you pull up and see that a lot or deck is FULL.

Even though CLT has plenty of parking options—nearly 25,000 spots—they fill up quickly, especially during peak times like Spring Break and the holidays, when average daily occupancy is often above 90%.

Behold! The new Royalty Program at the Airport bestows its loyal online booking customers with majestic perks. And it’s already a success, with more than 210,000 drivers signed up for the convenient, time-saving option since it launched in September 2024.

Currently, some 16,000 parking spots are designated for online booking only. A reservation guarantees the availability of your preferred option. It’s designed to give travelers peace of mind and better rates the further out you book — while helping the Airport operate more efficiently.

“We encourage people to book their parking when they book their flight,” said Garrett DiCorpo, CLT parking & ground transportation revenue manager. “From the Airport’s side, it gives us some visibility into where and when people will be coming, so we can lock in our resources to those lots. We can get an idea of how many buses or shuttles we need to run, for example, from 8 a.m. until noon,” he added. “It just lets the Airport stay flexible.”

__Extra Perks for Each Tier__

The CLT Airport Royalty Program offers airport parking customers extra perks. It features four tiers –blue, bronze, silver, and gold – and allows drivers to earn points toward rewards when parking at any of CLT’s parking products. You’ll earn one point for every dollar you spend.

Each tier offers additional benefits – ranging from discounts and promotions to free upgrades like parking closer to the terminal.

“I go out of town for work every week, so I pre-book online and I know I have a spot,” said frequent flier Danny Brown, who has already reached Silver Tier status (500 points in a calendar year) in the Royalty Program. “I’ll book in advance so I can get the flash deals.”

Traveler Jenny Boone agreed, “It’s super easy. Usually, I do the Hourly Deck, but this is the first time I booked the Express Deck because it was half-price.”

Drivers start earning points once they create an account, register their vehicle, book online and park. Points are pending on a purchase until the exit time of your booking. Then, they are added to your Royalty Program account to spend on future rewards.

You can view bookings from the last 90 days, and you have until the end of the following year to earn points or retain your existing tier level. There are no blackout dates, but same-day booking can be limited, so it’s best to plan ahead. If you need to cancel a booking, no worries! You can cancel up until your scheduled entry time. Your pending points will be adjusted in the account to reflect the change.

If you need to modify or extend a reservation during your stay, you can change the dates on the app and pay the difference when you exit. If you return early, you’ll be refunded for the unused time, but at the drive-up rate, not the online booking rate. Your points will not expire if your Royalty Program account is still active. However, you cannot combine promo codes or rewards or redeem points for cash.

__Join the Royalty Program Today__

It’s as easy as signing up online at parkCLT.com or using the CLT Airport app. “CLT has an awesome app, and not every airport has one,” said DiCorpo. “You can check everything from wait times for buses to security wait times and, of course, booking parking online and getting the discounts.”

CLT Airport has also implemented license plate recognition technology (LPR), offering drivers reservation verification and easy access to and from all the parking facilities, except Valet. As a backup, you’ll receive a QR code when you book to add to your Apple or Google wallet.

Traditional “drive-up” parking—where drivers take a ticket and pay upon exit—is still available in Long Term 2, the Hourly Deck and Valet. (Long Term 2 parking is the only option that cannot currently be booked online, while the Hourly Deck and Valet are hybrid.)

So, if you want one less thing to worry about when traveling, unpack your crown or tiara and join the Royalty Program to start receiving your exclusive parking benefits.

Go to parkCLT.com or download the free, all-in-one CLT Airport app at the App Store or on Google Play.

Join the CLT Airport Royalty Program

If you’re rushing to the Airport to catch a flight, the last thing you want is to furiously drive around searching for a place to park. Even worse, you pull up and see that a lot or deck is FULL.

Even though CLT has plenty of parking options—nearly 25,000 spots—they fill up quickly, especially during peak times like Spring Break and the holidays, when average daily occupancy is often above 90%.

Behold! The new Royalty Program at the Airport bestows its loyal online booking customers with majestic perks. And it’s already a success, with more than 210,000 drivers signed up for the convenient, time-saving option since it launched in September 2024.

Currently, some 16,000 parking spots are designated for online booking only. A reservation guarantees the availability of your preferred option. It’s designed to give travelers peace of mind and better rates the further out you book — while helping the Airport operate more efficiently.

Hear Ye, Hear Ye! Royalty Program Perks Now Available

Maybe it’s the magic of Mickey, or just travelers seeking fun in the Florida sun, but Orlando continues to top the list of CLT’s top five domestic destinations for the fifth straight year.

Enplanements (passengers boarding aircraft) from Charlotte Douglas International Airport to Orlando also increased by 26% over 2019 levels.

New York and Dallas/Fort Worth switched positions from 2023 and are now in the number two and three spots. The Windy City of Chicago once again came in fourth place on this year’s list, while Boston held steady in fifth place. Since 2019, Boston has overtaken Newark’s fifth spot. (Last year, Newark ranked #13.)

Top 2024 CLT Domestic Destinations:

1.     Orlando (MC)
2.     New York (LGA)
3.     Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW)
4.     Chicago (ORD)
5.     Boston (BOS)

Across the pond, London kept its crown as CLT’s top international destination, with the number of departing passengers increasing by 53% since 2019. It was also number one in 2023 when it knocked Cancun out of the top spot.

For the past two years, Toronto (currently sixth) fell from the top five, while Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic jumped to number three on the list, averaging double-digit growth every year since 2019.

Top 2024 CLT International Destinations:

1.     London (LHR)
2.     Cancun (CUN)
3.     Punta Cana (PUJ)
4.     Montego Bay (MBJ)
5.     Munich (MUC)

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) currently airport serves 188 non-stop destinations including 42 international destinations and three U.S. territories.


London 1920x1080

Maybe it’s the magic of Mickey, or just travelers seeking fun in the Florida sun, but Orlando continues to top the list of CLT’s top five domestic destinations for the fifth straight year.

Orlando and London Remain CLT’s Top 2024 Destinations

Travelers passing through Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) now have a fresh reason to look forward to their layovers. On Dec. 18, Delta opened its first-ever Sky Club at CLT, offering a stylish and spacious haven for both business and leisure passengers. “It’s always exciting to plant roots in a new market and introduce Delta Sky Club® to a new group of customers,” said Claude Roussel, Vice President – Delta Sky Club® and Lounge Experience. “We can’t wait for our Charlotte guests to experience the amenities and hospitality that have made our clubs so popular across the country.”

__A Stylish, Nature-Inspired Space__

At 14,000 square feet, the new lounge is located on the mezzanine level of Concourse A Expansion - Phase II and can seat 246 guests. The design is a nod to Queen Charlotte herself, and the city’s botanical heritage, with bold floral motifs and natural elements inspired by lush green spaces. Guests can relax in an airy, open space with views of the concourse below and the airfield, making it the perfect spot to unwind before a flight.

__Top-Notch Amenities for Every Traveler__

The Sky Club is designed to meet the needs of a variety of travelers. Whether you're catching up on work or taking a break, the lounge has you covered. There’s a large buffet with a selection of fresh food, plus two beverage stations to keep you refreshed. For those seeking quiet time, six soundproof booths (including an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant option) provide a peaceful, private space to work or relax.

__Comfort and Convenience in One Place__

The lounge’s layout ensures comfort and flexibility, with plenty of seating options for travelers who need a spot to relax, work or just recharge. It’s a perfect blend of convenience and luxury—whether you’re in a hurry or have time to spare.

__Want to Visit the Sky Club®?__

The Sky Club® can be accessed with a membership, or by being a Reserve Card holder. To learn more, visit Delta’s Membership & Access Options.

__A Welcome Addition to CLT__

With daily flights to major hubs, this new lounge offers a premium space to relax before heading out on your next adventure. Whether you're traveling for business or leisure, Delta’s Sky Club at CLT offers a chic, relaxing environment to make your journey even more enjoyable.

“We can’t wait for Charlotte customers to experience the hospitality and service that make Delta Sky Clubs so beloved across our network,” said Tim Genovese, Director – Sky Club operations and design. “The design of the lounge is beautiful, and the amenities are best-in-class – but it’s our service that truly sets our clubs apart.”

Modern airport lounge with stylish seating, marble tables, decorative lighting, and large windows overlooking the tarmac.

Travelers passing through Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) now have a fresh reason to look forward to their layovers. On Dec. 18, Delta opened its first-ever Sky Club at CLT, offering a stylish and spacious haven for both business and leisure passengers. “It’s always exciting to plant roots in a new market and introduce Delta Sky Club® to a new group of customers,” said Claude Roussel, Vice President – Delta Sky Club® and Lounge Experience. “We can’t wait for our Charlotte guests to experience the amenities and hospitality that have made our clubs so popular across the country.”

Delta Sky Club® Arrives at CLT

The 17th annual Runway 5K raised $65,165, its largest amount ever, for Central Piedmont Community College Opportunity Scholarships. The race drew nearly 1,300 runners/walkers to CLT’s airfield on Oct. 19.

The scholarships support up to $10,000 per student and are awarded based on their need. Recipients also receive a computer stipend of up to $1,200. Any remaining encumbered funds are deployed back into the scholarship and awarded to future new scholars.

The Runway 5K has raised more than $226,000 in scholarship funds since 2019 and has provided a free college education for 20 local students. Of those 20 students, 11 have graduated and/or transferred to a four-year institution.

This year’s top male and female winners were Christopher Zuerner of Charlotte crossing the finish line in 15 minutes, 16 seconds, and Milana Harwick of Charlotte with a time of 18 minutes, 39 seconds. Both received 100,000 American Airlines AAdvantage miles.

Mark your calendar. CLT’s next Runway 5K is scheduled for October 2025.  

Participants running in an airport runway 5K event, passing by a large parked airplane with terminals in the background.

Runway 5K Paves the Way to College

The Terminal Lobby Expansion (TLE) is approximately a year away from completion, and the Fourth Parallel Runway is gearing up to begin concrete paving next year. Check out where these projects stand now. 

__Terminal Lobby Expansion__

As part of the Terminal Lobby Expansion, CLT opened the inner three roadway lanes on the Departures/Ticketing level at the terminal entrance for Airport shuttle bus operations on Nov. 13. These lanes are normally reserved for shuttle buses carrying passengers from all on-site parking facilities, but during high-traffic times, may be activated for passenger vehicles.

In coordination with the opening of the three lanes, new airline skycap positions now offer passenger curbside assistance. Four debuted on Nov. 13 and four more will open by the end of the month. Additionally, all eight lanes on the upper level have been repainted with fresh lane markings and new signage has been added for increased wayfinding assistance.

This marks the latest milestone for the TLE, a five-year effort that is adding 175,000 square feet to the lobby and renovating 191,000 square feet of existing space. Pedestrian walkways opened to passengers July 31, providing travelers with weather-protected access between the Hourly Deck and the terminal under an expansive 146,000-square-foot glass canopy.

Furthermore, American Airlines added 11 new ticket counters on Oct. 12, following the introduction of 11 counters in July. Most recently, Checkpoint E was renamed Checkpoint 3 on Oct. 8. Checkpoint 2 remains under construction and is expected to open in late spring or early summer. 

__Fourth Parallel Runway__

Drainage pipe installation and utility work is progressing for the Fourth Parallel Runway. Grading will be underway through mid-2026 and approximately five million cubic yards of runway and taxiway fill remain to be placed.

Concrete paving begins next year and will wrap up in early 2027.

The $1 billion project is scheduled for a fall 2027 commissioning and opening.

Airport upper-level roadway with cars, buses, and passengers under a large glass and steel canopy near the terminal entrance.

The Terminal Lobby Expansion (TLE) is approximately a year away from completion, and the Fourth Parallel Runway is gearing up to begin concrete paving next year. Check out where these projects stand now. 

Construction Projects Drive Growth and Modernization

Step into the future of airport luxury with Clockwork, the new robotic manicure station at Charlotte Douglas International Airport that’s transforming layovers into glamorous touch-ups. Paradies Lagardère, CLT’s retail concessionaire, is offering the latest beauty trend at Charlotte Supply Co. in The Plaza. Clockwork provides customers with a user-friendly, self-serve manicure that is quick, easy, affordable and as eye-catching as any spa manicure.

For just $15, customers can sit down with Clockwork and be in and out of the seat in as little as 10 minutes. While getting a manicure from a robot might seem intimidating, it’s quite simple. Clockwork will guide you through the process step-by-step with instructional videos. If additional assistance is needed, a store employee or virtual tech is available to help.

The process is easy: prep, learn and paint. First, scan the QR code in-store to book your appointment and pay online. Once seated at the machine, you will begin by filing your nails and removing any previous polish with the tools provided. Then, relax your hand inside the machine and watch it work its magic! With over 30 color options including rotating seasonal colors, you can match your nails to any mood.

Clockwork uses laser technology to paint nails precisely, so it’s important to sit as still as possible for a picture-perfect manicure. Your mani will last up to two weeks, making it perfect for any occasion, from a relaxed weekend to a formal destination wedding.

As CLT continues to grow, more robotic stations may be added throughout the Airport. Stay tuned, and happy painting. 

Person receiving a robotic manicure at an airport kiosk, with a hand placed inside the automated nail painting machine.

Step into the future of airport luxury with Clockwork, the new robotic manicure station at Charlotte Douglas International Airport that’s transforming layovers into glamorous touch-ups. Paradies Lagardère, CLT’s retail concessionaire, is offering the latest beauty trend at Charlotte Supply Co. in The Plaza. Clockwork provides customers with a user-friendly, self-serve manicure that is quick, easy, affordable and as eye-catching as any spa manicure.

Precision Meets Perfection: The Robotic Manicure Experience

When it comes to concessions at CLT, the more the merrier. With the Airport’s latest addition, it calls for a cheers, or shall we say in German prost?  

