Asheville, Nc: Airport Accessibility And Travel Options

Asheville, North Carolina is served by the Asheville Regional Airport (AVL), a small-hub primary commercial service facility. The airport is located approximately 9-14km south of downtown Asheville and is easily accessible by car, being situated near Interstate 26. AVL is one of the fastest-growing airports in the country, serving over 2.2 million passengers in 2023. The airport offers nonstop flights to 27 destinations, including several international hubs, and is served by six airlines: Allegiant, American, Delta, JetBlue, Sun Country, and United. With its convenient location and range of flight options, the Asheville Regional Airport provides a seamless travel experience for visitors to the North Carolina mountains.

Asheville Regional Airport's location

The Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) is located approximately five miles south of the city of Asheville, North Carolina. The airport is near Interstate 26 and the town of Fletcher, North Carolina, and is about 12 miles from downtown Asheville.

AVL is easily accessible, whether by air or road. The airport is served by six airlines: Allegiant, American, Delta, JetBlue, Sun Country, and United. It offers nonstop flights to 27 destinations, including numerous international hubs, and is ranked as one of the fastest-growing airports in the country.

In addition to its convenient location, AVL is also undergoing significant expansion and improvement projects. In 2023, the airport broke ground on a $400 million expansion project to increase the terminal's size by 150%, adding more gates and enhancing passenger comfort and experience. The airport is also constructing a new air traffic control tower, scheduled for completion in 2025.

With its easy connections and ongoing improvements, AVL proudly serves as the gateway to and from Western North Carolina.

Airlines and destinations

Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) is located just 12 miles from downtown Asheville, North Carolina. The airport offers nonstop flights and easy connections through major US hubs, with 27 nonstop destinations, many of which are international.

Asheville Regional Airport is served by six airlines: Allegiant, American, Delta, JetBlue, Sun Country and United.

American Airlines

American Airlines offers flights to Asheville from the following destinations:

• Dallas (DFW)
• Miami (MIA)
• Washington, D.C. (DCA)
• Philadelphia (PHL)
• Los Angeles (LAX)
• Chicago (ORD)
• Fort Lauderdale (FLL)
• San Francisco (SFO)
• New York (LGA)
• Seattle (SEA)
• New York (NYC)
• Charlotte (CLT)
• Austin (AUS)
• Baltimore (BWI)
• Boston (BOS)
• Portland, ME (PWM)
• San Antonio (SAT)
• San Diego (SAN)
• Des Moines (DSM)
• Phoenix (PHX)

United Airlines

United Airlines offers flights to Asheville from the following destinations:

• New York/Newark (EWR)
• Denver (DEN)
• Chicago (ORD)
• San Francisco (SFO)
• Houston (IAH)
• Minneapolis (MSP)
• Sacramento (SMF)
• Portland, OR (PDX)
• Los Angeles (LAX)
• Phoenix (PHX)
• Columbus (CMH)
• Ontario (ONT)
• Anchorage (ANC)
• Boston (BOS)
• Dallas (DFW)
• Pasco (PSC)
• Fort Myers (RSW)
• Fort Lauderdale (FLL)
• Washington, D.C. (IAD)
• New York/Newark (LGA)

Airport facilities

Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) is located just 12 miles from downtown Asheville, North Carolina, and is consistently ranked as one of the fastest-growing airports in the country. The airport is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and offers nonstop flights and easy connections through major US hubs.

AVL is served by six airlines: Allegiant, American, Delta, JetBlue, Sun Country, and United. The airport currently has 27 nonstop destinations, many of which are international hubs, and offers daily nonstop flights to destinations including Austin, Boston, Chicago, Denver, and Orlando International.

The airport provides a range of amenities and services for travellers, including an ATM in the main terminal area before the TSA security check, and free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal. The Guest Services + Welcome Center, located in the Arrivals Baggage Claim area, can be contacted by phone or email.

AVL has recently undergone significant infrastructure upgrades, including a new terminal that expanded the airport's size by 150%. The new design concept is inspired by the natural beauty of the western North Carolina mountains and features a spacious grand lobby, modern ticketing and baggage claim areas, a concessions plaza, and comfortable gate areas.

In addition to the new terminal, AVL has also implemented an Automated Parking Guidance System (APGS) to enhance the parking experience for travellers. This camera-based system helps travellers quickly identify open parking spaces across five levels of parking, reducing parking time and congestion.

