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Charlotte Douglas International Airport
Charlotte Douglas International Airport
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Charlotte Douglas International Airport (IATA: CLT, ICAO: KCLT, FAA LID: CLT) is an international airport serving Charlotte, North Carolina, United States, located roughly 6 miles (9.7 km) west of the city's central business district. Charlotte Douglas is the primary airport for commercial and military use in the Charlotte metropolitan area. Operated by the city of Charlotte's aviation department,[3] the airport covers 5,558 acres (2,249 ha) of land.[4][5]

Key Information

Established in 1935 as Charlotte Municipal Airport, the airport was later renamed as Douglas Municipal Airport for Ben Elbert Douglas Sr., who was the mayor of Charlotte when the airport was first built. In 1982, the airport was renamed again, this time to its current Charlotte Douglas International Airport.[6]

In 2019, CLT was the 11th-busiest airport in the United States in terms of passenger traffic, having processed over 50 million passengers,[7] and fifth-busiest in terms of aircraft operations, ranking sixth globally.[8] In 2021, CLT grew to the sixth busiest airport in the United States.[9] Charlotte is a fortress hub for American Airlines, which operates the majority of the airport's flights. The airport has 3 operating runways and one passenger terminal with 124 gates across five concourses. A commercial-civil-military facility, the airport is home to the Charlotte Air National Guard base and its host unit, the 145th Airlift Wing of the North Carolina Air National Guard.[10]

History

[edit]

Early years

[edit]

The city received Works Progress Administration funding to establish Charlotte's first municipal airport; the airport was, at the time, the largest single WPA project in the United States, incorporating a terminal, hangar, beacon tower and three runways.[11]

In 1936, Charlotte Municipal Airport opened, operated by the City of Charlotte; Eastern Air Lines began scheduled passenger service in 1937. The original passenger terminal still exists and is used for offices and training rooms by various aviation-related organizations.

The United States Army Air Forces took control of the airport and established Charlotte Air Base in early 1941, which was renamed Morris Field soon after the attack on Pearl Harbor. The US military invested more than $5 million in airfield improvements by the time the facility was returned to the City of Charlotte in 1946.[11] The airfield was used by the Third Air Force for antisubmarine patrols and training.

1950 to mid-1960s: into the jet age

[edit]

In 1954, a 70,000-square-foot (6,500 m2) passenger terminal opened and the airport was renamed Douglas Municipal Airport in honor of former Charlotte Mayor Ben Elbert Douglas Sr., who had overseen the airport's opening 20 years earlier. The terminal had two floors; passenger operations were confined to the ground floor. Ticketing and baggage claim were on each side of an open space that bisected the building north to south, and a mezzanine restaurant and airline offices overlooked this open space. Delta Air Lines began scheduled passenger service in 1956. The OAG for April 1957 shows 57 weekday departures on Eastern, 7 Piedmont, 6 Capital, 4 Delta and 2 Southern. Nonstop flights did not reach beyond Newark, Pittsburgh, Columbus, Louisville, Birmingham, and Jacksonville.

Scheduled jet flights (Eastern Air Lines Boeing 720s) began in early 1962.[12] Eastern used the west pier, Piedmont and Delta the center pier, and United and Southern used the east pier.

Late 1960s to 1978: before deregulation

[edit]

A major renovation project in the late 1960s expanded the facility. Eastern opened a unit terminal in 1967, replacing the old west pier. This new facility had eight dedicated gates for Eastern, each with its own departure lounge, snack bar and separate baggage claim space. Eastern passengers continued to check in at the main terminal.

In 1969, a new enclosed concourse was built parallel to the center pier. When it was completed, Piedmont, Eastern, and Delta moved in and the old center pier was demolished. The new concourse had separate departure lounges, restrooms and an enlarged baggage claim area. United's flights continued to use the east pier, with an enclosed holding room added for waiting passengers. Eastern added two more gates to the end of its west concourse in 1973.

In April 1975, the airport had 97 weekday departures to 32 destinations on seven airlines.[13][14]

1978 to 1989: becoming a hub

[edit]

After airline deregulation, passenger numbers at the terminal nearly doubled between 1978 and 1980, and a new 10,000-foot (3,000 m) parallel runway and control tower opened in 1979. The airport's master plan called for a new terminal across the runway from the existing site, with ground broken in 1979. At the time, the airport had only two concourses: one used exclusively by Eastern, and one used by other carriers, including United, Delta, Piedmont, and several commuter airlines.[15]

In 1979, Piedmont Airlines chose Charlotte as the hub for its expanding network. A new 325,000-square-foot (30,200 m2) passenger terminal designed by Odell Associates opened in 1982, and the airport was renamed Charlotte Douglas International Airport.[16] Concourses B and C were expanded in 1987 and 1984 respectively, while Concourse A was built in 1986 to handle future growth.[16]

In 1987, Piedmont started non-stop 767 flights to London. In the mid-1980s, the old terminal site was converted to a cargo center, and the central concourse and Eastern unit terminal were removed to make way for more cargo buildings. The original main building still stands and is used for office space. The old control tower was removed in the late 1990s. In 1989 Piedmont merged with USAir; the new merged operations kept the USAir name.

1990 to 2013: the influence of US Airways

[edit]
Charlotte skyline in 2008 from the airport

In 1990, a new 80,000-square-foot (7,400 m2) international and commuter concourse (Concourse D) opened, and in 1991 further expansion of the central terminal building continued, reflective of USAir's dominating presence at the airport. A monumental bronze statue of Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz (the namesake of the city), created by Raymond Kaskey, was placed in front of the main terminal.

In 1990, Lufthansa began Boeing 747-200 service to Charlotte, on a Frankfurt-Charlotte-Houston routing; however, this service was short-lived. In 1994, British Airways began service to London via a "global alliance" with USAir. This was later discontinued in 2002, as British Airways formed the Oneworld Alliance and USAir become a part of the Star Alliance (although USAir later joined Oneworld prior to merging with American). In 2003, Lufthansa restarted service to Charlotte, though now from Munich, utilizing their Airbus A340-300 fleet. Over time, this route has been flown by Airbus A340-600 and A330-300 aircraft, and is now regularly served by the Airbus A350-900.

In 1999, plans were announced for the construction of a regional carrier concourse (present-day Concourse E) and for the expansion of Concourses A and D. This expansion was designed by The Wilson Group and LS3P Associates Ltd.[17] In 2002, the new 32-gate Concourse E opened.[18] The airline closed its Concourse D US Airways Club location in 2002. In 2003, the main ticketing hall was expanded to the east, providing 13 additional ticketing counters and a new security checkpoint; Concourse D was expanded by an additional nine gates.

Following the 2005 acquisition of US Airways by America West Airlines in a reverse takeover,[19] Charlotte remained the primary domestic hub for the airline. The majority of US Airways' international routes remained at the airline's second-largest hub, Philadelphia.

Between 2007 and 2015, the airport completed $1.5 billion worth of construction projects, part of which later became known as the "CLT 2015" plan. These projects included a new airport entrance roadway, new hourly parking decks with a centralized rental car facility, a regional intermodal cargo facility, an expansion of the east-side terminal lobby, new checked baggage handling systems, and additional space for concessions and shops.[20]

Construction of the airport's fourth runway began in spring 2007. At 9,000 feet (2,700 m) long, the new "third parallel" allows three independent approaches for arrivals even from the south, potentially increasing capacity by 33 percent. The new runway lies west of the three existing runways. The construction of the fourth runway required the relocation of parts of Wallace Neel Road (which had been the Western boundary of the airport) to an alignment located farther to the west. Construction occurred in two phases. The first phase, which began in March 2007, included grading and drainage. The second phase included the paving and lighting of the runway. In August 2009, crews paved the last section.[21]

With the merger of US Airways and American Airlines in 2013, Charlotte became the second-largest hub for the merged airline, after Dallas/Fort Worth.

2013–present: post-merger growth and Destination CLT

[edit]
Main atrium of the airport
Concourse A of the airport
Concourse B of the airport
Concourse D of the airport
Concourse E of the airport

In 2015, airport officials formally announced the completion of the "CLT 2015" plan, and kicked off construction of the new Destination CLT airport development plan.[22] Destination CLT represents a total $2.5 billion investment into the future growth of the airport.