Olde Mecklenburg Brewery (OMB) Biergarten, renowned in the Carolinas for its traditional German-style beer and high-quality food, first debuted to CLT passengers in 2018 as the quick-service-bar Caption Jack’s Tavern on Concourse E. The brewery recently opened a second, more expansive location on Concourse D. In 2024, The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery was named the No. 1 “Best Beer Garden” in the U.S. in “USA TODAY’s” annual 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.

The 125-seat, 1,785 square foot CLT location is inspired by the brewery’s original biergarten in Charlotte’s LoSo (lower southend) neighborhood. It comes complete with 16-foot replica trees made of real wood and faux leaves.

OMB Biergarten’s menu features the brand’s signature brews made according to the world’s oldest beer purity law, the German “Reinheitsgebot,” including its flagship Copper Altbier, Captain Jack Pilsner and Hornets Nest Hefeweizen – each brewed since OMB’s founding in 2009 – alongside a rotating selection of seasonal beers.

OMB fans will recognize some of their favorite dishes from the local LoSo and Ballantyne taprooms, like jumbo pretzels, sausages and pork schnitzel, and can now enjoy an only-at-CLT, OMB-style breakfast featuring omelets, apple strudel, a.m. cocktails and more.

__Other concession news:__

- Great American Bagel on Concourse B has been remodeled with a new, modern and elevated dining space.
- Johnston & Murphy has relocated to the Atrium.
- Dylan’s Candy Bar is now offering sweet treats in The Plaza.
- MAC Cosmetics has a pop-up location in the Atrium until its remodel is complete early next year on the D/E Connector.
- Lego is debuting on the D/E Connector in December.
- Be Relax both on A-wedge and the D/E Connector will begin pampering guests in January.
- HMSHost, CLT’s food and beverage concessionaire, recently introduced an opportunity for customers to save 5% when they dine at any HMSHost restaurant (alcohol excluded). Visit clubavolta.com to become a member, download the app, and show your QR code to the cashier for the discount.

[View all the concessions that await passengers in the terminal](https://www.cltairport.com/shop-dine-and-relax/).

Busy airport biergarten with travelers dining at wooden tables, surrounded by indoor trees and a modern ceiling design.

When it comes to concessions at CLT, the more the merrier. With the Airport’s latest addition, it calls for a cheers, or shall we say in German prost?  

Olde Mecklenburg Brewery (OMB) Biergarten, renowned in the Carolinas for its traditional German-style beer and high-quality food, first debuted to CLT passengers in 2018 as the quick-service-bar Caption Jack’s Tavern on Concourse E. The brewery recently opened a second, more expansive location on Concourse D. In 2024, The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery was named the No. 1 “Best Beer Garden” in the U.S. in “USA TODAY’s” annual 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.

OMB Lands Second CLT Location

This Thanksgiving, the dinner table has some competition as the hottest holiday destination. The Airport is expecting its biggest travel season yet with an estimated 1.02 million passengers departing CLT Thursday, Nov. 21 through Monday, Dec. 2. That’s 7% above last year.

The busiest days will be the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Saturday, Sunday and Monday after Thanksgiving with over 90,000 departing passengers daily. Projections show on each of those days more than 38,000 local passengers will pass through TSA checkpoints at CLT, outpacing this year’s average of approximately 33,400 daily security screenings.  

If there’s one piece of travel advice to adhere to this holiday season it’s this: __be inside__ the terminal at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight. Security wait times are expected to reach up to 45 minutes during peak traffic.

__Where to Park?__

Just like a shopping mall during the holidays, parking will be in high demand. Passengers are strongly advised to book parking online at [parkCLT.com](https://parkclt.com) and or on the CLT Airport App. Drive-up parking may be available in Valet, the Hourly Deck and Long Term 2; however, spaces will be in high demand. Booking your parking online is the only way to guarantee a spot and receive the best rates.

__Traffic and More Traffic!__

Airport roadways will be extremely crowded, so expect heavier-than-usual traffic. To make your trip as smooth as possible, remember to allow extra time for the commute – up to 30 minutes extra for your trip to the terminal.

Upon approaching the Airport, CLT is asking drivers to not block the intersections at Wilkinson Boulevard/Harlee Avenue, Wilkinson Boulevard/Josh Birmingham Parkway and Wilkinson Boulevard/Airport Beacon Drive. This will help ease traffic congestion.

__What Are CLT’s Holiday Plans?__

The Airport is taking an active role in enhancing the customer experience by:

- Adding more Airport personnel in public spaces, many will be dressed in bright yellow vests to easily spot
- Expanding law enforcement presence at busy intersections
- Increasing communications regarding Airport status via social media and partnerships with CDOT and NCDOT
- Adjusting traffic signals to facilitate a smoother flow of traffic into and around the Airport
- Continuously monitoring roadways and traffic flow and making adjustments as necessary

__Don’t Wing It, Prepare to Fly__

Now is not the time to wing it. The best gameplan is to come prepared. Passengers are encouraged to keep the following tips in mind when flying during the holidays.

- The Airport will be busy. Expect crowds and long lines at security checkpoints.
- Keep an eye on [shuttle bus wait times](https://www.cltairport.com/airport-info/bus-wait-times/) on the CLT Airport App or [website](https://www.cltairport.com/).
- Visit tsa.gov to learn what’s allowed through security checkpoints. Check with your airline for any additional restrictions for what is allowed on your aircraft.
- Monitor estimated [security wait times](https://www.cltairport.com/airport-info/security/) on CLT’s website or app and remember any checkpoint can get you to any gate. Wait times can change frequently, therefore, check often. TSA strives to keep security wait times to 30 minutes or less for standard screening and under 15 minutes for TSA PreCheck®.
- Drivers who are picking up passengers should take advantage of CLT’s free [Cell Phone Lot ](https://www.cltairport.com/parking/parking-options/cell-phone-lot/)located on Josh Birmingham Parkway and wait 20 to 30 minutes after the plane lands before driving to the terminal.

__What’s New at CLT?__

If you have not flown out of CLT recently, the Airport has had a few upgrades over the last few months. Three inner roadway lanes on the Departures/Ticketing level at the terminal entrance opened on Nov. 13.

Passenger walkways between the Hourly Deck and terminal debuted at the end of July. All pedestrians traveling to or from each structure must use those walkways or the underground walkways. Roadway crossings to and from the Hourly Deck are prohibited on the lower level in order to keep traffic moving.

CLT debuted the second expansion of Concourse A on Sept. 17. The 200,000-square-foot addition is home to: seven Delta Air Lines gates, two Frontier Airlines gates and one common use gate. It also has four concessions (Dunkin’, Crown Diner, Great Wagon Road
Distilling Company and Market Place).

__Grab Some Turkey before Takeoff__

If traveling on Thanksgiving Day, Brookwood Farms in the Atrium is offering a traditional holiday meal with turkey, ham, gravy, cornbread dressing, green beans, corn, mashed potatoes and desserts. It’s North Carolina, so of course barbecue also will be on the menu.

__Stay Connected – We Need You!__

CLT is here for all the good vibes this season! Remember to follow, like and subscribe to @cltairport on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/cltairport/), [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/cltairport/) and X for the latest Airport news, updates and travel tips.

CLT Logo 2018 4C

This Thanksgiving, the dinner table has some competition as the hottest holiday destination. The Airport is expecting its biggest travel season yet with an estimated 1.02 million passengers departing CLT Thursday, Nov. 21 through Monday, Dec. 2. That’s 7% above last year.

The busiest days will be the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Saturday, Sunday and Monday after Thanksgiving with over 90,000 departing passengers daily. Projections show on each of those days more than 38,000 local passengers will pass through TSA checkpoints at CLT, outpacing this year’s average of approximately 33,400 daily security screenings.  

CLT Expecting Record-Breaking Holiday Travel Numbers

__Shop and Savor:__

__Discover the Airport's Fresh Concession Offerings__

CLT is keeping the allure alive with seven new concessions that will pamper passengers with delicious food, great shopping and local spirits. 

__D/E Connector__

__Hip & Humble__ is a giftware boutique offering a curated selection of products, including clothing, décor and a large array of locally sourced goods and other trinkets. It’s the perfect pitstop for travelers looking to buy a quick gift for a loved one or spend some time between flights.

__Concourse A Expansion Phase II__

__Dunkin’__ now has its third location at CLT. The store sells more than just its famous variety of delicious donuts. Breakfast sandwiches, bagels, muffins, hash browns, omelet bites, avocado toast, banana chocolate bread and maple sugar bacon can be ordered. Don’t forget the beverage options – coffee, cappuccino, espresso, lattes, refreshers and a variety of other tasty drinks. Dunkin’ also is located in the Atrium and on Concourse E.  

__The Crown__ is a charming, mid-century style diner that offers an all-day dining experience. It’s a must-visit spot for passengers on the go. When it comes to the menu, The Crown Diner elevates the traditional diner experience to new heights with BBQ shrimp and grits, fried-green tomatoes and poutine fries. Stepping into The Crown Diner is like entering a vibrant time capsule with a striking balance of colors and textures that sweep across the space, from floor to ceiling.

__Great Wagon Road Distilling Company__ is one of the oldest distilleries in Charlotte with brick-and-mortar locations in NoDa and Waxhaw. Food options will be available soon. Until then, passengers can delight in a full bar and request some customer favorites, an Old Fashion and Grapefruit Mule to name a few.

__Market Place__ has a little bit of everything. Sandwiches, beverages, candy, snacks, travel pillows, jewelry, t-shirts, baseball caps, candles, periodicals, charging cables and that’s just to start. Drop in to pick up items for travel or leisure.

__Concourse B__

__Queen City Market__ is great spot to find souvenirs celebrating Charlotte and the tar heel state from hoodies to magnets. Look for the colorful coffee cup with the city’s skyline and the Queen Charlotte statue. It’s a keeper.

The one-stop shop sells snacks, drinks, travel pillows, blankets, magazines, books, greeting cards, aspirin, clothing, toys, snowballs, headphones, charging cables, model airplanes and much more.  

__Atrium Near Concourse A__

__Charlotte__ is a compact store that offers a lot. Snacks, beverages, clothing, personal hygiene items and periodicals are all easy to spot. There are even sections designated to technology and inspirational readings.  

CLT also is planning to open the following concessions in coming months:

- The Waterman Fish Bar (Concourse C)
- OMB Biergarten (Concourse D)
- Brighton and Jo Malone (D/E Connector)
- Johnston & Murphy (relocating to the Atrium)
- Dylan’s Candy Bar (relocating to The Plaza)

Airport convenience store with a bright "Charlotte" sign, stocked with snacks, drinks, and souvenirs, as a cashier assists a customer.

CLT is keeping the allure alive with seven new concessions that will pamper passengers with delicious food, great shopping and local spirits. 

What’s New at CLT

Growing up in New Jersey as the daughter of a cross-country truck driver, artist Val Britton developed a fascination with mapping that informs her work. This personal history enriches her narratives, allowing her to connect deeply with her material. For Britton, creating public art is both a privilege and a challenge, as she translates studio work to larger scales. “I never thought I would be able to bring something so personal into work that could be seen by so many people.”

Britton is the Oregon-based artist behind "Where Earth Meets Sky", a stunning 950-square-foot installation in CLT’s new Concourse A Phase II. Her artistic journey began with childhood scribbles and has evolved into a deep commitment to visual storytelling through diverse mediums. Educated at the Rhode Island School of Design, Britton now merges drawing, painting, installation and public art through the lens of abstract mapping. With "Where Earth Meets Sky", she aimed to “create something that uses color and shape and movement to convey some sort of emotional impact.”

Central to her vision is the exploration of emotional landscapes. "Where Earth Meets Sky", a mixed-media collage, embodies this theme by inviting travelers to reflect on their own journeys. “I really wanted to bring something together that referred to land and air, and to this meeting place. I think of airports as these liminal zones where people are in between places - thinking about where they’re coming from and where they’re going and where they locate themselves - so it’s sort of like a collision of different elements.”

Material selection played a crucial role, especially given the natural light in the Concourse. Britton used durable birch plywood and sourced around 95% of her materials by scavenging in Portland. Discovering Charlotte’s unique red clay inspired her to create rustic colors by grinding the clay and bricks from Sugar Creek Greenway into pigment for paint. She also added gold leaf flecks throughout, serving as a source of light and a nod to Charlotte’s gold rush. “Charlotte is both conceptually and physically part of the work,” she explains.

The artistic process spanned several years, culminating in this large-scale piece through collaboration with Magnolia Additions, which utilized UV digital printing to capture various textures and colors. Britton hopes passengers experience vibrancy, complexity, wonder and expansiveness, inviting personal interpretations. “I hope that the viewers will be able to complete the work with their experience, especially since it’s very abstract,” she explains.

Through this mural, Britton not only maps her own journey but also invites others to reflect on theirs, transforming the airport into a canvas of connection and self-exploration.

To see more works of art from Val Britton, [visit her website](https://valbritton.com/).

Airport seating area with passengers waiting, featuring a large abstract mural titled "Where Earth Meets the Sky" by Val Britton, depicting a dynamic blue and white cloudscape.

Growing up in New Jersey as the daughter of a cross-country truck driver, artist Val Britton developed a fascination with mapping that informs her work. This personal history enriches her narratives, allowing her to connect deeply with her material. For Britton, creating public art is both a privilege and a challenge, as she translates studio work to larger scales. “I never thought I would be able to bring something so personal into work that could be seen by so many people.”


"Where Earth Meets Sky" Maps Personal Journey

Charlotte Douglas International Airport debuted the second expansion of Concourse A on Sept. 17, further expanding CLT’s capacity to add more flights and new destinations. The 200,000-square-foot addition is home to: seven Delta Air Lines gates, two Frontier Airlines gates and one common use gate. CLT’s terminal now touts 124 gates and 2.2 million square feet.

“The opening of Concourse A Expansion Phase II marks a significant milestone for CLT and the Destination CLT program,” said CLT Chief Executive Officer Haley Gentry. “This addition not only represents growth, but a dedication to enhancing the overall travel experience. The 10 new gates, unique dining options, artistic touches and cutting-edge innovation reflect a significant investment in our infrastructure and serves as a testament to our vision for building an airport for the future.”