AVL is easily accessible, located at the crossroads of two major interstates, I-26 and I-40. The airport recommends arriving at least 2 hours before flight boarding time to allow for parking, check-in, and security procedures.

Transport to and from the airport

The Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) is located just 12 miles from downtown Asheville, North Carolina, and is easily accessible by several modes of transport. Whether you're travelling to or from the airport, here are some transport options to consider:

Car Services and Limousines

If you prefer a private ride, you can opt for a car service or limousine, which offers a flat rate based on your destination. This option provides a comfortable and convenient journey, and you can find several reputable companies in the area, such as Diamond Executive Car Transportation and Emma Bus Line/Airport Limousine.

Shuttles

For a more affordable option, shuttle services like Asheville Airport Shuttle and GrandyCo Transportation provide transportation to and from the airport. These shuttles cater to various destinations, including popular locations like Downtown Asheville, Biltmore Village, and N. Asheville. They also offer group rates for hotel, resort, conference, and retreat shuttle services.

Public Transportation

Asheville Regional Airport is well-connected to the city's public transportation system. The Asheville ART Public Transit – South 3 Route offers easy access to Asheville Downtown. Additionally, the Apple Country Transit provides transit services to Hendersonville. These options are convenient and economical, making them a great choice for those on a budget.

Hotel Shuttles

Many hotels in the area provide free shuttle services to and from the airport. This convenient option is worth considering if you're staying at or near the airport, with accommodations like the Crowne Plaza Resort, Hampton Inn at Asheville Outlets, and Holiday Inn & Suites Airport offering this amenity.

Taxi and Ridesharing

Traditional taxi services and ridesharing platforms, such as Uber and Lyft, are also available in Asheville. These options provide flexibility and convenience, allowing you to request a ride on-demand.

When travelling to or from the Asheville Regional Airport, it is recommended to arrive at least 2 hours before your flight's boarding time to ensure a smooth experience.

Airport history

The Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) has a long history in western North Carolina. The airport initially opened in 1961 with a 6,500-foot runway, replacing the former airport at 35°26′20″N 82°28′52″W. The terminal building opened on June 7, 1961, allowing the airport to operate day and night commercial flights and join the ranks as a fully operational commercial airport. The airport was approved for a $2.2 million in funding and consisted of 740 acres and a 25,060-square-foot terminal building.

The formative years of the airport began in 1925 when the Asheville Chamber of Commerce appointed an aviation committee to research the feasibility of developing an airport. Land between Asheville and Hendersonville was identified, and in 1928, the Asheville Chamber of Commerce and City of Asheville leased land and began developing an airport. In 1936, the cities of Asheville and Hendersonville and Henderson County together purchased the 122-acres and unpaved runways in exchange for land and cash totalling a value of $31,000.

During World War II, from 1943-1947, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers operated the airport, providing air transportation for their communications and weather headquarters. During this time, federal funds were acquired to build three 4,000-foot paved runways, a control tower, and a fire station. In 1957, due to the limited expansion capacity of the existing airport, leaders in Asheville planned for a new location that could accommodate larger planes used in commercial air travel.

In the following years, the airport underwent several expansion projects to meet the growing demand for air travel in the region. In 1978, a runway extension project commenced with funding from President Jimmy Carter. In 1980, operational management of the airport shifted from the City of Asheville to the newly created Asheville Regional Airport Authority, governed by an independent board. In 1986, a state-of-the-art wind shear detection system was installed to improve safety, and in 1987, a $20 million airport expansion and renovation project began.

In 2003, a new 10,000-square-foot passenger lounge opened, offering wireless internet access. In 2006, a new apron and ramp area were constructed, enabling the airport to park up to 13 aircraft simultaneously. In 2008, new boarding ramps were installed, and a rental car facility was constructed to accommodate up to five rental car companies. In 2009, $17.8 million in improvements were completed, including a Guest Services centre, an additional baggage carousel, and security enhancements.

In 2014, the Greater Asheville Regional Airport Authority broke ground on a $115 million, 4-phase construction project known as Project SOAR, which resulted in a complete redevelopment of the airfield. In 2018, the airport served over 1 million annual passengers for the first time, driven by increased air service connectivity and the region's growth as a desirable business and leisure destination.

In 2023, the airport broke ground on a new multi-phase renovation and expansion of the terminal building, with a planned completion date of 2026. The new terminal will be 150% larger, with 12 gates instead of the current seven, and will offer enhanced passenger comfort and experience.

Frequently asked questions