Concourse A North, a nine-gate expansion of Concourse A, was completed in summer 2018. Air Canada, JetBlue, United, Southwest, Frontier, and Spirit moved their operations to Concourse A North upon its completion.[23] A digital artwork titled "Interconnected," by Refik Anadol, is prominently featured on three massive display screens in Concourse A North. The artwork draws from the airport's data network of aircraft movements and turns the data into an always-changing visual artwork. The main 139-foot (42 m)-long screen is one of the largest digital artworks of its kind in the world.[24]

In late 2019, the new terminal roadway was opened. The new roadway has sixteen lanes over two levels, with departures traffic using the elevated level and arrivals traffic utilizing the ground level. The eight lanes on each level are split into five outer lanes for personal vehicles, and three inner lanes for commercial and airport vehicles.[25] Some components of the project, namely the skybridges from the hourly parking deck and rental car facility, the glass canopy over the roadway, and some lanes on the departure level will not be finished until the terminal lobby project is complete.[26]

In November 2019, the East Terminal Expansion opened. The expansion added 51,000 square feet (4,700 m2), primarily of passenger amenity space, across three levels. The main level of the expansion is "The Plaza," a food court. The Plaza's artistic centerpiece is a hanging artwork entitled "Loops" by Christian Moeller. "Loops" became a part of the project through a partnership between the airport and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Arts and Science Council.[27] The upper level of the East Terminal Expansion includes a Centurion Lounge.

The airport announced that it had served 50.2 million passengers in 2019, a new record for the airport.[28]

Destination CLT includes a $90 million terminal renovation project of Concourses A, B, C, D, and the Atrium. Aspects of the renovations include the replacement of carpet with terrazzo, upgraded lighting, remodeled bathrooms, and new seats with charging in every seat.[29] Concourse B renovations wrapped up in 2019.[30]

With the conclusion of the terminal roadway and curb front construction, work on the terminal lobby renovation and expansion began. The $600 million project is projected to be completed in 2025. The project will consolidate existing security checkpoints A, B, C, D, and E into three larger and more efficient checkpoints. The baggage claim and ticketing areas will be completely gutted and remodeled. Raymond Kaskey's "Queen Charlotte" statue will be moved to a prominent position within the new "Queen's Court" area in the expanded lobby. After the lobby renovation and expansion is complete, a 146,000-square-foot (13,600 m2) glass canopy will be constructed over the roadway and pedestrian skybridges and tunnels will be built connecting the terminal to the hourly parking/rental car facility complex.[31]

Separate from the Destination CLT family of projects, the FAA is building a new 367-foot (112 m) control tower south of the CLT passenger terminal to replace the existing 150 feet (46 m) tower north of the terminal. When complete, the tower will be the second-tallest air traffic control tower in the United States and the ninth-tallest in the world.[32] The new tower is now functioning and in use.[33]

Future

[edit]

Planning is currently underway for the construction of a fourth parallel runway between existing runways 18R/36L and 18C/36C. The runway, projected to cost $1 billion, is slated to be 10,000 feet (3,000 m) long. It broke ground in June 2023 and construction will complete in 2027.[34][35] Previously, a 12,000-foot runway had been planned; however, the airport reversed course due to practicality and cost considerations.[36]

Future terminal expansions included under the Destination CLT umbrella include Phase II of the Concourse A Expansion, Phase VIII of the Concourse E expansion, and expansions to Concourses B and C. These expansions are projected to cost roughly $1.1 billion and are not expected to be complete until 2026. 8-10 gates are expected to be added to Concourse B, 10-12 gates to Concourse C, and 10 gates in the expansion of Concourse A farther north. Phase VIII of the Concourse E expansion will add 34,000 square feet (3,200 m2) of hold room to the concourse. This phase of the expansion accommodates gates already in operation; however, passengers must walk under temporary canopies to access the aircraft parked at these gates.[37]

The construction of the CATS LYNX Silver Line, expected to be complete in 2030, will bring light rail service to the airport. The airport plans to construct an automated people mover to connect the terminal to the light rail station, which will be located at the airport's Destination District just north of the terminal.[38]

Facilities

[edit]

Terminal

[edit]
Airport rocking chairs.
The Club VIP Lounge.

CLT has one terminal with 124 gates on five concourses.[39] All five concourses are connected to the central terminal building housing ticketing, security, and baggage claim.[39]

  • Concourse A has 32 gates. The main pier serves American while the two Concourse A North extension piers serve United, Southwest, Spirit, Delta, Frontier, Sun Country, and Air Canada.[39]
  • Concourse B has 16 gates and serves exclusively American mainline domestic flights.[39]
  • Concourse C has 18 gates and serves exclusively American mainline domestic flights.[39]
  • Concourse D has 13 gates and serves American, Lufthansa, and Volaris.[39] All international flights without customs preclearance are processed at Concourse D.
  • Concourse E has 45 gates. Concourse E is the home of American Eagle's CLT operation, which is the largest express flight operation in the world. In spring of 2023, Contour, who has an interline agreement with American, moved its Essential Air Service flights into the E1-E3 gates in the concourse.[39]

American has two Admirals Club locations in Concourses B & C.[40] An American Express Centurion Lounge is located in the Plaza between Concourse D & E.[41] The Club CLT Lounge is located on the walkway to the A North Concourse. It is accessible to Priority Pass and Lounge Key passholders as well as individuals purchasing a day pass. A new 14,000 square-foot Delta Sky Club is located in the new expansion of Concourse A.[42]

Runways

[edit]

CLT currently has three runways, with another under construction.[43]

Runway Length Width ILS References
18L/36R 8,677 ft
2,645 m
150 ft
46 m
18L (Cat I), 36R (Cat IIIB) [44][45][46]
18C/36C 10,000 ft
3,000 m
150 ft
46 m
18C (Cat I), 36C (Cat IIIB) [46]
18R/36L 9,000 ft
2,700 m
150 ft
46 m
18R (Cat I), 36L (Cat IIIB) [47][46][48]

Ground transportation

[edit]

The airport terminal is located on Josh Birmingham Parkway, which connects with Wilkinson Boulevard (to I-485 and Uptown Charlotte), Little Rock Road (to I-85) and Billy Graham Parkway (to I-77).

The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) operates two bus routes from the airport terminal: Route 5-Airport (Sprinter) to Uptown Charlotte/CTC and Route 60-Tyvola Road to LYNX Tyvola station.[49] There is also bus service to the air cargo center, maintenance facilities, and old terminal via Route 10-West Boulevard to the Charlotte Transportation Center in center city Charlotte.[50] The proposed Lynx Silver Line would serve the airport, traveling along a route that largely follows the Sprinter route.

Located in front of the airport terminal, the Rental Car Facility operates on the three lower levels of the Hourly Deck and has a combined 3,000 cars from eight rental car companies. The level 2 lobby includes customer counters and kiosks from the following companies: Advantage, Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz and National.[51][52]

Other facilities

[edit]

Charlotte Douglas International Airport is one of a small number of major "hub" airports in the world that has an aviation museum located on the field. Sullenberger Aviation Museum, established in 1992, has a collection of over 50 aircraft, including a DC-3 that is painted in Piedmont Airlines livery. The museum also has an aviation library with over 9,000 volumes and a very extensive photography collection. Rare aircraft in the collection include one of only two surviving Douglas D-558 Skystreak aircraft and the second (and oldest surviving) U.S.-built Harrier, which was used as the flight-test aircraft and accumulated over 5,000 flight-test hours. In January 2011, the museum acquired N106US, the US Airways Airbus A320 ditched by captain Chesley Sullenberger as US Airways Flight 1549 in the Hudson River on January 15, 2009. This aircraft, which was delivered on June 10, 2011, is about 35 years younger than any other commercial airliner on display in a museum.

Charlotte Douglas International Airport is one of the few airports in the United States with a public viewing area.[53] Here, visitors can watch planes land and taxi to and from runway 18R/36L in addition to providing a view of runway 18C/36C and concourse A. There are also bathroom facilities, a location for food trucks, a restored F-4 Phantom II on display and a children's playground. The Overlook is a popular spot for aviation enthusiasts and plane spotters.[54]

Charlotte Douglas International Airport is a smoke-free facility, which means that smoking is prohibited inside the terminal building, including all restaurants, bars, lounges, and airline clubs. This is in accordance with the North Carolina Smoke-Free Law, which bans smoking in most of the public places and workplaces. However, this does not mean that smokers have no options at CLT. The Charlotte airport smoking area[55] is easily accessible from inside and outside the terminal using the elevators or stairs near Door 1A or Door 1B.