The construction project is part of Destination CLT, the Airport’s $4 billion capital investment program that includes the Terminal Lobby Expansion, Fourth Parallel Runway, Concourse A Expansion Phase I and concourse renovations.

The $241 million expansion serves mainly local passenger traffic, who are travelers beginning their trip at CLT. It’s a customer demographic that has been growing at CLT. Last year, the Airport welcomed 7.8 million local passengers, up 16% from 6.8 million in 2022.

The rise in local passengers has led to construction of the Terminal Lobby Expansion, which is scheduled for completion next fall. The Airport also is preparing for a third expansion of Concourse A in approximately four years that will add six to eight gates.

Expansion Amenities

The Airport’s expansions and renovations symbolize a new day for the 42-year-old terminal that is reinventing itself. The latest Concourse A expansion mimics many of Concourse A Phase I attributes. Providing an open, airy feel, the addition features:

Four concessions (Dunkin’, Crown Diner, Great Wagon Road Distilling Company and Market Place). Learn more about these concessions here.
Auto-tinting window glass to regulate temperature and sunlight
Gate seating and tables with integrated and wireless charging capabilities
Restrooms equipped with water-saving fixtures
A private Mother’s Room located inside the women’s restroom for nursing moms
A 15,000-square foot Delta Sky Club opening by year’s end
But CLT did not to stop there. Portland artist Val Britton’s 950-square-foot art piece “Where Earth Meets Sky” hangs above the mezzanine. Red clay from the area was used in the paint for an additional touch of local flair. Read more details about the artwork and artist.

Experiential Elements

Experiential elements integrated within the new expansion make it a one-of-a-kind experience only found at CLT.

“This is part of a very focused effort to incorporate elements of aviation into the design, much like we do with public art, and add another layer of experience for our customers,” said CLT Chief Infrastructure Officer Jack Christine.

The Wright Brothers’ history-making “First in Flight” comes to life through sight and sound. The walkway connecting Phase I on Concourse A to Phase II contains a light wall that covers the distance of the Wright brothers’ fourth powered flight of 852 feet. As travelers proceed down the walkway, light subtly follows their movement. Listen closely and passengers will hear the Wright Flyer engine overhead.  

Glance slightly down at the terrazzo walkway to find bronze plaques created by artist Greg Stump of Cornelius and floor markings symbolizing the distances of the Wrights’ first four powered flights on that historic Dec. 17, 1903, day near Kitty Hawk, N.C.

One of the most unique stand outs within the new space is a life-sized, 14x40-foot MD-82 aircraft T-Tail installed at the beginning of the concourse pier that greets passengers when they enter the expansion. An outline of an MD-82 is embedded in the terrazzo flooring to show the true size and scale of the aircraft. Weighing 5,000 pounds, the piece was salvaged from Roswell, N.M, reimagined by MotoArt Studio near Los Angeles, and assembled in CLT as a unique centerpiece.

“We are now looking at ways to incorporate more aviation elements in future projects so we can build on what we have,” Christine said. “It’s important to say, we are not competing with public art, it’s additional experiential opportunities.”

Check out more information about the experiential elements in Concourse A Expansion Phase II and Destination CLT projects.

Illuminated airport concourse at night with Delta aircraft parked at gates, ground vehicles, and a modern glass terminal.

Expanding Onwards and Upwards: Concourse A Expansion Phase II Opens

__Destination CLT Updates__

Destination CLT, the Airport’s $4 billion capital improvement program, remains on schedule for two of its biggest projects – the Terminal Lobby Expansion and Fourth Parallel Runway. Both will have big impacts at Charlotte Douglas.

__Terminal Lobby Expansion__

The Airport is approximately a year away from the fall 2025 completion of the Terminal Lobby Expansion (TLE). CLT is adding 175,000 square feet to the current lobby and renovating 191,000 square feet of existing lobby space.  

Upcoming changes are in the works. American Airlines will open another 11 new ticket counters in mid-October. The airline previously opened 11 new ticket counters in July.

The lobby’s upper-level commercial lane is scheduled to open in mid-November. When it does, CLT shuttle buses will drop off passengers on the Departures/Ticketing level. Passengers are now dropped off on the Arrivals/Baggage Claim level.

Checkpoint 2 remains under construction. It is expected to open in late spring or early summer. Checkpoint E will be renamed Checkpoint 3 in early October.

New Baggage Claim devices will debut this fall as well.

__Fourth Parallel Runway__

Construction continues for the Fourth Parallel Runway. Drainage pipe installation and utility work is underway. Grading is progressing and will be underway through mid-2026.

Concrete paving will begin in 2025 and finish in early 2027.

The $1 billion project is on target for a fall 2027 commissioning and opening.

__Road Closures__

CLT permanently closed Marshall Drive and a portion of Old Dowd Road on Sept. 4 due to construction associated with the North End Around Taxiway Project.

Currently, crews are working on a new bridge connecting to Wilkinson Boulevard.

While construction is underway, drivers should follow all detour signage.

The closures impact Airport Overlook visitors as well as local traffic and commuters who use Old Dowd Road to Marshall Drive to access Wilkinson Boulevard.

The North End Around Taxiway project aims to improve safety by eliminating crossings of the center runway.

Busy airport drop-off area with cars, passengers, and ongoing terminal construction under a large glass and steel canopy.

Destination CLT, the Airport’s $4 billion capital improvement program, remains on schedule for two of its biggest projects – the Terminal Lobby Expansion and Fourth Parallel Runway. Both will have big impacts at Charlotte Douglas.

Destination CLT Updates

Four months later a trip to an aviation boneyard in the Mojave Desert sparked inspiration and a plan to make it a reality.  

Today, a MD-82 tail is the centerpiece of Concourse A Expansion Phase II. It’s one of four experiential experiences that is unique to CLT’s latest terminal addition.

__MD-82 Tail__

The MD-82 tail, located near Gate A31, weighs roughly 5,000 pounds, stands 14 feet high and over 40 feet wide. The aircraft it originated from first flew on Jan. 11, 1988, and retired on Dec. 20, 2017.

The tail was salvaged from a boneyard in Roswell, N.M., fabricated outside Los Angeles and assembled inside Concourse A’s expansion.

The outline of the aircraft’s body is visible in the terrazzo flooring, allowing passengers to get a sense of the aircraft’s full scale.

Fun facts about the MD-82s - they were known as a reliable aircraft for short and medium-haul flights. The aircraft could seat 143 passengers and was nicknamed “Mad Dog” due to its noisy takeoffs.

This is not the first time CLT has salvaged plane parts. An engine from a 777 aircraft was transformed into the Airport Info Desk on Ticketing. By the end of the year, CLT plans to install two desks created from a Boeing 747 in Baggage Claim.

“We tried our very best not to just drop something in, but to give it a sense of purpose, an opportunity for education and enlightenment,” Christine said.

__Wright Brothers - First in Flight Journey__

Passengers can follow the length of the Wright Brothers’ first four powered flights along the walkway from Concourse A Expansion Phase I to Phase II. Four plaques and markings embedded in the terrazzo floor signify the distance of the first flight - 120 feet, second flight - 175 feet, third flight - 200 feet and fourth flight - 852 feet.

Sight and sound accompany the Wright’s journey along the way. “When you're walking, sensors will pick up where you are in the light wall which is made-up of these dots of lights that will follow you as you walk along,” Iskra said. “The busier the walkway gets, the more dynamic and active the lights are. But it's not super bright or super disco technique. It's really meant to be a very soft, subtle interaction.”

Accompanying the light wall is an audio component that replicates the sound of the Wright brothers’ airplane flying overhead.

Signage along the walkway details the Wright brothers’ historic flights, fun facts about the MD-82 airplane, CLT’s sustainability initiatives for the Phase II expansion and a brief summary about how a pilot steers an airplane.

“Our goal is to incorporate experiences like this throughout the terminal,” Iskra said. “They'll never be the same, so no matter where you are in our journey there's always something of interest that will inform and entertain passengers around the idea of the philosophy of aviation.”

Informational signage at an airport detailing sustainability, the Wright brothers' first flight, flight control surfaces, and the MD-82 aircraft.

Two years ago, CLT Chief Infrastructure Officer Jack Christine was presented with an ask that he doesn’t receive every day. “We want to put a tail of an MD-80 in the terminal,” requested CLT’s senior architect Dennis Iskra.

“I was a little taken back by it, but excited at the same time,” Christine said. “I am an aviation person at heart, for me, my response was if we can figure out how to do it, I’m game.”

Interactive Passenger Experiences Take Center Stage in New Concourse A Expansion

__Terminal Lobby Expansion__
Work on punch list items, ceiling and electrical for the Terminal Lobby Expansion (TLE) is ongoing. 

The expansion’s east and west skybridges are opening July 31. Read more here about the project.

Crews also will wrap up construction of the 146,000-square foot TLE roadway canopy this fall. It will cover eight lanes of roadway traffic, protecting CLT visitors from inclement weather.  

Recently, American Airlines ticket counters between Checkpoints C and E were temporarily relocated outside to install new baggage belts. The inside ticket counters have since reopened.

The TLE project is adding 175,000 square feet to the terminal lobby and renovating another 191,000 square feet. The completion date remains fall 2025. 

__Concourse A Expansion Phase II__
Concourse A Expansion Phase II is inching closer to its September debut. The baggage handling system has been completed.

Currently, Flight Information Display System monitors and furniture are being placed in the $241 million addition. Crews are putting the final touches on punch list items, such as ceiling tiles, terrazzo and paint. Artwork will go up in early August. 

The 200,000-square-foot expansion will house seven Delta Air Lines gates, two Frontier Airlines gates and one common-use gate.

__Fourth Parallel Runway__
Sanitary sewer realignment is now complete for the Fourth Parallel Runway. Drainage pipe installation and utility work continues. Grading is progressing and will be underway through mid-2026.

Concrete paving will begin in 2025 and finish in early 2027.

The $1 billion project is on target for a fall 2027 commissioning and opening.

__Overlook__
In case you haven’t heard, the Airport’s new Overlook opened June 7.

The seven-acre site features ample regular and accessible parking spaces, covered picnic tables, benches, a retired military jet on display, a USAir Flight 1016 memorial, a food truck staging area, a pet relief area and restrooms.  

The playgrounds have an inclusive Whirl that allows a child in a wheelchair or other mobility device to enjoy the wind in their hair as they spin. There’s also a Sensory Wave Wall with three interactive sensor panels that do not require grip to use.

Situated in between runways, the Overlook provides visitors spectacular views of uptown Charlotte, Crowders Mountain and hundreds of take offs and landings every day.

Located at 5130 Airport Overlook Drive, the Overlook is open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. Admission is free. 

A modern airport concourse under construction, featuring spacious walkways, large skylights, and workers in high-visibility vests actively engaged in the project.

Destination CLT, the Airport’s $4 billion capital investment program, is setting a high bar with expansion and renovation projects elevating the passenger experience.

Charlotte Douglas International Airport hosted send-off celebrations for the USA Women’s Field Hockey and Taekwondo teams as they began their journey to the Paris Olympic Games.

Hundreds of travelers waved American flags and cheered as the athletes walked through the Airport. [CLT staff escorted the teams with a little parade](https://www.instagram.com/reel/C9axASzJagT/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==).

Delta Air Lines, the official airline of Team USA, recognized the athletes with a party at the gate, including red, white and blue cupcakes, a selfie station and gate agents decked out in patriotic gear.

CLT partners Paradies Lagardère and HMSHost went all-out for the athletes, with food and drinks and goodie bags full of snacks for their long flights.

In addition to USA Field Hockey and USA Taekwondo, USA Archery athletes also train in Charlotte.

Team USA Women's Field Hockey players gather at the airport holding a "Good Luck, Team USA!" banner.

USA Taekwondo Team celebrates at the airport, holding a "Good Luck, Team USA!" banner with American flags.

Charlotte Douglas International Airport hosted send-off celebrations for the USA Women’s Field Hockey and Taekwondo teams as they began their journey to the Paris Olympic Games.

CLT Celebrates Charlotte-Based Olympians

CLT is on track to break its 50.2 million passenger record set in 2019.

Mid-year numbers show from January through June 2023 the Airport served 25.5 million passengers, which is up 4% from the 24.6 million who flew to from and through Charlotte Douglas during that same period in 2019.

Passengers traveling abroad from January to June 2023 also jumped 13% from 2019 and rose 36% over 2022.

CLT expects a full recovery from the pandemic in 2023, one year earlier than previously forecasted.

When COVID-19 first hit in 2020, passenger traffic fell 46% from the previous year. During that time, American Airlines chose to focus its hub operations in Charlotte and Dallas to help build back its customer base. As a result, passenger numbers have steadily risen, climbing from 27.2 million in 2020 to nearly 48 million in 2022.

American, which operates its second largest hub at CLT, provides access to more than 170 destinations around the world from Charlotte. This summer the airline will have almost 600 daily departures from CLT during peak times.

Over the last few months, passengers have returned to CLT in historic numbers. June recorded eight of the top 10 busiest days in Airport history for customers screened at TSA security checkpoints.

The remainder of this summer will be just as busy. If you’re planning a getaway trip, **Don’t Fly by the Seat of Your Pants**:

*   Plan ahead.
*   Book your parking when you book your flight. Visit [parkCLT.com](https://www.cltairport.com/parking/) or the CLT Airport App.
*   Be inside the Airport at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight.
*   Check [security wait times](https://www.cltairport.com/airport-info/security/) on CLT’s website or app.
*   Sign up for [TSA PreCheck®](https://www.tsa.gov/precheck) to help expedite your checkpoint screening time.
*   Follow signage inside the terminal.

Connections+Midyear+Passengers+Counts

CLT is on track to break its 50.2 million passenger record set in 2019. Mid-year numbers show from January through June 2023 the Airport served 25.5 million passengers, which is up 4% from the...