Airlines and destinations

[edit]

Passenger

[edit]
AirlinesDestinationsRefs
Air Canada Seasonal: Toronto-Pearson[56][57] [58]
Air Canada Express Toronto–Pearson[59] [58]
American Airlines Albany, Aruba, Asheville, Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Barbados, Bermuda, Boston, Buffalo, Cancún, Cedar Rapids/Iowa City, Charleston (SC), Chicago–O'Hare, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus–Glenn, Curaçao, Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, Des Moines, Destin/Fort Walton Beach, Detroit, Fayetteville/Bentonville, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Frankfurt, Grand Cayman, Grand Rapids, Greensboro, Greenville/Spartanburg, Harrisburg, Hartford, Houston–Intercontinental, Indianapolis, Jacksonville (FL), Kansas City, Key West, Las Vegas, Liberia (CR), London–Heathrow, Los Angeles, Louisville, Madison, Madrid, Memphis, Mexico City, Miami, Milwaukee, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Montego Bay, Montréal–Trudeau, Munich, Myrtle Beach, Nashville, Nassau, New Orleans, New York–JFK, New York–LaGuardia, Newark, Norfolk, Oklahoma City, Omaha, Ontario, Orange County,[60] Orlando, Pensacola, Philadelphia, Phoenix–Sky Harbor, Pittsburgh, Portland (ME), Portland (OR), Providence, Providenciales, Punta Cana, Raleigh/Durham, Richmond, Rochester (NY), Sacramento, St. Louis, St. Lucia–Hewanorra, St. Maarten,[61] St. Thomas, Salt Lake City, San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco, San José (CR), San Juan, Sarasota, Savannah, Seattle/Tacoma, Syracuse, Tampa, Toronto–Pearson, Tulsa, Washington–National, West Palm Beach, Wilmington (NC)
Seasonal: Antigua,[citation needed] Athens,[62] Bangor,[citation needed] Belize City,[citation needed] Birmingham (AL),[citation needed] Bozeman,[63] Burlington (VT),[citation needed] Calgary,[64] Cozumel,[citation needed] Daytona Beach,[citation needed] Dublin,[65] Eagle/Vail (begins December 18, 2025),[66] George Town,[citation needed] Grenada,[citation needed] Jackson Hole,[63] Knoxville,[citation needed] Little Rock,[citation needed] Manchester (NH),[citation needed] Palm Springs (begins December 20, 2025),[67] Panama City (FL),[citation needed] Paris–Charles de Gaulle,[68] Puerto Plata,[citation needed] Rapid City,[citation needed] Rome–Fiumicino,[citation needed] St. Croix,[citation needed] St. Kitts,[citation needed] St. Vincent–Argyle,[69] San José del Cabo,[citation needed] Vancouver,[70] Wilkes-Barre/Scranton
[71]
American Eagle Akron/Canton, Albany, Allentown, Appleton, Asheville, Atlanta, Augusta (GA), Baton Rouge, Birmingham (AL), Burlington (VT), Charleston (SC), Charleston (WV), Charlottesville (VA), Chattanooga, Cincinnati, Columbia (SC), Columbus–Glenn, Dayton, Daytona Beach, Des Moines, Destin/Fort Walton Beach, Erie, Evansville, Fayetteville/Bentonville, Fayetteville (NC), Florence (SC), Fort Wayne, Gainesville, George Town, Greensboro, Greenville, Greenville/Spartanburg, Gulfport/Biloxi, Harrisburg, Hilton Head, Huntington, Huntsville, Jackson (MS), Jacksonville (NC), Key West, Knoxville, Lafayette, Lewisburg (WV),[72][73] Lexington, Little Rock, Louisville, Lynchburg, Madison, Manchester (NH), Melbourne/Orlando, Memphis, Mobile–Regional, Moline/Quad Cities,[74] Montgomery, Montréal–Trudeau, Myrtle Beach, Nashville, New Bern, Newport News, Norfolk, North Eleuthera, Oklahoma City, Omaha, Panama City (FL), Pensacola, Peoria, Providence, Richmond, Roanoke, Rochester (NY), Salisbury, Savannah, Shenandoah Valley,[72][73] Shreveport, South Bend, Springfield/Branson, Tallahassee, Toronto–Pearson, Traverse City,[75] Tri-Cities (TN), Tulsa, Vero Beach (begins February 12, 2026),[76] Washington–Dulles, Washington–National, White Plains, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, Wilmington (NC)
Seasonal: Aspen (begins December 19, 2025),[77] Cedar Rapids/Iowa City,[citation needed] Freeport,[citation needed] Governor's Harbour,[78] Marsh Harbour,[citation needed] Martha’s Vineyard,[citation needed] Milwaukee,[citation needed] Nantucket,[citation needed] Portland (ME),[citation needed] Québec City,[79] Sarasota
[71]
Contour Airlines Altoona,[80] Beckley, Clarksburg, Muscle Shoals, Paducah [81][82][83]
Delta Air Lines Atlanta, Detroit, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Salt Lake City [84][85]
Delta Connection Boston, New York–JFK, New York–LaGuardia [84][85]
Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi (begins March 23, 2026) [86]
Frontier Airlines Baltimore, Boston,[87] Chicago–O'Hare,[88] Dallas/Fort Worth,[88] Denver, Detroit (begins November 23, 2025),[89] Fort Lauderdale (begins November 21, 2025),[89] Houston–Intercontinental,[88] Miami,[90] New York–LaGuardia, Orlando, Philadelphia, Tampa[91] [92]
Lufthansa Munich [93]
Southwest Airlines Baltimore, Chicago–Midway, Dallas–Love, Denver, Nashville, St. Louis
Seasonal: Houston–Hobby[citation needed]
[94]
Spirit Airlines Baltimore,[95] Boston, Detroit,[96] Fort Lauderdale, Indianapolis,[97] Miami, Nashville,[98] New Orleans,[99] New York–LaGuardia, Newark, Orlando, Philadelphia,[98] Tampa [100]
Sun Country Airlines Seasonal: Minneapolis/St. Paul[citation needed] [101]
United Airlines Chicago–O'Hare, Denver, Houston–Intercontinental, Newark [102]
United Express Houston–Intercontinental, Newark, Washington–Dulles
Seasonal: Chicago–O'Hare[citation needed]
[102]
Volaris Guadalajara [103]

Cargo

[edit]
AirlinesDestinationsRefs
Amazon Air Cincinnati, Ontario, Riverside/March Air Base, San Juan [104]
FedEx Express Greensboro, Indianapolis, Memphis
Seasonal: Newark
UPS Airlines Louisville, Philadelphia, Raleigh/Durham

Statistics

[edit]
American Airlines check-in counters.
International baggage claim band.
International baggage claim band.
Domestic baggage claim band.

Top destinations

[edit]
Busiest domestic routes from CLT (January 2024 – December 2024)[105]
Rank City Passengers Carriers
1 Florida Orlando, Florida 848,000 American, Frontier, Spirit
2 New York (state) New York–LaGuardia, New York 698,000 American, Delta, Spirit, Frontier
3 Texas Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas 665,000 American, Spirit, Frontier
4 Illinois Chicago–O'Hare, Illinois 638,000 American, Frontier, Spirit, United
5 Massachusetts Boston, Massachusetts 615,000 American, Delta, Spirit
6 Florida Miami, Florida 576,000 American, Frontier, Spirit
7 Florida Tampa, Florida 564,000 American, Spirit
8 Florida Fort Lauderdale, Florida 554,000 American, Frontier, Spirit
9 Pennsylvania Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 540,000 American, Frontier
10 North Carolina Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina 518,000 American
Busiest international routes from CLT (October 2023 – September 2024)[106]
Rank Airport Passengers % Change Change in Rank Carriers
1 Mexico Cancún, Mexico 501,113 Decrease 2.36% Steady American
2 United Kingdom London–Heathrow, United Kingdom 485,265 Increase 0.69% Steady American
3 Dominican Republic Punta Cana, Dominican Republic 366,143 Decrease 1.08% Steady American
4 Jamaica Montego Bay, Jamaica 347,083 Decrease 1.41% Steady American
5 Canada Toronto–Pearson, Canada 293,215 Increase 5.98% Increase 1 Air Canada, American
6 Germany Munich, Germany 283,467 Decrease 0.17% Decrease 1 American, Lufthansa
7 The Bahamas Nassau, Bahamas 219,786 Decrease 2.27% Steady American
8 Aruba Oranjestad, Aruba 209,074 Decrease 1.80% Steady American
9 Turks and Caicos Islands Providenciales, Turks and Caicos 190,354 Increase 1.84% Steady American
10 Spain Madrid, Spain 172,623 Increase 0.88% Steady American

Airline market share

[edit]
Largest airlines serving CLT
(March 2023 – February 2024)
[107]
Rank Airline Passengers Share
1 American Airlines 33,977,000 69.64%
2 Spirit Airlines 1,189,000 2.44%
3 Delta Air Lines 1,099,000 2.25%
4 United Airlines 990,000 2.03%
5 Southwest Airlines 771,000 1.58%
Other 10,762,000 22.06%

Annual traffic

[edit]
PassengersYear33,000,00036,000,00039,000,00042,000,00045,000,00048,000,0002006200820102012201420162018PassengersAnnual passenger traffic
Annual passenger traffic at CLT
2000–present
[108][109]
Year Passengers Year Passengers Year Passengers
2000 23,073,894 2010 38,254,207 2020 27,205,082
2001 23,177,555 2011 39,043,708 2021 43,302,230
2002 23,597,926 2012 41,228,372 2022 47,758,605
2003 23,062,570 2013 43,456,310 2023 53,446,295
2004 25,162,943 2014 44,279,504 2024 58,811,725
2005 28,206,052 2015 44,876,627 2025
2006 29,693,949 2016 44,422,022 2026
2007 33,165,688 2017 45,909,899 2027
2008 34,739,020 2018 46,444,380 2028
2009 34,536,666 2019 50,168,783 2029

Accidents and incidents

[edit]
  • On May 24, 1950, a Grumman Mallard operated by Ford Motor Company crashed during takeoff. One occupant was killed.[110]
  • On September 11, 1974, Eastern Air Lines Flight 212 crashed on final approach en route from Charleston, South Carolina. The NTSB determined that the probable cause of the accident was a "lack of altitude awareness" of the pilots at critical points during the approach. Of 82 people on board, only 13 survived the crash and fire; three of those died within a month of the accident.[111]
  • On October 25, 1986, Piedmont Airlines Flight 467 overran the runway, damaging the airplane beyond repair. Of the 119 people on board, three passengers sustained serious injuries, and three crew members and 28 passengers sustained minor injuries in the incident. There were no fatalities.[112] An NTSB report was released, which concluded that "crew coordination was deficient due to the first officer's failure to call the captain's attention to aspects of the approach that were not in accordance with Piedmont operating procedures."[113]
  • On January 19, 1988, a Mountain Air Cargo De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter 200 (N996SA), on a flight from Erie, Pennsylvania, collided with a tree when attempting to approach the 36L runway. One crew member was seriously injured.[114]
  • On July 2, 1994, USAir Flight 1016, which originated in Columbia, South Carolina, crashed in a residential area on approach, killing 37. The crash of the DC-9 was attributed to windshear during a thunderstorm.
  • On December 10, 1997, a Beechcraft King Air, operated by Spitfire Sales and Leasing crashed on approach to runway 36L colliding with trees and the ground. One crewmember was killed.[115]
  • On January 8, 2003, US Airways Express Flight 5481 crashed on takeoff while en route to Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport, killing all 21 people aboard. The flight was operated by Air Midwest, an independent airline operating under a US Airways Express codesharing agreement. The cause of the accident was due to the center of gravity (CG) calculations used a reference from 1936 and didn't take into account that people in general had become bigger over time. This resulted in the 23 checked bags - two of which were exceptionally heavy- moving the CG 5% further aft than allowed. Additionally, maintenance to the elevator cables 3 days before, during routine check by a 3rd party contractor, were done incorrectly by a mechanic in training who had not worked on this type of aircraft before, and was talked through it by the instructing maintenance supervisor - who was also the quality assurance inspector. He left out several critical steps when talking the mechanic trainee through the process. This limited the pitch down on the aircraft and prevented the cockpit crew from correcting the CG problem. Since the plane had already had 8 previous cycles after the scheduled maintenance, it was determined that just the CG miscalculation OR the improper setting of the elevator cable would not have caused the crash. Only the two issues together caused the crash.[116]
  • On February 15, 2017, a CRJ-700, operated by American Eagle, struck a deer while taking off. The aircraft declared an emergency and returned to Charlotte due to a fuel leak. None of the 44 passengers or crew were injured.[117]
  • On June 28, 2023, a Delta Air Lines Boeing 717 from Atlanta landed at CLT without its nose gear deployed on runway 36L. None of the 101 passengers and crew on board were injured.[118]
  • On September 28, 2025, a suspected stowaway was found dead inside the landing gear compartment of an American Airlines flight that had arrived at the airport from Europe.[119]

References

[edit]
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Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is a major public international airport located in , approximately five miles west of downtown, serving as the primary air transportation hub for the and the larger region. Owned and operated by the City of Charlotte's Department of Aviation, it functions as the second-largest hub for , the world's third-busiest single-airline hub, and a key gateway for domestic and international travel with nonstop service to 188 destinations served by seven major airlines, fifteen regional carriers, and three foreign-flag airlines. In 2024, CLT set a record by handling 58,811,725 passengers and 596,583 aircraft operations, ranking it as the sixth-busiest airport globally for takeoffs and landings and among the top ten most connected airports worldwide. The airport's origins trace back to 1935, when it was established as Charlotte Municipal Airport and opened to the public the following year; it was later renamed Douglas Municipal Airport in honor of former Charlotte Ben Elbert Douglas Sr. and achieved international status in 1982 with the inauguration of a new terminal building and the addition of international flights. During , the site operated as Morris Field, an Army Air Base for pilot training from 1941 to 1946, before resuming civilian operations and expanding significantly in the late as (following its merger with ) developed it into a major East Coast hub. Today, under CEO Haley Gentry and with an annual operating budget of $303.9 million, the airport employs 907 staff and manages 1,424 daily flights, contributing a $39.7 billion economic impact in 2023 and supporting 184,400 jobs across the . CLT's facilities include a 2.4 million terminal organized around five concourses (A through E) with 124 , connected via an automated people mover system, and three parallel runways—the longest at 10,000 by 150 feet—enabling efficient high-volume operations at an elevation of 748 feet. The airport offers extensive amenities such as dining, shopping, lounges, and parking for over 23,000 vehicles, while its location just 15 minutes from enhances accessibility for the region's 2.7 million residents. Looking ahead, the ongoing $4 billion Destination CLT expansion program, which includes the recently completed Terminal Lobby Expansion in September , aims to modernize terminals, add , and improve passenger experience to sustain growth amid projections of moderated traffic in due to airline capacity adjustments.

History

Early development and opening

The City of Charlotte established its first municipal airport in 1935, acquiring 1,800 acres of land west of the city along Wilkinson Boulevard to address the limitations of earlier private airfields. Construction began in December 1935, funded primarily by the federal (WPA), which provided $323,889.47 through relief programs aimed at infrastructure development and job creation during the ; the City of Charlotte contributed $57,703.28, supplemented by municipal bonds sold in March 1936. By June 1937, the airport was operational, featuring an administration and terminal building, a single WPA-constructed hangar, a rotating beacon tower for night operations, and three paved runways—two measuring 3,000 feet long and one 2,500 feet, each 150 feet wide. inaugurated scheduled commercial passenger service on May 17, 1937, with a Lockheed Electra flight arriving to a crowd of about 1,000 spectators, marking the airport's entry into regular civilian ; other carriers, including American Airways, soon followed with routes connecting Charlotte to regional hubs. In early April 1941, the U.S. Army Air Forces leased the airport amid escalating tensions, suspending civilian operations to transform it into a major training installation. The facility was formally dedicated on April 21, 1941, and renamed Douglas Municipal Airport in honor of Mayor Ben E. Douglas Sr., a key advocate who had championed the project since his election in 1935 and served until 1943. Renamed Charlotte Army Air Base and later Morris Field on January 22, 1942—after aviator Major William C. Morris—it became a primary site for pilot and mechanics training, overhauling approximately 100 aircraft per month, and supporting the Third Air Force's operations across hundreds of acres with over 100 buildings added. The Army expanded infrastructure during this period, constructing a second steel hangar for aircraft maintenance and an early control tower to manage the influx of military flights. Following the war's end in , the airport reverted to civilian control in , resuming commercial operations under its Douglas Municipal designation and experiencing steady post-war growth in passenger traffic and . Basic facilities from the pre-war era, including the original WPA hangar and terminal, were retained and supplemented by wartime additions like the control tower, enabling the airport to handle increased demand while serving as a foundation for future expansions.