Mid-Year Passenger Traffic Outpaces 2019

CLT is on track to break its 53.4 million passenger record set in 2023.

Mid-year numbers show from January through June 2024 the Airport served 29.5 million passengers, which is up 15.6% from the 25.5 million who flew to from and through Charlotte Douglas during that same period in 2023.

In fact, nine out of the 10 busiest days at CLT checkpoints have been this year. The Transportation Security Administration screened more than 40,000 people on each of those days.

Aircraft arrivals and departures also have increased 14.6% to 264,516 from January through June 2024 compared to 230,883 during the first six months of 2023. American, which houses its second largest hub at Charlotte Douglas, is operating its largest summer schedule ever at CLT, serving nearly 75,000 flights between May 17 and Sept. 3.

Looking ahead, there’s no slowing down. The remainder of this summer is expected to see record-high passenger numbers. Seats on the market (the number of seats airlines make available to passengers) for all CLT airlines from July through September are projected to be up 11% from last year. If you’re planning to fly, Don’t Wing It, Prepare to Fly:

- Plan ahead.
- Book your parking when you book your flight. Visit parkCLT.com or the CLT Airport App.
- Be inside the Airport at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight.
- Check security wait times and shuttle bus wait times on CLT’s website or app.
- Sign up for TSA PreCheck® to help expedite your checkpoint screening time.
- Follow signage inside the terminal.

Passengers walk through a busy airport terminal under clear directional signage for gates, exits, and amenities.

CLT is on track to break its 53.4 million passenger record set in 2023.

Mid-year numbers show from January through June 2024 the Airport served 29.5 million passengers, which is up 15.6% from the 25.5 million who flew to from and through Charlotte Douglas during that same period in 2023.

Mid-Year Passenger Numbers Climb

When the Airport’s fourth parallel runway opens in fall 2027, the benefits will have an immediate impact for passengers and airlines.

The new runway will provide a 20% to 25% increased capacity for arrivals and departures, more flight options, fewer delays, less time spent on the airfield for departures and landings and reduced aircraft fuel and emissions burned.

This enhanced airfield efficiency is estimated to create more than $13 billion of savings in aircraft operating costs and passenger time over a 30-year period.

“We continue to see increased operations and increased passenger growth,” said CLT’s Chief Infrastructure Officer Jack Christine. “We are well beyond the need for an additional runway to help deal with the volume of traffic that we have in Charlotte. The fourth parallel runway allows us to separate arrivals and departures on the center runways, which increases the capacity for the airfield overall and the airspace. An integral part of our continued growth is bringing the new runway online as part of the capital program.”

Last year, CLT oversaw 505,589 arrivals and departures and averages more than 1,500 a day. CLT is the seventh busiest airport in the world, according to the Airports Council International 2022 rankings.

The Airport broke ground June 9 on the 10,000-foot runway with over 100 attendees gathered on the airfield to celebrate the occasion. Event speakers were Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis of N.C., CLT’s CEO Haley Gentry and American Airlines’ Chief Operating Officer David Seymour.

“Growth in Charlotte is good for everyone who relies on this airport including American, the customers we serve and our team members,” said Seymour at the runway’s groundbreaking event. “A new runway inherently means an increased capacity to meet our future demand. It means we can better serve our customers, and that's good for the city of Charlotte. That's good for this Airport, and it's good for this entire region.”

The $1.006 billion airfield project is one of three runways being built in the country. The last runway CLT commissioned was its third parallel runway (Runway 18R/36L) on Feb. 12, 2010.

The new runway will be built between the current 18R/36L and 18C/36C runways and will include two end-around taxiways. The South End-Around Taxiway project will require a one-mile relocation of West Boulevard between Piney Top Road and Byrum Drive.

The North End-Around Taxiway warranted the relocation of the [Airport Overlook](https://www.cltairport.com/community/airport-overlook/), a one-mile segment of Old Dowd Road and the construction of Airport Beacon Lane, which is adjacent to the Airport’s Long Term 1 parking lot.

These taxiways will improve safety, decrease congestion and provide continuous movement for aircraft, therefore, reducing their operating times and aircraft emissions.

Crews began clearing land last year. The final runway design will be completed in summer 2024. Paving will start in 2025. The entire project is scheduled to wrap up in 2027 with commissioning occurring in fall of that year.

The new runway primarily will be used for departures, while existing Runway 18C/36C will mainly handle arrivals. Runway 18R/36L will continue to be used for arrivals and Runway 18L/36R will receive both arrivals and departures.

The runway project will require seven million cubic yards of earth work and 600,000 cubic yards of concrete. Upon its opening, CLT will be one of eight airports in the country with at least four parallel runways in operation.

Connections+Runway Aerials+July+2023

When the Airport’s fourth parallel runway opens in fall 2027, the benefits will have an immediate impact for passengers and airlines. The new runway will provide a 20% to 25% increased capacity...

Passengers, Airlines to Benefit from 4th Runway

The way many travelers enter Charlotte Douglas International Airport has become safer and more efficient. The change also will keep vehicle traffic flowing in front of the terminal.

Starting today (July 31), customers walking between the terminal lobby and the Hourly Deck, or the Rental Car Facility will no longer have to cross eight lanes of traffic. Pedestrians will use either the newly constructed skybridges or the underground walkways.

“It’s a pretty significant milestone and an important part of the overall Terminal Lobby Expansion (TLE) project,” said CLT Chief Infrastructure Officer Jack Christine.

The TLE is a six-year project that is scheduled to be complete in fall 2025. It is part of Destination CLT, the Airport’s $4 billion capital investment in capacity enhancements. The TLE is transforming the terminal, which was built in 1982 to accommodate 2.8 million travelers a year. In 2023, CLT passenger traffic reached a record 53.4 million.

View the new entryway to and from the terminal.

__Skybridges__

Two overhead walkways connect the Hourly Deck with the terminal lobby. The new 146,000-square-foot canopy protects people from the elements during the short walk.

The safety walls on the skybridges are made of glass, enabling an unobstructed view of the uptown Charlotte skyline.

Once inside the terminal, visitors will have an entirely new perspective of the lobby. The full Ticketing area is visible from the skybridges. The Queen Charlotte statue, which is perched on a 30-foot plinth, is at eye level.

Entering the lobby on this level is most efficient for people beginning their journey. Travelers can take an elevator, escalator or stairs down to the Ticketing area.

When greeted by spectacular art created in the terrazzo flooring, people may want to linger on the skybridges for a minute or two.

__Catawba Ways:__ This tribute to the [Catawba Indian Nation](https://www.catawba.com/index.php) is located on the east skybridge. It includes a depiction of the Catawba River, along which the native people lived for thousands of years. Artist Janelle Lane Stanley incorporated items of significance to the Catawba Nation into the design, including pottery. Catawba potters still pass on their art to new generations.
[Janelle Stanley reveals the historical relevance of Catawba Ways in this video.](https://youtu.be/8ZToO9Hza14)

__Garden Carpet:__ A bouquet of large magnolias, dogwoods and camellias, this design on the west skybridge is a tribute to the breathtaking colors that bloom in the Carolinas each spring. Artist Susan Brenner, who used to teach at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, was inspired by the profusion of flowers and culture of gardening.
[Susan Brenner reflects on her inspiration for Garden Carpet in this video.](https://youtu.be/ESZB0kt7uds)

__Underground Walkways__

The two underground walkways that connect the Hourly Deck with the lower level of the terminal are an ideal route for people greeting travelers arriving in Charlotte. It’s also convenient for passengers who have just picked up their luggage and are headed to the Rental Car Facility or the Hourly Deck. The [Valet Parking deck](https://www.cltairport.com/parking/parking-options/valet/) is in the west underground walkway as well.

Travelers can easily move from Baggage Claim to the underground walkways using a staircase, escalator or an elevator.

Though these paths are underground, there is nothing drab about them.

“We really did try to deliberately enhance the experience by incorporating art into the design,” said Christine.

Both underground walkways feature creations from artists Catherine Widgery and Scott Parsons.

__Restless Sea/Restless Sky:__ Travelers see their own reflection while walking past Widgery’s images of waves and clouds, drawing us into the experience and creating a light and airy sense of place.
Watch the video.

__Carolina in the Morning/Carolina Moon:__ Parsons’ terrazzo sculptures are a rich, visual tapestry that interweaves themes of music, flight, regional flora and fauna and a sense of joy.

__Stunning Canopy__

Construction of the 146,000-square foot glass roadway canopy will finish this fall. It covers the terminal’s eight-lane roadway and skybridges, protecting Airport visitors from inclement weather. The architectural structure is a sight to behold when approaching the terminal.

__Elevated Passenger Experience__

While it may take time for CLT customers to get used to the new way of accessing the terminal from the Hourly Deck, the skybridges and underground walkways elevate the Airport experience in many ways.

- Vehicles on the lower level will no longer be stopped, so pedestrians can cross. This will keep traffic flowing and reduce back-ups.
- Visitors will take a safer, covered and traffic-free path to the terminal.
- People can choose the route that most efficiently takes them where they want to go.
- The space incorporates Carolinas-inspired art that honors and reflects the region’s beauty and rich history.

The TLE will wrap up in 2025. It will include modern ticket counters, three large security checkpoints and five pre-security concession spaces.

“The completed Terminal Lobby Expansion will be spectacular,” Christine said. “It will be modern, spacious, filled with natural light and worth the wait. Our passengers will definitely be impressed.”

Follow CLT on X (formerly Twitter), [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/cltairport/) and [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/cltairport/) for the latest news and information.

Traveler with a backpack and rolling suitcase walks across an airport skybridge with a leashed service dog at night.

The way many travelers enter Charlotte Douglas International Airport has become safer and more efficient. The change also will keep vehicle traffic flowing in front of the terminal.

Starting today (July 31), customers walking between the terminal lobby and the Hourly Deck, or the Rental Car Facility will no longer have to cross eight lanes of traffic. Pedestrians will use either the newly constructed skybridges or the underground walkways.

Skybridges, Walkways Open to Travelers

The action item of the day is Pack Your Bags. The following new nonstop flights are arriving at CLT:

__American Airlines__

Aug. 10 – Quebec City, Canada (seasonal through Nov. 2)
Dec. 7 – St. Vincent and Grenadines (Saturday only service)

__Frontier Airlines__

Aug. 13 – Boston (daily)

__Viva Aerobus__

Aug. 26 – Cancun, Mexico (once a week)

CLT offers nonstop air service to 186 destinations around the globe and is home to eight major air carriers, 15 regional carriers and three foreign flag carriers.

__New Concessions Popping Up Everywhere__

- Shopping and dining options at CLT keep getting better. The Airport is planning to open the following retail stores and restaurants by the end of this year and will relocate a few popular hot spots as well.

__Concourse A Expansion Phase II__

- Dunkin’ (the third Dunkin’ at CLT) - serving donuts galore, along with hot and cold beverages
- Crown Diner – perfect for grabbing all-day breakfast, burgers, sandwiches, salads, cocktails and more
- Great Wagon Road Distilling Co. - a great spot to sip on cocktails made with spirits from Charlotte’s oldest distillery
- Marketplace - stop by to pick up snacks, beverages, food-to-go, electronics, health & beauty, publications, souvenirs and apparel

__Concourse B__

- Queen City News & Gifts (relocating from the Atrium) - something for everyone - snacks, drinks, periodicals, knick-knacks and must-have travel items

__Concourse C__

- The Waterman Fish Bar - a popular local restaurant featuring classic seafood dishes, Southern inspiration and new spins on old favorites

__Concourse D__

- OMB Biergarten – Old Mecklenburg Brewery, a Charlotte brewery that boasts fresh, pure, premium-quality beer

__D/E Connector__

- Hip & Humble – a specialty gift shop where you’ll find hip clothes, accessories and home items
- Brighton (relocating from the Atrium) – jazzing up outfits with eye-catching accessories from jewelry and handbags to footwear
- Jo Malone – selling iconic perfumes and home products that soothe the soul

__Atrium__

- Johnston & Murphy (relocating from the D/E Connector) - a retail store known for its high-quality women and men’s apparel, footwear and accessories
- Charlotte – the selection of items is endless, including snacks, beverages, health and beauty, electronics, souvenirs, apparel and some local/regional products

__The Plaza__

- Dylan’s Candy Bar (relocating from the Atrium) - a candy lover’s dream, offering a wide variety of sweets that will satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth.

A stylish airport diner with modern decor, warm lighting, and a lively atmosphere welcomes travelers.

The action item of the day is Pack Your Bags. The following new nonstop flights are arriving at CLT:

American Airlines

Aug. 10 – Quebec City, Canada (seasonal through Nov. 2)
Dec. 7 – St. Vincent and Grenadines (Saturday only service)

What’s New at CLT - Book Your Next Flight

For the second consecutive year, Charlotte Douglas International Airport is the most financially efficient North American airport with more than 40 million passengers, according to a top academic research organization in the air transportation sector.

CLT Chief Financial Officer Michael Hill accepted the award July 3 at the Air Transport Research Society (ATRS) World Conference in Lisbon, Portugal.

“Being recognized for financial efficiency by the ATRS is validation of everything we have been communicating for many decades,” said Hill. “Providing the highest quality product for the lowest possible cost is a commitment we have made to our partners, credit agencies and our community.”

The awards are the result of the ATRS Global Airport Performance Benchmarking Task Force’s year-long research into several important aspects of operations, including productivity, efficiency, cost competitiveness and financial results. The group studies 205 airports and 24 airport groups of various sizes and ownership forms in Asia Pacific, Europe and North America.

A striking modern sculpture with tall, curved blue panels reaches toward the sky, illuminated by the sun.

For the second consecutive year, Charlotte Douglas International Airport is the most financially efficient North American airport with more than 40 million passengers, according to a top academic research organization in the air transportation sector.

CLT Chief Financial Officer Michael Hill accepted the award July 3 at the Air Transport Research Society (ATRS) World Conference in Lisbon, Portugal.

CLT Named Most Financially Efficient Airport

CLT launched its My CLT video series in April on the Airport’s social media platforms.

The videos highlight aviation employees, capturing in their own words - why they love working at CLT, as well as the benefits of being employed at the 7th busiest airport in the world.

Charlotte Douglas will be posting a new video every month with the tagline: Land at CLT, Soar to New Heights over the next few months.

Watch the first two videos of the My CLT campaign featuring Safety Management System Operations Manager Logan Moran and Security Operations Supervisor Terasia Arrington.

__Catch New Nonstop Flights at CLT__

There’s no time like now to start planning your next adventure. New nonstop flights launching at CLT this year are:

__American Airlines__

June 5

- Vancouver, British Columbia
- Spokane, Washington and Jackson Hole, Wyoming (seasonal through Sept. 3)

__June 8__

- Bozeman, Montana and Calgary, Canada (seasonal through Sept. 3)

__Aug. 10__

- Quebec City, Canada (seasonal through Nov. 2)

__Dec. 7__

- St. Vincent and Grenadines (Saturday only service)

__Frontier Airlines__

July 5

- Miami, Florida (three times a week)

__Viva Aerobus__

Aug. 26

- Cancun, Mexico (once a week)

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

__Destination CLT Updates__

Destination CLT, the Airport’s $4 billion capital investment program, is on the move.  

__Terminal Lobby Expansion__

The Terminal Lobby Expansion’s (TLE) west and east skybridges that will connect the Hourly Deck to the terminal will open this summer.

Other big news, the 146,000-square-foot TLE glass canopy is scheduled for a fall completion.

The $608 million TLE project is adding 175,000 square feet and renovating another 191,000 square feet of the terminal lobby. Construction will conclude in fall 2025.

__Concourse A Expansion Phase II__

Concourse A Expansion Phase II ceiling tiles, flooring, plumbing and electrical installation are nearly finished. Signage also is going up throughout the $241 million addition.

The 200,000-square-foot expansion is scheduled to open in September with seven Delta Air Lines gates, two Frontier Airlines gates and one common-use gate.

__Fourth Parallel Runway__

CLT has graded nearly 1 million of the 7 million cubic yards of dirt needed for the Fourth Parallel Runway. Grading will be on-going through this year, 2025 and wrap up by mid-2026.

Concrete paving will commence in 2025 and conclude in early 2027.

Marking, fencing, lighting and signage will start as early as 2025. The $1 billion runway remains on schedule for a fall 2027 commissioning.

__New Overlook__

You heard it here first. The new Overlook will begin welcoming visitors in June. The site includes two age specific playgrounds, picnic tables, a bus staging area, aircraft displays, restrooms and a memorial to US Airways Flight 1016.

It is located on Airport property just west of the previous location off Marshall Drive.

The approximately seven-acre site maintains the spectacular airfield, skyline and terminal views that locals and plane spotters have enjoyed for decades.

A CLT Airport Operations Security team member, Terasia Arrington, ensures a safe and welcoming travel experience.

What’s Happening at CLT - Land at CLT, Soar to New Heights

The countdown has begun. The Sullenberger Aviation Museum, formerly Carolinas Aviation Museum, is opening June 1.

Tickets for opening day are already sold out but are available for other days during the operating hours of 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday.

“Visitors can expect both a celebration of the Carolinas’ rich aviation history and a look to the future as we foster opportunity in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields throughout the region,” said Stephen Saucier, president of Sullenberger Aviation Museum.

The three-building campus, located at 4108 Minuteman Way, includes a welcome center, main exhibit hall and a preserved historic hangar complemented by an outdoor plaza with additional historic aircraft and views of CLT’s airfield. 

Awaiting aviation enthusiasts of all ages are more than 45 historic aircraft, flight simulators, immersive multimedia, interactive exhibits and Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education programs.

The $32 million facility is named after Capt. C.B. “Sully” Sullenberger, who landed Charlotte-bound US Airways Flight 1549 safely in the Hudson River on Jan. 15, 2009. All 155 people on board survived. The incident became known as the “Miracle on the Hudson.” The plane is a main attraction at the museum.

“I feel most hopeful about the opportunities the museum will bring to our neighbors in west Charlotte and communities who have traditionally been underrepresented in the aviation industry, especially women and people of color,” Saucier said. “Aviation is one of the most transformative industries in the world, yet it’s historically only been accessible to financially advantaged communities. That’s why a primary focus of the museum will be providing exposure and equitable access to students for career exploration in fields related to STEM, which are vitally important to driving innovation and economic growth and mobility.”

Museum admission is $24 for adults, $20 for seniors (age 65+), veterans, military and educators and $18 for students (ages 5 to 17). Children under 5 years old are free. Annual memberships also are available for purchase on the museum’s website.

More information can be found on the [museum’s website](https://www.sullenbergeraviation.org/).

Exhibit at Sullenberger Aviation Museum featuring the Miracle on the Hudson aircraft with impact damage and tribute display.

The countdown has begun. The Sullenberger Aviation Museum, formerly Carolinas Aviation Museum, is opening June 1.

Tickets for opening day are already sold out but are available for other days during the operating hours of 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Sullenberger Aviation Museum Opening June 1

CLT visited the dark side for the terminal’s 42nd birthday on May 2, welcoming Star Wars characters to help celebrate.

The Airport’s current terminal opened on May 2, 1982. Since the anniversary was close to Star Wars Day on May 4, the two events were combined to create an out of this world birthday.

Darth Vader, two stormtroopers, along with an imperial officer and Grand Admiral Thrawn were greeted with comments such as “No way, this can’t be real” and “You have got to be kidding” as the Empire took over CLT for 90 minutes.

Passengers and Airport staff posed for pictures with the iconic villains in the Atrium and picked up a special birthday/Star Wars themed cookie and CLT water bottle.

Videos and photos were posted on the Airport’s social media for Star Wars Day on May 4 and received lots of fun reactions.

- “A far away galaxy and they still have to connect through Charlotte. Seems about right,” @jesseleftwich said on Instagram.
- “I’m sure that brightened people’s day while waiting for their flights,” Vernecia Hartsfield said on Facebook.
- “The Force is strong with this Airport,” Drew Cheshire said on X (formerly Twitter).

Darth Vader and crew also got into some mischief while at CLT. [Watch what they were up to.](https://youtu.be/9KQzPiy8nnQ?si=UIlO3KlHTHjFKxqV)

CLT visited the dark side for the terminal’s 42nd birthday on May 2, welcoming Star Wars characters to help celebrate.

The Airport’s current terminal opened on May 2, 1982. Since the anniversary was close to Star Wars Day on May 4, the two events were combined to create an out of this world birthday.

Darth Vader, two stormtroopers, along with an imperial officer and Grand Admiral Thrawn were greeted with comments such as “No way, this can’t be real” and “You have got to be kidding” as the Empire took over CLT for 90 minutes.

A Galaxy Far, Far Away Invades CLT’s Birthday

Charlotte Douglas International Airport is preparing for the busiest summer travel season ever. After surpassing the local passenger record during spring break, enthusiasm for exploring shows no signs of slowing down.

Summer travel is expected to rise 14% higher than last year and jump 24% over 2019.

About 8.1 million local and connecting passengers will fly out of and connect through Charlotte this June, July and August. That’s one million more people than the same time last year, an increase greater than the entire city of Charlotte population.

Those travelers want to get to their destinations safely and expeditiously. That’s exactly what the 20,000 employees at CLT want too. We are on this journey together.

__Terminal Lobby Improvements __

American Airlines, which operates approximately 90% of flights at Charlotte Douglas, is deploying updated kiosks to provide a faster and more reliable check-in experience. The airline is also adding a second bag drop in the lobby to improve overall customer flow during peak periods.

CLT is advancing the successful strategies deployed for spring break travel:

Additional Airport personnel in the lobby to direct passengers
Increased communications about Airport operations on social media and through partnerships with Charlotte and North Carolina Departments of Transportation
Adjustments to traffic signals to keep traffic flowing into and around the Airport

__Don’t Wing It, Prepare to Fly__

Plan your journey as much as possible and use all the Airport’s information tools to ensure a smooth travel experience. Download the CLT Airport app or visit cltairport.com to check TSA wait times, shuttle bus wait times, view Airport maps, find a restaurant, order food in advance and so much more.

__Parking__

Book parking in advance either [online](https://www.cltairport.com/parking) or on the CLT Airport app to guarantee a spot and receive the best available rate.

*Insider tip: [Sign up](https://subscribe.cltairport.com/subscribe) for CLT parking emails to get the latest offers and promotions delivered to your inbox.

__Give Yourself Time__

Plan to be inside the Airport at least two hours before domestic flights, three hours before international travel.

If you’re checking a bag, you may want to budget a little extra time in case the bag drop line is longer than expected.

Know that the busiest days for local travel will be Thursdays, Fridays and Mondays.

__Ask the Experts__

Airport employees wearing easy-to-spot yellow vests will be on hand to answer questions and help direct you to where you need to go.

CLT social media followers recently shared their personal travel tips:

__Dress for Success:__

“Wear shoes that easily come off for going through security.” - @gaillardsmith10

“Wear a comfortable outfit suitable for your destination then add layers to stay comfortable on the plane. If you have a long flight, wear compression socks.” - @lizo830

__Packing like a Pro__

“Only pack what you really need … it leaves more room for souvenirs on the way back!” – @tul_aviator

“In your carry on always have a travel toothbrush, deodorant, fresh wipes, a spare top and a snack in case your luggage is delayed.” – Tina Partyka

“Bring a refillable water bottle. Backpacks make a great carry on with lots of pockets and they fit easily under the seat.” – @bptm224
__
Some of our favorites:__

“Get to the Airport early to plane spot and explore the terminal!” – @barharmie_aviation

“Listen to instructions from Airport and airline staff attentively. Ignoring them could lead to delays or even a cameo appearance on the TSA’s watchlist.” – @alocalexpat

“Go earlier than you think you need to! Better to be stuck at the Airport waiting for your flight than stuck at the customer service counter because you missed your flight.” – @inflightkam

“Book your parking spot online ahead of time.” – @gymnastalexa (We couldn’t have said it better ourselves!)

“Get TSA PreCheck®, arrive early, take time to enjoy the rocking chairs and pet the Canine Crew volunteers.” – Reggie Mathis

“Listen to your mother!” – Steven Alvarez

A crowded airport security checkpoint with passengers waiting in line, highlighting the busy travel season and checkpoint procedures.

Charlotte Douglas International Airport is preparing for the busiest summer travel season ever. After surpassing the local passenger record during spring break, enthusiasm for exploring shows no signs of slowing down.

Summer travel is expected to rise 14% higher than last year and jump 24% over 2019.

Summer Travel Season Is Heating Up

 Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is one of the busiest airports in the world. It is home to the second largest hub for the world’s largest airline, American Airlines.

With an average of 1,400 arrivals and departures each day, CLT is more airport than a city of Charlotte’s size needs. So, how did CLT become the major hub it is today?

CLT didn’t achieve this status overnight nor did it happen by accident. A series of forward-thinking city leaders, airline industry deregulation and key partnerships paved the way.

__Charlotte Municipal Airport__

When the Charlotte Municipal Airport, as it was called, first opened in 1936 the United States was deep in the Great Depression. But President Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal was giving funding to cities that hired the unemployed. That’s how Charlotte’s first little airport was built.

Mayor Ben Douglas saw an opportunity to thrust the Queen City into greatness by creating a first-class airport. He worked with the War Department to buy more land and turn the Airport into an air base that was called Morris Field. After World War II, Charlotte took ownership back and renamed it Douglas Municipal Airport.

__New Terminals, New Business__

Business really started to take off after a new terminal opened in 1954. Eastern Airlines made Douglas Municipal a hub in the 1960s. Winston-Salem-based Piedmont Airlines also started flying through Charlotte and wanted to bring in bigger jets. In the 1970s, Douglas Municipal Airport once again expanded, adding a second parallel runway, a new control tower and a new terminal.

Two events that happened in the late 1970s had major impacts on CLT: Congress deregulated the air travel industry, and an engineer named Jerry Orr left his family surveying business and came to work for the Airport.

Deregulation ended 40 years of government control over where airlines could fly and how much they could charge. Thomas Davis, founder of Piedmont Airlines wanted to fly more planes in and out of Charlotte, there just wasn’t enough room.

“Mr. Davis told me what he envisioned for the airline and asked me how we could make space for him here,” said Orr, who was Airport engineer at the time. “I took a piece of scratch paper and drew it out for him. He didn’t say anything. He just folded up that paper and put it in his pocket, and I knew what he was thinking.”

On April 25, 1982, Charlotte opened the new terminal with 25 gates in two concourses (Concourse B and Concourse C). That same day, Piedmont established its hub in Charlotte with 86 daily flights. The Airport was renamed Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Big things were on the horizon.

__Why Charlotte?__

Why did Piedmont Airlines choose to put its hub in Charlotte instead of Greensboro? Greensboro was closer to its headquarters in Winston-Salem. But Orr helped convince airline leaders to choose Charlotte.

Orr instilled his philosophy of providing the highest quality product for the lowest possible cost at the core of CLT’s business model, and it worked.

Two years after establishing its hub in Charlotte, Piedmont’s monthly customer traffic had nearly tripled. The airline accounted for about 70% of Charlotte Douglas Airport traffic, and that number would only grow.

__Partners in Good Times and in Bad__

When USAir bought Piedmont in 1989, it created the nation’s seventh largest airline. And as USAir grew, so did Charlotte Douglas. In 1994, the Airport built the Atrium to connect Concourse B and Concourse C, so travelers had more room to change flights.

USAir became US Airways in the 1990s. Its main hub was in Pittsburgh, but when that airport raised its prices following a costly renovation, the airline moved more flights to Charlotte. Orr, who was Airport director at the time, vowed to keep fees low, a philosophy that remains at CLT today.