Jet age transition and expansion (1950s–1960s)

The transition to the at Douglas Municipal Airport began with infrastructure upgrades to support faster, larger aircraft, marking a shift from propeller-driven flights that had dominated since the airport's commercial opening in . In 1954, the main was extended to 8,000 feet to accommodate military jets for the , laying the groundwork for commercial jet operations. That same year, a new 70,000-square-foot passenger terminal opened at a cost of $2 million, featuring modern amenities like an , offices, and expanded ticketing areas to handle increasing demand. These developments positioned the airport to compete regionally, serving as a key stopover for connecting the Northeast to the Southeast. Commercial jet service arrived on February 1, 1962, when inaugurated scheduled flights using aircraft on routes from to New York, soon expanding to destinations including , Jacksonville, New Orleans, and . This introduction boosted operational capacity, with daily flights reaching 92 across multiple carriers by the mid-1960s. To further support jet traffic, the main was extended to 9,000 feet and a secondary to 7,600 feet in 1962 as part of a $2.5 million expansion project approved by the . Passenger enplanements grew steadily, reaching 934,240 in 1964—a 15.5% increase from the prior year—reflecting the airport's rising role in regional connectivity for a exceeding 1.2 million people. By the mid-1960s, the airport had earned designation as a U.S. in 1963, enabling initial cargo exports and laying the foundation for limited international activity, though scheduled passenger flights remained primarily domestic. Eastern Air Lines established a hub operation during this period, enhancing links between major cities like New York, , and while competing with nearby facilities such as Atlanta's Hartsfield. This era solidified Douglas Municipal Airport's status as a vital node in the Southeast's air network, with aircraft movements ranking it seventh nationwide by the late 1960s.

Pre-deregulation growth (1960s–1978)

During the 1960s and 1970s, Douglas Municipal Airport experienced steady growth in passenger traffic as jet service expanded, with enplanements reaching approximately 934,000 by 1964 and surpassing 1 million annually by the early 1970s, driven by increasing demand on East Coast routes. This period marked the airport's transition from a regional facility to a more significant stopover point, though it had not yet achieved hub status. Major carriers such as , which dominated operations, , and provided scheduled service, focusing on connections between the Northeast, Southeast, and Midwest without concentrated operations at Charlotte. Facility enhancements supported this expansion, including the 1967 opening of a dedicated unit terminal for with eight gates and separate departure lounges, replacing an older pier structure to accommodate growing jet traffic. In 1965, the north-south was extended to 7,500 feet to handle larger , and plans for a second parallel 10,000-foot were initiated in 1971, with completing in 1978 to address rising movements. Upgrades such as taxiway lighting and facilities were added in the 1960s, while instrument landing systems (ILS) were in place by the mid-1970s to improve safety during low-visibility approaches. A new expansion in 1967, costing $500,000, further boosted capacity ahead of the 1970s terminal precursor developments. The airport's role as a key stopover on East Coast routes contributed to Charlotte's , generating $82.3 million in direct impact and supporting 1,342 jobs by 1976 through aviation-related activities and induced spending. This growth attracted transportation-intensive industries, enhancing the city's connectivity and laying the foundation for broader regional prosperity without the transformative effects of .

Hub establishment (1978–1989)

The dismantled federal controls on airline routes and fares, fostering the rise of hub-and-spoke networks that allowed regional carriers like to concentrate operations at strategic locations. This legislation catalyzed 's decision to select Charlotte as its primary hub in 1979, capitalizing on the airport's central position in the Southeast and existing infrastructure from pre-deregulation growth. By early 1980, had relocated its operations to the facility, initiating rapid expansion with 86 daily flights to 34 destinations upon the opening of a new terminal complex. To support the burgeoning hub, the airport underwent significant upgrades, including the completion of a 10,000-foot parallel in 1978 and the construction of a $64 million passenger terminal that opened on May 2, 1982. This facility featured 25 across Concourses B and C, with Concourse C dedicated primarily to 's operations, enabling efficient connections and accommodating the airline's fleet of 727s and DC-9s. Gate capacity quickly expanded as demand surged, with accounting for approximately 70% of airport traffic by 1984. Passenger traffic at the airport exploded in response to the hub's development, nearly doubling between 1978 and 1980 and reaching about 2 million enplanements in before climbing to nearly 10 million by 1989. This growth positioned Charlotte as an emerging international gateway, with inaugurating nonstop flights to in 1987 using aircraft, enhancing transatlantic connectivity for the region. The renaming of the airport to Charlotte Douglas International Airport in 1982 reflected its elevated status, honoring former mayor Ben Elbert Douglas Sr. while signaling ambitions for global service. The hub's establishment delivered substantial early economic benefits to the Charlotte area, boosting connectivity that attracted businesses and while generating thousands of jobs in and related sectors. By the mid-1980s, the influx of passengers and flights had tripled monthly volumes from pre-hub levels, contributing to an economic impact exceeding $100 million annually through direct activities and induced spending. This connectivity transformed Charlotte from a regional outpost into a vital economic engine, supporting population growth and commerce in the .

US Airways dominance (1990–2013)

Following the 1989 merger between USAir (later rebranded as ) and , the carrier significantly invested in expanding facilities at Charlotte Douglas International Airport to solidify its role as a key hub in the . In 1990, opened Concourse D, a dedicated international concourse spanning approximately 7,400 square meters to accommodate growing transatlantic and regional international traffic. This expansion built on the foundational hub operations established in the , enabling to increase its market share and connect more passengers through Charlotte. By the mid-1990s, the airline had further enhanced its presence with additional gate developments and support infrastructure, positioning the airport as a critical node in its domestic network. Passenger traffic at Charlotte Douglas surged during the 1990s, reflecting US Airways' growing dominance, with annual enplanements reaching 11.5 million in 2000—translating to over 22 million total passengers when accounting for arrivals and departures. To address capacity constraints amid this growth, the airport initiated planning for a third parallel runway in 2000, with construction beginning in the early 2000s and the 9,000-foot runway becoming operational in 2008 to boost hourly aircraft movements. The September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks severely disrupted the airline industry, causing a sharp decline in enplanements nationwide, including at Charlotte, where US Airways reduced flights and furloughed staff amid a broader economic downturn. However, the hub demonstrated resilience, with passenger volumes recovering to pre-9/11 levels by 2004 through strategic route adjustments and federal support, such as the Air Transportation Safety and System Stabilization Act. In the mid-2000s, expanded its international footprint from Charlotte, launching nonstop routes to European destinations like London-Gatwick and in the early 2000s, followed by additional services to Latin American cities such as by 2012, leveraging widebody aircraft like the Airbus A330. These developments reinforced Charlotte's status as ' largest hub—second only to in overall network connectivity by the late 2000s—handling over 600 daily departures by 2013. Concurrently, the airport completed major terminal renovations in 2005, including upgrades to the main ticketing hall and atrium areas, which improved passenger flow and amenities to support the hub's expansion. Economically, these investments drove substantial growth, with the airport supporting approximately 20,000 on-site jobs by the early 2010s and contributing over $10 billion annually to the regional economy through direct employment, procurement, and induced spending.