US Airways is now American Airlines. Through all those mergers, a couple of bankruptcies, a terrorist attack and a global pandemic, the airline and CLT have worked together to get through the hard times and thrive during times of prosperity.

During one of US Airways’ bankruptcies, Orr temporarily deferred the airline’s landing fees at CLT. He knew it was in Charlotte’s best interest that the airline survive.

The gesture left a lasting impression on Terri Pope, who ran the US Airways hub at the time. “Jerry (Orr) really understood relationships,” Pope said.

“I can tell you there’s no other aviation director in the world who would have stepped out and done such a crazy thing, but he saw the future and what that meant. So, a little bit of sacrifice at that time is the reason the airline is still here.”

Today, American operates 90% of the gates at CLT and this summer the airline is ramping up to nearly 700 daily flights out of Charlotte.

__Still Thriving__

Charlotte Douglas continues to grow with the Airport’s capital improvement program Destination CLT, which includes the Terminal Lobby Expansion, concourse renovations and work underway on a Fourth Parallel Runway. And construction is likely to continue.

“I think we are on the cusp of several years of intense capital development,” said CLT CEO Haley Gentry. “This next evolution of the Airport will be focused on how to continue to grow the hub and our place in the community in a way that gives our customers and neighbors what they need.”

CLT is in the process of building a new front door to the Airport known as the Destination District. Planners envision a bustling commercial development with office space, a conference center and hotels, gas stations, restaurants and more.

Charlotte Douglas is the seventh busiest airport in the world for arrivals and departures, according to Airports Council International’s 2023 preliminary rankings. CLT contributes $32 billion a year to the North Carolina economy and more than 20,000 people work onsite.

It’s a far cry from Charlotte Municipal Airport’s humble beginnings, and this crown jewel of the Queen City continues to flourish.

A lineup of American Airlines planes at the airport, with the control tower and terminal buildings in the background, highlighting the busy hub operations.

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is one of the busiest airports in the world. It is home to the second largest hub for the world’s largest airline, American Airlines.

With an average of 1,400 arrivals and departures each day, CLT is more airport than a city of Charlotte’s size needs. So, how did CLT become the major hub it is today?

How CLT Became a Major Airline Hub

Forty-four families boarded a flight to nowhere at CLT on April 13 that turned into a trip of a lifetime.  

It was part of Wings for All, an annual event hosted by CLT, Delta Air Lines and The Arc. The program gives people who have intellectual disabilities the opportunity to become familiar with the unique process of air travel without the real-life stress that sometimes goes along with it.

Participants learned how to check in with an airline, pass through security, find their assigned gate and board a plane. Airport volunteers helped guide them every step of the way.

The event also featured the CLT Canine Crew and food compliments of Whitman and May and SB&J.

[Read about a Cabarrus County teen’s experience at Wings for All.](https://cltairport.mediaroom.com/Wings_For_All_Travel)

__Golf Tournament Hits Fundraising All-Time High__

The fifth annual CLT Charity Golf Tournament raised a record-breaking $117,650 for Charlotte Community Health Clinic’s medical and dental centers at the Goodwill Opportunity Campus. The health clinic provides medical and dental care and behavioral health services for children and adults regardless of their ability to pay.

The tournament, hosted by CLT Airport Community Partnerships, welcomed 144 golfers to Cramer Mountain Club in Cramerton on April 22. 

Airport Community Partnerships is a group of companies that operate out of, are based in, or have business with the CLT who come together to make a difference in the community. 

Since it first teed off in 2019, the golf tournament has raised more than $479,449 for local nonprofits that have included: Renaissance West Community Initiative, Habitat for Humanity’s Meadows at Plato Price community and Freedom School Partners.

__Airport Job Fair Promotes Aviation Careers__

The Airport’s Annual Job Fair drew 601 interested applicants to Bojangles Coliseum on April 27, one of its largest crowds ever. 

Hundreds of full-, part-time, seasonal and temporary positions were available from entry level to managerial work.

The Aviation Department, Charlotte Water, Transportation Security Administration, HMSHost, Paradies Lagardère and the Aviation Institute of Maintenance attended. In all, the event featured opportunities from 27 different employers with some offering onsite interviews.

CLT is one of the largest employers in the Charlotte region, creating 151,575 jobs for North Carolina residents, according to the N.C. Department of Transportation. More than 20,000 people work for the Airport and its business partners.

[Learn about the various job opportunities available at the Airport.](https://www.cltairport.com/careers/)

Passengers settle in for their flight during the Wings for All program, an inclusive travel experience at CLT Airport.

CLT Airport Job Fair attendee speaks with a recruiter about career opportunities and employment benefits.

Forty-four families boarded a flight to nowhere at CLT on April 13 that turned into a trip of a lifetime.  

It was part of Wings for All, an annual event hosted by CLT, Delta Air Lines and The Arc. The program gives people who have intellectual disabilities the opportunity to become familiar with the unique process of air travel without the real-life stress that sometimes goes along with it.

CLT Community Connections - Wings for All Sparks Travel Bug

CLT remains seventh worldwide and nationwide for arrivals and departures, according to Airports Council International (ACI) 2023 preliminary rankings that were released in early April.

Charlotte Douglas lands ninth nationwide and 22nd worldwide for passenger traffic.

The rankings come on the heels of a record-breaking year as CLT surpassed its all-time passenger record. Charlotte welcomed 53.4 million passengers in 2023, a 12% jump from 47.8 million passengers in 2022 and 6.5% above the previous record of 50.2 million passengers in 2019.

Aircraft traffic increased 6.6% from 2022 even with airlines focusing on mainline activity and flying larger aircraft. CLT logged 539,066 arrivals and departures in 2023, up from 505,589 in 2022.

“Last year was the busiest in our history and the rankings reflect the eagerness of passengers to return to the sky,” said CLT Chief Executive Officer Haley Gentry. “Thanks to the strength of the American Airlines hub, CLT surpassed pandemic recovery projections by an entire year, and 2024 is shaping up to be our busiest year yet.”

In fact, Airport numbers this year are on pace to exceed last year’s record. Through the first four months of 2024 (January – April), passenger traffic is 16% higher than last year and aircraft operations are up 13%.

Final ACI rankings will be released later this summer or early fall.

An airport scene featuring multiple American Airlines planes parked at the gate, with one aircraft taxiing on the runway, highlighting the airport's busy operations.

CLT remains seventh worldwide and nationwide for arrivals and departures, according to Airports Council International (ACI) 2023 preliminary rankings that were released in early April.

Charlotte Douglas lands ninth nationwide and 22nd worldwide for passenger traffic.

The rankings come on the heels of a record-breaking year as CLT surpassed its all-time passenger record. Charlotte welcomed 53.4 million passengers in 2023, a 12% jump from 47.8 million passengers in 2022 and 6.5% above the previous record of 50.2 million passengers in 2019.

CLT Remains 7th Busiest Airport Worldwide

Additional flights, new concessions, an Airport Job Fair, the annual CLT Charity Golf tournament and a Wings for All event – whew! CLT has a lot scheduled this spring and summer. Check out what’s around the terminal at CLT.

__New Flights Heading to Charlotte__

More flights are coming to CLT.

- American Airlines is starting daily flights to Tulum, Mexico (TQO) on March 28.
- Frontier Airlines kicks off service four times a week to Cincinnati (CVG) on May 16.
- Spirit Airlines will fly daily to Houston (IAH) beginning on June 5.

Charlotte Douglas offers nonstop service to 180 destinations, including 36 international locations and three U.S. territories.

__Looking for a High-Flying Career?__  

Land at CLT and soar to new heights by attending the Airport’s annual job fair from 9 a.m. to noon on April 27 at Bojangles Coliseum.

Hundreds of full- and part-time, seasonal and temporary positions are available from entry level to managerial. Participating employers include American Airlines, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), HMSHost, Paradies Lagardère, City of Charlotte Aviation Department and various other city departments.   

Visit [cltairport.com/careers](https://www.cltairport.com/careers/) to view current job openings.

Dress for the job fair is business professional. Attendees should bring multiple copies of their resume. Some onsite interviews and conditional offers may be available during the event.

CLT is one of the largest employers in the Charlotte region, creating 169,390 jobs for North Carolina residents, according to the N.C. Department of Transportation. More than 20,000 people work for the Airport and its business partners.

__Wings for All Returns in April__

Charlotte Douglas International Airport, in partnership with Delta Air Lines and The Arc, is hosting [Wings for All](https://www.cltairport.com/community/clt-events/wings-for-all/) on Saturday, April 13.

The nationwide program provides people with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families with a “dress rehearsal” opportunity to experience and acclimate to airport stimuli.

During the event, participants will check-in to receive boarding passes, pass through a TSA security checkpoint, wait in the boarding area and board an aircraft (that may taxi, but does not take off).

__Golf Tournament Ready to Tee Off__

Airport Community Partnerships’ (ACP) 2024 [CLT Charity Golf Tournament](https://www.cltairport.com/community/golf-tournament/) is teeing off 9:30 a.m. on April 22 at Cramer Mountain Club with 144 golfers.

This year’s beneficiary is Charlotte Community Health Clinic’s medical and dental centers at the Goodwill Opportunity Campus. There are currently more than 50 event sponsors, but a few tee box sponsorship spots are still available. Visit  [CLTcharitygolf.net](https://www.cltcharitygolf.net/) for more information.  

The golf tournament debuted in 2019 and has since raised nearly $362,000 for local nonprofit organizations.

ACP is comprised of companies that operate out of, are based in, or have business with Charlotte Douglas International Airport. The Airport and its business partners come together through the ACP to make a difference in the community.

__New Places to Shop, Dine Coming Soon__

With more than 100 terminal concessions, there’s no shortage of great spots to shop, dine and relax at CLT.

Bon appètit. la Madeleine, a French style bakery, recently opened on Concourse C, offering sandwiches, pasta, salads, soups, quiche and various pastries. 

More concessions are on the way.

Coming this summer/fall are:

- Dunkin’, Crown Diner, Great Wagon Road and The Marketplace – Concourse A Expansion Phase II
- Be Relax - A Connector
- Queen City News & Gifts – Concourse B
- Brighton and Hip and Humble - D/E Connector
- The Waterman – Concourse C
- Johnston & Murphy - Atrium
- OMB Biergarten - Concourse D

Connections +What-s+Ahead

Additional flights, new concessions, an Airport Job Fair, the annual CLT Charity Golf tournament and a Wings for All event – whew! CLT has a lot scheduled this spring and...

What’s Ahead in 2024

Spring fever is in full bloom and people are in the mood to travel!

Between March and August, Charlotte Douglas International Airport is expecting 23% more passengers than last year’s record-breaking crowds. CLT is preparing for the influx in several ways:

- Coordinating with law enforcement and the N.C. Department of Transportation to manage traffic flow
- Providing alternate routes for CLT shuttle buses to steer around roadway congestion
- Adding additional staff at the terminal curb front to help keep traffic moving
- Positioning staff wearing yellow vests in the terminal to direct passengers to the security checkpoint with the shortest wait time. All checkpoints lead to all gates.

__Don’t Wing It: Prepare to Fly__

Don’t wing it on your next journey. Preparing in advance will reduce travel-day turbulence and help you nimbly navigate the Airport.

Here are some tips to help you have a smooth trip.

__Park Like a Pro__

Get in the habit of booking your parking as soon as you book your flight, that way you’ll lock in the best available rate and guarantee a spot.

Half of CLT parking must be booked in advance and some lots require more lead time than others. To get the best spot at the lowest rate, go to parkCLT.com or the CLT Airport app. Enter your travel dates and click on “Check Parking Availability.” Select the option that works best for you and complete your booking. You can make changes or cancel up until the start of the reservation.

__Give Yourself Time__

CLT recommends getting to the terminal two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights. You may need to get here even earlier depending on how busy it is.

Aim for arriving at the parking lot a half hour before you want to be in the terminal. Leave early if you need to travel during rush hour. Consider alternate routes in case there is traffic congestion. Use a navigation app to steer clear of any trouble spots.

__Stay Informed__

Connect with your airline or monitor the CLT Airport app for flight updates. Check in for your flight before leaving home and save your boarding pass on your mobile phone.

Review the TSA website for what you are allowed to bring through security. You can also text “travel” to AskTSA (275-872) or send a message through Facebook Messenger, X (formerly Twitter) or Apple Messenger.

Check the CLT Airport website and app for [shuttle bus wait times](https://www.cltairport.com/airport-info/bus-wait-times/) and [security checkpoint wait times](https://www.cltairport.com/airport-info/security/).

__Pack Your Patience__

The busiest local travel days this spring will be Thursdays, Fridays and Mondays with the peak crowds anticipated March 28 through April 1. Expect the terminal to be busy and longer than usual lines at the security checkpoints and concessions.

We encourage you to be courteous to fellow travelers and Airport staff. CLT is working hard to make your travel experience safe and enjoyable.

__Explore CLT Amenities__

Whatever you’re craving, Charlotte Douglas has a wide selection of restaurants, bars, shops and places to relax.

On the CLT Airport app, you can browse the options. Click on “change area” to sort them by location. Some restaurants offer mobile ordering so you can skip the line.

Bottom line - Don’t Wing It: Prepare to fly.

Connections Spring+Break+2024+BANNER+photo

Spring fever is in full bloom and people are in the mood to travel!

Between March and August, Charlotte Douglas International Airport is expecting 23% more passengers than last year’s record-breaking crowds. CLT is preparing for the influx in several ways:

CLT is Buzzing with Spring Travelers

Time can be a matter of life or death. That’s why CLT has partnered with MEDIC to install a new system that can help save lives.

Last year, MEDIC along with the Aviation Department’s Operations and IT staff provided the technology to activate MEDIC’s new system over Airport Wi-Fi.