American Airlines era and Destination CLT (2013–present)

In December 2013, completed its merger with , forming the world's largest airline by passenger volume and establishing Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) as American's second-largest hub after . The integration preserved CLT's role as a key East Coast gateway, with American operating over 600 daily flights from the airport by 2014, serving more than 150 destinations. To accommodate growing demand, CLT launched the Destination CLT master plan in , a comprehensive $2.5 billion initiative spanning 10 years through 2025 aimed at modernizing , enhancing , and supporting . The plan encompassed airfield improvements, terminal expansions, and roadway enhancements to handle projected traffic increases while minimizing operational disruptions. Major projects under Destination CLT included the Concourse A North expansion, which began construction in 2016 and opened additional gates in 2017 to boost capacity for domestic and international flights. The centerpiece was the Terminal Lobby Expansion (TLE), a $608 million project completed in September 2025 that added 175,000 square feet of new space and renovated 191,000 square feet of existing areas. Key features included a 146,000-square-foot glass canopy over the curbside roadway for weather protection, two new skybridges connecting the terminal to parking facilities, and expanded ticketing and baggage claim areas with 16 lanes to improve flow for up to 2,000 more passengers per hour. Following the , CLT experienced robust traffic recovery, achieving a record 58.8 million total passengers in 2024—equating to over 29 million enplanements—a 10% increase from the prior year and surpassing pre-pandemic levels. This growth supported the addition of new routes, such as nonstop service to , , in 2025, and , , in 2026, expanding international connectivity. In October 2025, CLT formalized a partnership with the at Charlotte to advance , workforce development, and through the Charlotte AIR Institute, focusing on sustainable technologies and solutions. Sustainability efforts during this era emphasized reducing emissions, including the deployment of electric buses for ground transportation starting in 2020 and ongoing expansions of charging to support greener operations.

Future developments

The Destination CLT program, a $4 billion capital investment initiative guiding airport development through 2035, continues to shape post-2025 enhancements in airfield capacity, terminal , and measures. As the first phase of the broader Master Plan Update, it prioritizes demand-driven projects developed in with airline partners and the to accommodate projected passenger growth without relying on general tax funding. Ongoing negotiations for a new lease agreement with and other carriers, set to take effect in summer 2026, will influence the scope of upcoming terminal expansions, including the potential addition of a third concourse to the A pier with 8 to 10 gates, as well as extensions and widenings to the B and C concourses featuring "dog leg" designs for improved connectivity. The fourth parallel runway, currently under , is slated for commissioning in fall 2027, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing delays as one of only eight such configurations in the U.S. Long-range plans outlined in the master plan include feasibility studies for a fifth runway on the east side and a midfield terminal with underground access to boost overall capacity. Sustainability efforts will integrate green initiatives, such as expanded energy-efficient systems and infrastructure, aligned with the Sustainability certification process for airfield projects. Environmental and impact assessments are incorporated into all phases to evaluate effects on local ecosystems and residents during expansions. The recent completion of the Terminal Lobby Expansion serves as a precursor to these advancements, demonstrating the program's focus on modernizing facilities for future demand. Additionally, Modern Aviation, which assumed management of the airport's terminal in July 2025, plans upgrades to the facility starting in late 2025 or early 2026, including enhancements to fueling, space, and passenger amenities to support growing traffic. These developments aim to strengthen international connectivity through potential pre-clearance expansions abroad and overall resilience.

Facilities and infrastructure

Terminal complex

Charlotte Douglas International Airport features a single passenger terminal building that connects to five concourses labeled A through E, providing access to a total of 124 . The concourses are linked exclusively by an extensive network of pedestrian walkways, including , allowing passengers to navigate between them without the need for trams or additional screenings; the farthest distance between typically takes about 15 minutes to walk. This layout supports efficient passenger flow in a hub-and-spoke operation dominated by . Concourse A, serving as the primary hub for , accommodates 32 gates primarily for domestic mainline flights, with recent expansions adding capacity for other carriers like Delta and . Concourse B, with 11 gates, handles a mix of international and domestic operations, including arrivals processing for overseas flights. Concourses C, D, and E together feature the remaining gates, blending regional feeder services—largely American Eagle flights on Concourse E—with select international routes on Concourse D, which includes U.S. Customs and Border Protection facilities. For passengers connecting on American Airlines from Caribbean international flights to domestic U.S. flights, the minimum connection time at CLT is typically 60 minutes when U.S. pre-clearance is unavailable at the origin. This accounts for immigration and customs clearance, baggage recheck, and security rescreening. Flights from origins with U.S. pre-clearance (such as the Bahamas or Aruba) are processed as domestic arrivals, allowing shorter connection times. Although American Airlines may sell itineraries featuring 60-minute connections, a layover of 2–3 hours is recommended to comfortably accommodate customs processing, potential delays, and walking between concourses. In September 2025, the airport completed its $608 million Terminal Lobby Expansion (TLE), adding 175,000 square feet of new space to the lobby area while renovating 191,000 square feet of existing facilities. This upgrade expanded ticketing halls, baggage claim areas, and basement levels to handle increased volumes, alongside the installation of a 146,000-square-foot protective canopy over entryways to shield passengers from weather. As part of the project, two new pedestrian bridges were added, connecting the to the hourly parking deck and enhancing accessibility for arriving and departing travelers. The terminal offers a range of passenger amenities across its concourses, including multiple airline lounges such as Admirals Clubs in Concourses B and C/D, the Delta Sky Club in Concourse A, and the American Express Centurion Lounge near Concourse D. Dining options exceed 60 venues, featuring local Southern cuisine like Bojangles and Midwood Smokehouse alongside national chains, while retail includes duty-free shops in Concourse D, Hudson News outlets, and Charlotte-themed souvenir stores. Security screening is managed by the (TSA) at three checkpoints (numbered 1 through 3), with dedicated lanes available, including at Checkpoint 2. These features integrate with ground transportation options, such as direct access to the hourly parking deck and nearby rental car facilities.

Runways and airfield

Charlotte Douglas International Airport features three active parallel oriented 18/36, designed to handle high-volume commercial traffic. The primary , 18C/36C, measures 10,000 feet in length by 150 feet wide and is constructed of grooved , supporting single-wheel loads up to 93,000 pounds and double-tandem loads up to 650,000 pounds. Adjacent to it, 18R/36L is 9,000 feet by 150 feet, also grooved with identical weight-bearing capacities. The third parallel , 18L/36R, spans 8,676 feet by 150 feet and combines asphalt and grooved surfaces, similarly rated for heavy operations. All three runways are equipped with Instrument Landing Systems (ILS) and (DME) for precision approaches, complemented by a nearby VOR/DME navigation at 115.0 MHz with a 5° west magnetic variation. The airfield provides a peak capacity of 176–182 operations per hour under , enabling efficient simultaneous arrivals and departures across the parallel runways. (ARFF) services meet FAA Category E standards, ensuring rapid response for large aircraft incidents. As part of the Destination CLT master plan, ongoing taxiway enhancements include the North End-Around (NEAT), completed in phases through 2025 to minimize runway crossings and improve safety, and the South End-Around (SEAT), set for 2027 completion. These projects also incorporate a new dedicated de-icing pad south of the terminal, operational since January 2025, which accommodates up to five and streamlines winter operations by relocating de-icing from former runway areas. Studies for a fourth parallel , 10,000 feet by 150 feet and positioned west of 18L/36R, focus on increasing capacity to over 200 operations per hour while incorporating mitigation measures such as optimized flight paths and compatible . Preliminary design is underway, with completion anticipated in fall 2027, funded in part by a $21.5 million FAA grant in 2025. The former crosswind 5/23, approximately 7,500 feet long, was decommissioned in February 2025 and converted to Taxiway J to support these airfield expansions.

Ground transportation

Charlotte Douglas International Airport is located approximately 7 miles (11 km) west of downtown Charlotte, providing convenient access for travelers in the region. The airport is primarily served by Interstate 85 (I-85), which connects it to the broader , including links to I-77 and I-485. Local access is facilitated through Wilkinson Boulevard ( Highway 160) and Josh Birmingham Parkway, the main entrance road leading directly to the terminal complex. Public transportation options to and from the airport include services operated by the (CATS). The primary route is the Sprinter bus (Route 5), a dedicated express service that runs between and the airport, operating daily with fares starting at $2.20 and travel times of about 25-30 minutes. Additional bus connections, such as Route 60 from the Tyvola Road station, provide links to the system for further regional travel. Taxis and rideshare services like and are readily available at designated zones outside the terminal, with typical fares to downtown ranging from $25 to $35 depending on traffic and demand. The airport offers extensive parking facilities with over 23,000 spaces across multiple garages and surface lots to accommodate varying traveler needs. The Hourly Deck and Daily Decks provide covered near , with rates starting at $8 per hour (up to a $36 daily maximum) for short-term stays and $15 per day for longer durations. Economy options, including Long Term Lots 1 and 2, offer more affordable uncovered at $10-$12 per day, served by complimentary shuttles running every 10-15 minutes. All facilities are accessible 24/7, with online reservations available to guarantee spots during peak periods. A houses major providers such as Avis, , Hertz, and Enterprise, located adjacent to the terminal and connected via walkways and shuttles. Many nearby hotels operate courtesy shuttle services to the terminal, typically available on request from their front desks. pathways, including covered walkways and skybridges, allow easy access from parking areas, rental facilities, and ground transport zones directly into the terminal lobby. In 2025, as part of the Terminal Lobby Expansion (TLE) project, the airport completed significant roadway improvements, including a new curbside canopy and enhanced traffic lanes to improve flow and reduce congestion at arrival and departure areas. These upgrades, finalized in phases through March 2025, support increased passenger volumes by streamlining vehicle circulation around the terminal.

Support and ancillary facilities

The cargo facilities at Charlotte Douglas International Airport support major operators including and UPS, with dedicated aprons for freight parking and loading operations. These areas facilitate the handling of essential , including time-sensitive shipments, through on-site warehouses and intermodal connections. American Airlines maintains a line maintenance base at the airport, featuring hangars and facilities for routine aircraft servicing and repairs. In 2024, the airline expanded its operations by adding over 100 aviation maintenance technician positions at this base, enhancing its capacity for heavy maintenance work on narrowbody aircraft. The airport's operations are coordinated from an FAA-managed tower, standing at 370 feet tall with an 850-square-foot cab for optimal airfield visibility. This facility, commissioned in , replaced an older structure and supports the airport's high-volume traffic. Fuel infrastructure includes a centralized fuel farm with large aboveground storage tanks managed under strict spill prevention protocols, ensuring reliable supply for aircraft fueling. The system underwent expansion in prior years to meet growing demand, with ongoing maintenance to handle incidents such as a 13,000-gallon spill reported in May 2025. Employee support includes dedicated training programs, such as the CLT Aviation Academy, which provides annual education on operations, , and terminal procedures for staff and community participants. The Aviation Department also offers apprenticeships in trades like electrician and HVAC, along with paid internships for students, to build a skilled . For , the (FBO) services transitioned to Modern Aviation on June 30, 2025, under a 20-year , the executive terminal to enhance fueling, , and ground handling for private aircraft. This change aims to upgrade facilities, with construction planned for late 2025 or early 2026.

Military operations

Charlotte Douglas International Airport operates as a joint civil-military facility, sharing its infrastructure with the North Carolina Air National Guard (NCANG). Originally known as Morris Field, the airfield served as a U.S. Air Corps base during , primarily for training pilots, gunners, and maintenance crews from 1941 to 1946. The 145th Airlift Wing, established on March 15, 1948, as the 156th Fighter Squadron at Morris Field (now Charlotte Douglas), has been based there continuously, providing air defense and later airlift capabilities for state and federal missions. The wing operates C-17 Globemaster III aircraft, which it transitioned to in 2018, replacing earlier C-130 Hercules models to enhance strategic airlift for global deployments. Shared facilities include the , featuring dedicated —such as a new C-17-specific completed in 2023—and an for , alongside access to the airport's runways for training and operational sorties. These resources support the wing's dual role in civilian airspace, with close coordination between NCANG personnel and the (FAA) to ensure seamless integration of military flights into commercial air traffic patterns. Throughout its history, the 145th Airlift Wing has seen multiple federal activations, including for the in 1950, Vietnam deployments from 1966 to 1971, and Operation Desert Shield/Storm in 1990–1991. Post-9/11, the unit supported the Global War on Terrorism, deploying 4,275 personnel from 2001 to 2017 across Operations Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom, often conducting humanitarian air drops and cargo transport. In disaster relief efforts, the wing participated in (MAFFS) missions for wildfires until 2016; delivered over 3.1 million pounds of supplies for Hurricanes Irma, Maria in 2017, and in 2018; distributed 7 million meals during the response in 2020; and transported 450,000 pounds of cargo for Hurricane Helene relief in 2024. Recent enhancements under the airport's Destination CLT expansion program have improved dual-use compatibility, including infrastructure supporting the C-17 transition and broader airfield developments like the fourth parallel , set for completion in 2027, which bolsters sortie capacity alongside civilian growth. For instance, a 2025 deployment saw the wing execute over 200 combat missions, transporting 13.4 million pounds of cargo and 6,300 passengers.

Airlines and destinations

Passenger services

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) functions as the primary hub for American Airlines, the airport's dominant carrier with an 88% market share of passenger traffic. As American Airlines' second-largest hub after Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), CLT supports over 670 peak daily departures operated by the airline and its regional partners, connecting passengers to more than 170 domestic and international destinations. The airport accommodates a variety of other passenger airlines, including major carriers such as and United Airlines, as well as low-cost operators like , , and . International service is provided by airlines including , , , and Iberia, offering nonstop flights to 42 destinations across , , the , and . is planned to begin nonstop service to in March 2026. Notable seasonal routes include ' service to , , and , , enhancing connectivity during peak travel periods. American Airlines primarily operates from Concourses A, B, C, and D, while international flights are mainly handled at Concourses B and E, facilitating efficient passenger flow through the terminal complex. As a founding member of the alliance, at CLT enables seamless connections to over 900 global destinations via partner airlines, supporting the airport's role as a key connecting hub.

Cargo services

Charlotte Douglas International Airport serves as a significant hub for air cargo operations in the southeastern United States, handling a diverse range of freight including e-commerce packages, perishables, pharmaceuticals, and mail. Major cargo operators at the airport include Amazon Air, which operates over 40 weekly flights and handled approximately 60,000 tons in fiscal year 2025, FedEx Express with 35,000 to 40,000 tons annually, and UPS Airlines at a similar volume. American Airlines also contributes substantially through belly cargo on passenger flights, processing about 21,000 tons in 2024, primarily for the United States Postal Service. In 2024, the airport managed a total of 205,700 tons of cargo, marking a 7.3% increase from the previous year and reflecting robust growth driven by e-commerce demand since 2020. The airport features a dedicated cargo ramp spanning 2.2 million square feet, supporting 24/7 operations for efficient freight handling. This ramp accommodates dedicated freighter aircraft, such as Amazon's six daily flights (three inbound and three outbound), alongside belly from passenger services. Facilities include over 570,000 square feet of available space in the cargo center, equipped with advanced scanning technology for automated barcode processing to streamline sorting and distribution. Cold storage capabilities are available, including refrigerated units maintaining +2°C to +8°C for perishables like tropical fruits and pharmaceuticals imported from . Ground handling services are provided by companies such as , which manages ramp operations, load control, and at the airport. International cargo routes connect CLT to , with long-haul services to destinations like (4,590 miles) and (starting June 2025), and planned expansions to (7,400 miles) in March 2026 via Etihad Cargo. Inbound freight from supports imports of time-sensitive goods, while e-commerce growth has boosted next-day delivery volumes for platforms like Amazon, , and . As part of the Destination CLT initiative—a $4 billion program for airport improvements—recent expansions include new areas to enhance cargo capacity and accommodate increasing freighter traffic through 2035.

Passenger traffic and statistics

Top destinations

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) serves as a major hub for domestic , with approximately 96% of its 58.8 million passengers in 2024 traveling within the . The busiest domestic routes reflect strong connectivity to key East Coast, Midwest, and Southern cities, driven by the airport's role in facilitating and across the Southeast U.S. and beyond. Orlando consistently ranks as the top destination, attracting passengers to Florida's theme parks and beaches, while routes to major metropolitan areas like New York and Dallas-Fort Worth underscore CLT's extensive network.
RankDestinationAirport CodeNotes
1Orlando, FLMCOTop domestic route for fifth consecutive year; up 26% in passengers since 2019.
2New York, NYLGAStrong business and tourism draw; consistent high volume.
3Dallas-Fort Worth, TXDFWKey connection for Southwest and transcontinental travel.
4, ILORDMajor Midwest link for commerce and events.
5, MARising popularity, overtaking Newark since 2019.
International routes from CLT, comprising about 4% of total traffic with 2.4 million passengers in , emphasize leisure destinations in and the . London Heathrow leads as the premier overseas gateway, benefiting from direct service and a 53% passenger increase since 2019, while Caribbean spots like Cancun and see pronounced seasonal peaks during winter months due to demand for beach escapes. These routes highlight CLT's growing role in long-haul travel, supported by over 188 nonstop destinations worldwide, with a primary emphasis on Southeast U.S. connectivity.
RankDestinationAirport CodeNotes
1London, UKLHRTop international for second year; 13% overall international growth in 2024.
2Cancun, CUNPopular winter leisure route.
3, PUJDouble-digit growth since 2019; seasonal peak.
4Montego Bay, MBJWinter destination for resorts and falls.
5Munich, MUCEmerging European hub.
In 2025, CLT saw expansion in transatlantic services, including a new nonstop route to launched by in June. This growth, facilitated by ' hub operations, positions the airport as a vital Southeast gateway for international expansion.