“When MEDIC hooks up their EKG machine (cardiac monitor) to get all the vitals from the patient, it allows them to send that information directly to the hospital care team, who can then prepare for the patient using real-time vitals,” said Lexie Farmer, Airport Operations Director - Strategy & Emergency Services.

The system was activated in November 2023, and since then has helped with three medical emergencies in the Airport. In one instance, the time from the incident to when the patient was taken to the catheterization laboratory was only 62 minutes. Medical professionals already had the patient’s vital information from the MEDIC at the Airport.

“Out in the field they have the ambulances. Here, they’re on carts so they don’t have all the tools they have on the ambulance,” Farmer said. “That’s why it was crucial to get the Wi-Fi connection up for them.”

Other medical advances in the works are a project to install more Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in the terminal and for the Aviation Department, which operates the Airport for the City of Charlotte, to earn a HeartSafe WorkPlace certification, which involves training 25% of staff on CPR and AED use.

Connections MEDIC

Time can be a matter of life or death. That’s why CLT has partnered with MEDIC to install a new system that can help save lives. Last year, MEDIC along with the Aviation...

New System Accelerates MEDIC Response

It’s no April Fool’s joke. CLT’s Airport Volunteers are changing uniforms on April 1.

Their bright yellow shirts are out, and bright blue vests are in.    

The clothing manufacturer no longer makes the hue of yellow that volunteers have worn for over 10 years. That created the opportunity to refresh volunteer uniforms. The vest color happens to match the royal blue in CLT’s new wayfinding signage.  

This is the third uniform change for Airport Volunteers who are their 19th year at CLT.

Airport Volunteers assist passengers with wayfinding, answer questions and provide restaurant recommendations.

Currently, CLT has 55 Airport Volunteers and is looking to add more soon with training beginning this summer.  

If you’re interested in becoming an Airport Volunteer, email volunteer@cltairport.com for more information. Positions are filled as openings become available. Applicants receive 24 hours of training and undergo security screenings and background checks.

Program participants serve three, four-hour shifts per month.

Connections Volunteers+Blue+Vest

It’s no April Fool’s joke. CLT’s Airport Volunteers are changing uniforms on April 1. Their yellow bright shirts are out, and bright blue vests are in. The clothing...

Airport Volunteers Change Uniforms

With millions of passengers connecting through Charlotte Douglas International Airport each year, CLT is like the front porch of the South, welcoming people from all over the world to the Carolinas.

What does a good southern front porch need? Rocking chairs, of course. Ask anyone who has flown to, from or through Charlotte what they remember about CLT and unfailingly they mention the rocking chairs.

The iconic rockers first came to CLT as part of an art exhibit in 1997. They were intended to be props, but travelers used them as a relaxing place to eat, work, read and people watch. When the exhibit left, so did the rocking chairs and people were upset. Airport leaders heard the outcry and brought in a fresh supply of rockers.

“We didn’t expect the art exhibit to be so impactful,” said CLT Chief Executive Officer Haley Gentry. When shopping for rocking chairs, “it was important that we find something that was made in North Carolina, not imported and representative of the handiwork that makes our region so unique.”

__Enter Troutman Chair Co.__

A family-run business in Iredell County, N.C., Troutman Chair Co. is less than an hour from the Airport. The company is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, and not much has changed in that time.

“There’s something special about making the chairs the same way they were made from the beginning,” said company owner Jean Land. “Our rockers are entirely made by hand using methods from the 1920s.”

With her young grandson perched on her hip, Land explains what sets her chairs apart. “It’s the people who make them. These are real people using real wood who really care about what they do. There’s an energy that comes from that you can really feel.”

Every slat is cut, sanded and painted by the two-dozen people who work in the small factory situated off Rocker Way in Troutman, N.C. There is no automated assembly line, just a tight-knit group of folks who take pride in creating quality chairs. Each Friday morning, the crew cooks a meal together and a massage therapist eases their muscles, sending them into the weekend relaxed.

__“A Little Bit of Respite”__

CLT hopes the more than 100 rockers throughout the terminal help send travelers to their destinations a bit more relaxed as well.

“Sitting there at a slower pace, rocking back and forth is a de-stressor. It’s really a metaphor for how our Airport operates,” Gentry said. “There’s always the hustle and bustle, people coming and going, but the rocker is a little bit of respite in the middle of chaos. It’s been very successful.”

Land says it makes her heart happy to see her chairs in CLT. “We are impressed with how the Airport is so intentional about welcoming and creating a destination, if you will, for its guests. The sight of the rocking chairs brings a feeling of nostalgia to people, even if they weren’t raised with rockers or porches. It’s a symbol of gathering and relaxing.”

Empty rockers can sometimes be hard to find in the Atrium. Did you know there are rocking chairs in the upper level of the Atrium near the USO Lounge? This loft area offers a great perch for people watching as well. Rockers also line the D/E Connector between the people movers and the shops. The rocking chairs in Concourse A come with a perfect view of the airfield, and the Queen’s Court in Baggage Claim has rocking chairs for people waiting to greet arriving travelers. 

Our Airport rocking chairs even helped foster a fairy tale romance. 

__What Passengers Think __

Here's what some of our rocking chair fans have to say:

- Trish Huneke Wanik “Those rocking chairs are the reason I try to connect in CLT whenever possible!”

- @Justin924 “The rocking chairs at @CLTAirport got me relaxed for this delayed flight.”

- @DanLeachDTM “Nothing like the classic rocking chairs at the Charlotte airport. Class & elegance.”

- @TomScibelli “Best layover airport is probably Charlotte. BBQ and rocking chairs.”

- @boymaddie_ “The rocking chairs at Charlotte Douglas are the cutest southern flare an airport can have.”

- Tim Calahan “LOVE flying out of CLT … Rocking chair row is great!”

Rocking+Chairs Connections+Banner

With millions of passengers connecting through Charlotte Douglas International Airport each year, CLT is like the front porch of the South, welcoming people from all over the world to the Carolinas.

What does a good southern front porch need? Rocking chairs, of course. Ask anyone who has flown to, from or through Charlotte what they remember about CLT and unfailingly they mention the rocking chairs.

Beloved Rocking Chairs Are N.C. Made

CLT will receive $27 million to replace 16 passenger boarding bridges and equipment used to power and air condition the jetways. The funding was announced Feb. 15 by U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg. While on a stop at CLT, he also announced $970 million in funding planned for 114 airports nationwide.

The funding adds to the terminal's expansion and modernization and other Destination CLT projects. “Without public investment in our infrastructure and strong partnerships with numerous agencies, these improvements, expansions and enhancements would not be possible,” CLT CEO Haley Gentry said.

N.C. Gov. Roy Cooper, Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, Charlotte City Council members, and various community and industry partners attended the announcement. 

The money is part of President Joe Biden’s Investing in America agenda. 

Connections Buttigieg+visits+CLT

CLT will receive $27 million to replace 16 passenger boarding bridges and equipment used to power and air condition the jetways. The funding was announced Feb. 15 by U.S....

Buttigieg Announces $27 Million for CLT

Charlotte Douglas International Airport is on the precipice of monumental change.

This month, the Airport took a major step forward in creating the CLT Destination District, a mixed-use commercial development project that will transform the Airport’s front door and create an economic boon for Charlotte’s west side.

Where one might see a large empty field, CLT Commercial & Community Engagement Director Stuart Hair sees a once-in-a-generation opportunity.

“This milestone project is a decade in the making, and we are excited to redefine the initial Airport experience for local passengers,” Hair said.

Now through Feb. 22, CLT is accepting proposals to develop 90 acres of land off Wilkinson Boulevard with a combination of hotels, restaurants, retail and manufacturing. The Airport started purchasing this property years ago with the intention of injecting more economic activity in the area.

The Destination District is made up of two distinct areas, Destination District Central and the East Area.

__Destination District Central__

The 39-acre site is at the intersection of North Josh Birmingham Parkway and Wilkinson Boulevard and has recently been rezoned as a Regional Activity Center. It is ideal for hotel, restaurant and retail development, based on market research and analytics.

Planners have identified the following businesses as potential fits for this area:

- Upper midscale hotel
- Upscale hotel and conference center
- Full-service restaurants
- Quick-service restaurants
- Craft brewery
- Retail banking centers
- Medical care
- Fitness center
- Shipping and business services

The land could be developed many different ways, and this is an open bidding process. Any commercial developer with great ideas is encouraged to apply. The Airport welcomes all plans that meet customer needs in the market and are capable of being financed.

__Destination District East__

This 51-acre site is at the intersection of Stafford Drive and Wilkinson Boulevard and is suited for advanced manufacturing, logistics, distribution as well as other warehouse and office uses.

__Why Here, Why Now__

Charlotte is among the top five fastest growing cities in the nation, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. While most of the passenger traffic at CLT is connections, local passenger traffic is growing at a rapid rate. The 7th busiest Airport in the world plans to create a world-class front door.

“In creating the Destination District, the Airport is extending its service to the community beyond traveling, connecting people with the services they need and filling a void in this busy part of the city,” Hair said.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires CLT to be financially self-sustainable. The Airport also is mandated to put non-aeronautical land into productive use.

When COVID-19 led to fewer flights, lower passenger numbers and decreased revenue in 2020, non-aeronautical revenue became more important than ever to airports nationwide.

Non-aeronautical revenue is generated from commercial enterprises, such as concessions, duty free, parking, advertising, car rental facilities and real estate income. The latter of which CLT saw as a tremendous opportunity for growth.

__Down the Road__

The Destination District aligns with the City of Charlotte’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan, and it accommodates the Charlotte Area Transit System’s future plans for a LYNX Silver Line light rail station.

Development proposals will be accepted until Feb. 22. Notification of selected proposals is scheduled for April 2.

The first businesses could open within a couple of years. The development would be done in phases over the next five to 10+ years.

[Learn more about the CLT Destination District](https://www.cltairport.com/business/commercial-development/destination-district/)

Charlotte Douglas International Airport is on the precipice of monumental change. This month, the Airport took a major step forward in creating the CLT Destination District, a...

Destination District Changing West Charlotte Landscape

Charlotte Douglas International Airport has partnered with the University of North Carolina at Charlotte’s William States Lee College of Engineering to develop the first-of-its-kind Charlotte Aviation and Innovation Research Institute, or Charlotte AIR. Other key partners in the Institute are the Sullenberger Aviation Museum and Talbert, Bright and Ellington, a leading consulting firm for the aviation industry.

This one-of-a-kind partnership will give UNC Charlotte students real-world opportunities to research, innovate and develop cutting edge infrastructure at one of the world’s busiest airports.

“As North Carolina’s urban research university, UNC Charlotte is the ideal partnership for CLT as we continue to build an Airport for the future,” said CLT Chief Infrastructure Officer Jack Christine. “The ability to provide both research and learning opportunities in a living laboratory environment like the Airport will help shape the future of aviation while benefitting students with hands on learning.”

Rob Keynton, dean of the W.S. Lee College of Engineering, announced Charlotte AIR Institute on Oct. 24 at the 2023 Airport Engineering Seminar. “Charlotte AIR provides a unique nexus of aviation-focused research, technology transfer, community engagement and education,” said Keynton. “It will help establish this city as the hub for aviation infrastructure and technology expertise through transformative research, while creating the next-generation workforce to meet the industry’s needs.”

Last summer, Airports Council International ranked Charlotte Douglas as the 7th busiest airport in the world for arrivals and departures. For passenger traffic, the Airport lands at 10th nationwide and 19th globally. CLT handled approximately 441,000 arrival and departure flights last year.

Charlotte Douglas International Airport has partnered with the University of North Carolina at Charlotte’s William States Lee College of Engineering to develop the...

CLT, UNC Charlotte Partner for Innovative Research

Charlotte Douglas International Airport served more than 53 million passengers last year, 12% more than 2022 and a 6% jump over the pre-pandemic travel record set in 2019.

“The growth we are experiencing is a perfect storm of multiple factors,” said CLT Chief Executive Officer Haley Gentry. “It’s a unique time in history.”

During the pandemic when air travel stalled, American Airlines concentrated efforts on its two biggest hubs: CLT and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). Other airlines followed suit and invested more in Charlotte. As a result, CLT rose from the 18th busiest passenger airport in the world to the 6th busiest in 2021 according to [Airports Council International](https://aci.aero/2022/07/25/final-data-released-top-20-busiest-airports-confirmed/) (ACI). ACI has not released the 2023 rankings.

“The strength of CLT as American Airline’s second largest hub is driving the Airport’s overall growth,” Gentry said. “Charlotte is an efficient spoke in the airline’s hub system. We are critical to their future growth.”

Gentry points to other factors contributing to the Airport’s record-setting year, including changes in how people view business and leisure travel post-COVID. The desire to explore that built up in 2020 created “revenge” travelers, a term used to describe taking a trip that couldn’t happen during the pandemic. Also, working from home started as a public health necessity but as more people discovered they could do their jobs from just about anywhere, it fueled “bleisure” travel, trips that blend business and leisure.

In addition, the Charlotte region is booming with economic development and has one of the fastest growing populations in the nation, increasing the number of local travelers.

And neither Charlotte nor CLT shows signs of slowing down.

“People ask me when construction at the Airport will end. I say, ‘never!’ If we have no construction we have a problem,” Gentry said. One of the big reasons Charlotte Douglas is successful is passenger traffic drives Airport growth. CLT expands to accommodate business that’s already there, not on speculation, she said.

Projects Gentry is excited about for 2024 include the Concourse A Phase II expansion, which will add 10 gates in the fall. Skybridges will open in the newly expanded Terminal Lobby entrance this summer. “To be able to deliver what we’ve been sharing with our customers for numerous years is going to be great,” Gentry said.

Connections+0124 Passengers

Charlotte Douglas International Airport served more than 53 million passengers last year, 12% more than 2022 and a 6% jump over the pre-pandemic travel record set in 2019. “The...

Passenger Traffic Reaches Record High in 2023

Orlando, Florida, is once again the top destination for people traveling out of Charlotte Douglas International Airport and the route’s popularity continues to grow. The number of people flying from CLT to Orlando International Airport (MCO) increased 15% in 2023.

Home to some of the most popular theme parks in the world, Orlando is also a well-known convention destination and about an hour drive to Daytona Beach and Port Canaveral.

American Airlines, Frontier Airlines and Spirit Airlines all fly direct from CLT to MCO.

Cheers, mate! London, England, is the new number one international destination from Charlotte. The number of people flying direct from CLT to London Heathrow Airport (LHR) spiked nearly 60% in 2023, edging out Cancun, Mexico, which was number one in 2022.

New to the top five is Munich, Germany. The city is a beer lover’s paradise, known for its Oktoberfest celebration. There are also many castles, museums and historic churches to explore.

American Airlines and Lufthansa Airlines both fly direct from CLT to Munich International Airport (MUC).

Charlotte Douglas International Airport offers nonstop service to 180 destinations.

Connections 0124 +Orlando+-+closeup-shot-of-a-traveling-red-push-pin-on-a-map

Orlando, Florida, is once again the top destination for people traveling out of Charlotte Douglas International Airport and the route’s popularity continues to grow. The number of...

Who Made CLT’s 2023 Top Five Destinations?

There are no signs of CLT slowing down in 2024. This year will be filled with construction milestones and new concessions and destinations. Check out what’s in store.

__Fourth Parallel Runway__

Design of CLT’s fourth parallel runway will be completed this summer. Grading and drainage work, lighting installation and utilities relocation will continue throughout the year.

CLT’s $1 billion airfield project will boost operations with the addition of the 10,000- by 150-foot runway, which will be located west of Runway 18C/36C and will serve departing traffic. The commissioning and opening are scheduled for fall 2027.

__Terminal Lobby Expansion__

Glass installation on the Terminal Lobby Expansion (TLE) canopy is currently underway. Canopy construction is slated to wrap up this fall. Meanwhile, CLT plans to finish the TLE’s skybridges (walkways) connecting the Hourly Deck to the terminal this summer.

Also, by this summer the mezzanine, including terrazzo flooring artwork, will debut.

The entire TLE is on track for completion in fall 2025.

__Concourse A Expansion__

Concourse A Expansion Phase II will welcome passengers in September with seven Delta and three common-use gates (Gates A30 - A39).

The 191,848-square-foot expansion will feature auto-tinting window glass to help control the temperature and sunlight inside, seats with integrated power to charge electronic devices, terrazzo flooring in the center walkways and two new art pieces currently in development.

__Airport Overlook__

The new Overlook will open this summer. The site will include restrooms, two age-specific playgrounds, picnic tables, a bus and food truck staging area, aircraft displays, airfield views and a memorial to USAir Flight 1016.

The new Overlook remains on Airport property just west of the previous location off Marshall Drive.

__Concourse D and E Renovations__

Concourse E renovations are under way and will run through 2025 with new flooring, lighting, paint and upgraded restrooms.

Concourse D renovations are in planning stages, but may start this summer.

__New Concessions__

La Madeleine, a French style bakery, will begin serving customers in early 2024 on Concourse E.

This summer and fall scheduled openings include Dunkin', Crown Diner and the Great Wagon Road on Concourse A Expansion Phase II, Great American Bagel on Concourse B and OMB (Olde Mecklenburg Brewery) Biergarten on Concourse D.

On the retail side, Hip & Humble will welcome customers on the D/E Connector while some well-known terminal shops will change locations. Queen City News & Gifts is moving to Concourse B and Johnston & Murphy is coming to the Atrium.

CLT has more than 100 concessions.

__New Destinations  __

American Airlines is launching seasonal service in June through September to Jackson Hole, Wyoming (JAC); Bozeman, Montana (BZN); Calgary, Canada (YYC), and Spokane, Washington (GEG).

It will be the first time American offers nonstop service to Calgary International Airport and Spokane International Airport.

Frontier Airlines will introduce the following six new destinations from CLT this spring:

- LaGuardia (LGA) and Baltimore (BWI), daily service begins April 10.
- Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) and Chicago O’Hare (ORD), three times a week starting April 11.
- Houston Bush Intercontinental (IAH), three times a week service beginning April 21.
- Buffalo (BUF), three times a week service, departing May 17.
- San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU), daily service commences June 1. 

Don’t wait. Book now at aa.com and flyfrontier.com.

There are no signs of CLT slowing down in 2024. This year will be filled with construction milestones and new concessions and destinations. Check out what’s in store. Fourth...

What’s in Store for CLT in 2024

This Thanksgiving travel season is expected to be the busiest one yet at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. An estimated 900,000 passengers will travel to, from and through the Airport between Thursday, Nov. 16 and Monday, Nov. 27, which is up 9% from 2019 pre-pandemic numbers and 14% higher than last year.

Not only are more people traveling, but the travel season will be longer. The busiest days for Thanksgiving travel will likely be Sunday, Nov. 26 and Monday, Nov. 27. But the third busiest day is expected to be Friday, Nov. 16, nearly a full week before the holiday.

The bottom line: passengers flying any time in the last two weeks of November can expect a busy terminal with longer than usual lines at ticket counters, security checkpoints and restaurants. If traveling during the holidays, Don’t Fly by the Seat of Your Pants.

__Before Leaving Home__

Pack your patience. Airport employees are working hard to make your travel experience safe and enjoyable.

Download the CLT Airport app from the App Store or Google Play. There, you can book parking, check flight arrival and departure times, view security wait times, check shuttle bus wait times, get turn-by-turn navigation in the Airport, find a restaurant and order food in advance.

The Transportation Security Administration and airlines advise travelers to be inside the Airport at least two hours before their departure time for domestic flights and three hours before international flights.

__Parking__

Forty percent of people traveling out of CLT book their parking online, and for good reason. It’s the best way to ensure a parking spot during this high demand time at the lowest available price.

You can reserve parking on the CLT Airport app and the Airport website. Drive-up parking may be available in the following lots depending on availability: Express Deck Preferred, Valet, Hourly, Long Term 1 and Long Term 2.

On Nov. 6, CLT increased drive-up parking rates at all lots and decks due to substantial local passenger growth and the significant investment in the passenger parking program. Online booking customers will have access to the best available rates, with additional discounts offered to CLT Airport parking email subscribers.

Only credit cards are accepted for all Airport parking. Passengers who wish to pay for parking in cash must use a ReadyStation to convert that cash into a cash card before exiting a CLT lot or deck. Three machines are in Departures/Ticketing lobby (near the United Airlines counter, across from Checkpoint C and across from American Airlines international check-in). There is a $6 charge for this service. Cash continues to be accepted for Valet and the Express Deck services with no service charge.

__Pick-up and Drop-off__

If picking up travelers from CLT, plan on arriving 20 to 30 minutes after the plane has landed. Drivers are encouraged to take advantage of CLT’s free Cell Phone Lot located on Josh Birmingham Parkway.

Passengers can be dropped off and picked up from either the lower Baggage Claim level or the upper Ticketing level. If one area is busy, use the other.

__Inside the terminal__                                           

Charlotte Douglas will have extra staff in Departures, Ticketing and curbside to assist customers, including finding the security checkpoint with the shortest wait time. They will be wearing yellow vests to spot them easily. The recent opening of Checkpoint 1 will help expedite the screening process with its six Automated Screening Lanes.

Once you clear security, there are so many things you can do until your flight begins the boarding process.

__Services and Amenities__

On the CLT Airport app, under Airport Info > Services & Amenities you’ll find detailed information on Mother’s Rooms, Pet Relief Areas, ATMs, free Wi-Fi access and more.

New to CLT are the Be Relax Spas located on D/E Connector and just inside security after Checkpoint A. Treat yourself to a massage, manicure, pedicure, hair styling or facial.

__Drink and Dine__

Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a cup of coffee, microbrew, sweet treat or hearty meal, CLT has got you covered. Under the Shop & Dine section of the CLT Airport app and website, you can sort the options by category and by concourse.

Be sure to check out the new restaurants that recently opened: Midwood Smokehouse (Concourse B), PDQ (Concourse E) and SAMBAZON Acai Bowls (Concourse D).

If you are traveling on Thanksgiving Day, Brookwood Farms in the Atrium will offer a traditional holiday meal with turkey, ham, gravy, cornbread dressing, green beans, corn, mashed potatoes and desserts. Barbecue also will be on the menu.

Why not arrive to your holiday destination with a unique gift for your host? Look for the CLT Local logo to find businesses and products from the Carolinas.

If you forgot to pack a tie, make up, workout clothes or sweater, check out the list of shops on the CLT Airport app or website to find just what you’re looking for.

__Sunflower Program Available__

For passengers who have hidden disabilities, such as autism, chronic pain, anxiety, visual/hearing impairment and dementia, they can discretely get additional support whether it's additional time, help or understanding by wearing a Hidden Disabilities sunflower accessory, like a ribbon, lanyard or bracelet.

Hidden Disabilities sunflower accessories are located at the Airport Services Desk (Ticketing), Visitor Info Center (Baggage Claim), USO Lounge (Atrium - Mezzanine Level), the Airport Chapel (Atrium – Mezzanine Level) and The Club CLT on the Concourse A Connector.

__Aira On-Demand Visual Interpreting__

Passengers who are blind or have low vision can access Aira, the visual interpreting service for free. The Aira app connects passengers with a live Aira agent who can visually interpret their surroundings via the user’s smartphone camera.

__Stay Connected with CLT__

During this busy travel season, stay connected with the Airport, follow @CLTairport on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), Instagram and LinkedIn. Get the latest Airport news at cltairport.mediaroom.com.

Story+1+ +Thanksgiving+travel+BANNER

This Thanksgiving travel season is expected to be the busiest one yet at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. An estimated 420,000 passengers will travel to, from and through the Airport...

Airport Expects Busiest Thanksgiving

The Terminal Lobby Expansion’s (TLE) east side opened in early November, completing new construction to expand the Ticketing lobby and providing additional circulation space and access to the east subterranean walkway.

The new addition features large, picturesque windows, terrazzo flooring and architectural-detailed scalloped ceilings that mirror the TLE’s west side, which opened in July 2022.

Spectacular twin “Meridian” sculptures hang in the east and west ends of the lobby. Artist Danielle Roney used LED embedded, perforated stainless steel pipe in a spherical pattern. The cycle of arrivals and departures are depicted in the sculpture’s spiraling motion.

Inside the new terminal lobby on the Ticketing level, there is a long, undulating ribbon design to the structure. It was inspired by the aerodynamics of flight patterns and honors Charlotte’s distinction as home to the NASCAR Hall of Fame as well as many racing teams. The visual focal points guide travelers to the security checkpoints.

The east and west sides of the expansion project increase the terminal lobby by 175,000 square feet. Another 191,000 square feet where the airline ticket counters are located will be renovated. Work continues on the expansion’s 146,000-square-foot canopy covering the terminal’s eight-lane upper roadway. The entire $608 million lobby expansion is expected to be complete in fall 2025.

In 1982 when the Airport opened, 2.8 million local travelers came through the terminal a year. Now, that annual number is more than 13 million local passengers who begin their trip at CLT. The lobby’s sky-high ceiling and open layout allow many people to share the same space without feeling cramped.

The project is part of Destination CLT, the Airport’s $4 billion capital investment program.

**What’s Next**

The next phase of the Terminal Lobby Expansion includes renovating the older part of the lobby, finishing the 146,000-square-foot canopy that will protect passengers being dropped off and picked up in front of the terminal, as well as overhead walkways so visitors can bypass traffic.

Learn more about the Terminal Lobby Expansion on the [CLT Airport website](https://cltairport.mediaroom.com/destination-clt).

The Terminal Lobby Expansion’s (TLE) east side opened in early November, completing new construction to expand the Ticketing lobby and providing additional circulation space and access to the...

Terminal Lobby Expansion’s East Side Opens

**Nov. 16, 2023 -** The 16th Annual Runway 5K raised $47,361 for Airport Opportunity Scholarships at Central Piedmont Community College. The Oct. 21 run had 1,672 registered participants.

Since 2019, the race has raised $161,011 for 15 local students to earn their associate degree for free at Central Piedmont.

The overall 2023 winner was Carson Truesdell of Charlotte with a time of 15:13. “It’s always been a fun race. The atmosphere around it, the course, and it’s very competitive. It’s just a fun way to compete and race,” Truesdell said.

His prize included two round trip Delta Air Lines tickets to anywhere in the country. “I think my girlfriend and I will go someplace really special next year, probably out to the west coast, to the mountains,” Truesdell said. “We love to travel and it’s funny too because we’ve been flying Delta a lot lately, so we are excited that the tickets are for Delta.”

The avid runner plans to run a December marathon in California and as far as next year’s Runway 5K, he’ll be back. “I want to do it as many years as possible because it’s such a flat and fast course. It’s such a good opportunity to run a PR, ‘that’s runners’ speak for Personal Record,” Truesdell said. “It’s a great opportunity to run fast and of course the prizes are good too.”

Ashely Carney of Charlotte was the first woman to cross the finish line with a time of 20:10. “I’ve heard friends talk about it in the past and this year it just so happened to line up with my son’s birthday. He has started running with my husband and I so I thought it would be a good opportunity to race together and just to do something fun. It’s not every day you get to run next to airplanes taking off,” Carney said.

She also received two free Delta tickets for being the first-place female winner and has been eyeing flights to Hawaii for a future trip with her husband.

Like Truesdell, the Runway 5K was a big hit for Carney and her son. “You can’t run a race in Charlotte without having a lot of hills, so my son enjoyed how flat the course was, which made us both much faster than we normally are.”

[Check out](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SeSIj_QZ4tw) all the fun from the 2023 Runway 5K.

The 16th Annual Runway 5K raised $47,361 for Airport Opportunity Scholarships at Central Piedmont Community College. The Oct. 21 run had 1,672 registered participants. Since 2019, the race has...

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Paying for Parking in Cash?