Airline market shares

maintains a commanding presence at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, holding an 88.8% of enplaned passengers in fiscal year 2024, equivalent to approximately 25.4 million enplanements out of a total of 28.6 million. This dominance includes its mainline operations as well as regional affiliates such as and , which together contribute to the overwhelming majority of flights and passengers. In contrast, other major carriers operate on a much smaller scale: accounts for about 3% of the market, around 2%, and approximately 2%, with remaining airlines each holding less than 1%. Low-cost carriers, including and , collectively represent roughly 5% of the and have shown gradual growth, with enplanements increasing by over 45% for and more than 100% for Spirit compared to the prior year. Historically, the airport's market dynamics shifted significantly following the 2013 merger of and , which had previously controlled about 65% of enplanements at CLT in 2010. The integration elevated CLT to American's second-largest hub, consolidating its position and expanding from US Airways' earlier 60% dominance to the current 85-90% range. This high concentration supports frequent flight schedules and broad connectivity for passengers, benefiting regional economic ties through extensive nonstop services. However, the limited presence of competing airlines has constrained overall market diversity at the airport.

Annual traffic data

In 2024, Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) handled 28,523,822 enplanements, securing its position as the eighth-busiest airport by passenger boardings. This marked a 10.15% increase from 25,896,224 enplanements in 2023 and surpassed the pre-COVID peak of 24,199,688 enplanements recorded in 2019. Total passenger traffic, including arrivals and departures, reached a record 58,811,725, reflecting robust recovery and expansion as a major hub. Aircraft operations at CLT totaled 596,583 in 2024, an 11% rise from 539,066 the previous year, positioning the airport as the sixth-busiest globally for movements according to preliminary (ACI) data. Approximately 80% of these operations were commercial, underscoring the airport's role in supporting extensive domestic and international connectivity. Passenger traffic exhibited steady growth in the pre-pandemic period, with enplanements increasing from 21,346,601 in 2013 to 24,199,688 in 2019, achieving a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 2.1%. Post-2020 disruptions, volumes rebounded strongly, reaching 95% of 2019 levels by 2022 and exceeding them by 18% in 2024, driven by expanded route networks and economic recovery. In the first half of 2025, passenger traffic declined 8.6% year-over-year due to airline capacity adjustments. International passengers accounted for roughly 4% of total traffic in 2024, with 2.4 million travelers—a 13% increase from 2.1 million in 2023—utilizing the airport's international destinations. Cargo operations complemented passenger activity, handling 205,770 tons in 2024, up 7.3% year-over-year and supporting diverse freight including perishables and high-value goods. Globally, CLT ranked 23rd by passenger traffic in ACI's 2024 rankings, behind major hubs like and Dallas-Fort Worth but ahead of several European and Asian airports, highlighting its growing prominence in .
YearEnplanements% Change from Prior YearU.S. Rank
201321,346,601+6.55%8
201924,199,688+8.61% (from 2018)8
202325,896,224+12.10% (from 2022)7
202428,523,822+10.15%8
Sources: FAA enplanement reports.

Incidents and accidents

Fatal crashes

On September 11, 1974, , a McDonnell Douglas DC-9-31 operating from Charleston to Charlotte, crashed approximately 3.3 miles short of runway 36 at during a in foggy conditions. The aircraft descended below the minimum descent altitude, striking trees and terrain, resulting in 72 fatalities among the 82 people on board, with 10 survivors. The (NTSB) determined the probable cause was the flight crew's lack of altitude awareness during the approach, compounded by the captain's decision to continue below decision height without visual reference to the runway, inadequate crew coordination, and descent below published minima. Contributing factors included the lack of a and poor visibility due to fog. In response, the NTSB recommended enhanced flight crew training on instrument approaches, mandatory installation of on commercial aircraft, and improved airport lighting and marking standards to mitigate risks in low-visibility conditions. Nearly two decades later, on July 2, 1994, , a DC-9-31 inbound from , encountered severe windshear during its approach to runway 29 at Charlotte Douglas International Airport amid thunderstorms. The aircraft stalled and crashed into a residential area about 1,000 feet short of the runway, killing 37 of the 57 people on board and destroying the plane in a post-crash fire. The NTSB investigation identified the probable cause as the flight crew's decision to land in deteriorating weather without adequately recognizing the microburst windshear, exacerbated by the lack of timely windshear alerts from and the absence of predictive windshear detection equipment at the airport. Additional factors included the aircraft's configuration and the intensity of the thunderstorm, which produced downdrafts exceeding 100 knots. Following the accident, the NTSB issued recommendations for mandatory windshear training for pilots, installation of terminal Doppler weather radars at major airports, and improved procedures for thunderstorm warnings, leading to FAA regulatory updates on windshear avoidance and detection systems. The most recent fatal crash occurred on January 8, 2003, when Air Midwest Flight 5481, a Beechcraft 1900D operated as a codeshare for USAirways Express from Charlotte to Greenville-Spartanburg, stalled shortly after takeoff from runway 18R. The aircraft pitched up excessively, stalled, and collided with a hangar on airport property, resulting in 21 fatalities—all 19 passengers and 2 crew members—while one person on the ground sustained minor injuries. The NTSB found the probable cause to be improper maintenance that restricted elevator control travel, combined with an excessively aft center of gravity due to incorrect aircraft weighing and unapproved seat modifications that reduced empty weight by over 800 pounds. Inadequate oversight by the operator and maintenance provider, along with insufficient FAA surveillance, contributed to the errors. The investigation prompted NTSB recommendations for stricter maintenance quality assurance programs, revised aircraft weighing standards, and enhanced FAA oversight of regional carriers, resulting in regulatory changes including mandatory weight and balance verifications and improved training for maintenance personnel. Since the 2003 Air Midwest incident, there have been no fatal commercial aircraft crashes at or near Charlotte Douglas International Airport, reflecting improvements in safety protocols, technology, and regulatory enforcement.

Non-fatal incidents and security events

On December 31, 2018, Flight 567, a 757-200, experienced a tail strike during landing on 36L at Charlotte Douglas International Airport due to a hard landing amid gusty winds and wet conditions. The incident caused substantial damage to the aircraft's tail section, but there were no injuries among the 176 passengers and crew. The (FAA) investigated the event, attributing it to pilot input during the , and the plane was taken out of service for repairs. In May 2022, Flight 775, a 737-800, rejected takeoff on 18L after the crew received an indication warning, leading to a temporary onto the grass. The incident occurred during high traffic conditions, forcing several approaching aircraft to perform go-arounds to avoid a collision, highlighting a near-miss between the departing jet and landing traffic. No injuries were reported, and the FAA's review emphasized enhanced crew training for alerts during takeoff rolls. The was briefly closed for before resuming operations. Security events at the airport have included notable evacuations, such as on May 19, 2019, when Flight 218 to New York was evacuated on the taxiway following a reported communicated to the crew. Passengers and cleared the area while authorities, including the FBI and local police, investigated; no device was found, and operations resumed after about two hours with no injuries. This incident underscored ongoing vigilance in threat assessment protocols. Post-9/11, the (TSA) implemented significant enhancements at Charlotte Douglas, including the introduction of lanes in 2012 for expedited screening and expanded use of advanced imaging technology for passenger detection. These measures, part of broader federalization of , aimed to balance efficiency with threat mitigation, with the airport adding canine units and behavioral detection officers by 2011 to bolster perimeter and checkpoint security. Ground incidents have involved vehicle-related accidents, such as the August 10, 2024, fire in a parking deck garage where a ignited, injuring three including two police officers who assisted in evacuation. The responded to contain the blaze, which caused minor and burns but no fatalities; investigations focused on maintenance to prevent similar occurrences. The FAA has conducted investigations into these non-fatal events, leading to safety improvements such as the expansion of runway safety areas (RSAs) as part of the airport's fourth parallel runway project, funded with $290 million in 2024 to provide overrun buffers and reduce excursion risks. Additionally, the planned installation of runway status lights on the new runway, set for completion in 2027, will offer visual alerts to pilots and controllers to prevent incursions.

References

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