Charlotte Airport: A Sprawling Hub For Travelers

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is one of the world's busiest airports. Located roughly 6 miles from Charlotte's central business district, the airport covers 5,558 acres of land and has three runways. With a single terminal, five concourses, and 124 gates, CLT is a major hub for American Airlines and the second-largest hub for the merged airline after Dallas/Fort Worth. The airport served over 50 million passengers in 2019, ranking as the sixth busiest airport in the US and the fifth busiest worldwide for arrivals and departures.

Charlotte Douglas International Airport's ranking

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is among the world's busiest airports. In 2023, Airports Council International ranked it as the seventh busiest airport worldwide for the number of arrivals and departures. In terms of passenger traffic, it was ranked 22nd globally and 9th in North America.

In 2019, before the pandemic, the airport served a record-breaking 50.2 million passengers. Passenger numbers rebounded in 2023, reaching 53,445,770, while aircraft arrivals and departures rose to 539,066.

In a 2022 ranking of the 20 largest U.S. airports by The Wall Street Journal, Charlotte Douglas International Airport came in at number 9. The ranking was based on a broad set of criteria, including on-time performance, security waits, customer satisfaction, and ticket prices. The airport scored highly for on-time arrivals, with 83% of flights arriving on schedule, but ranked low for ticket prices.

In 2019, CLT was the 11th busiest airport in the U.S. in terms of passenger traffic, processing over 50 million passengers. It was also the fifth busiest in terms of aircraft operations, ranking sixth globally. By 2021, CLT had become the sixth busiest airport in the U.S.

Charlotte Douglas International Airport is a major hub for American Airlines, which operates the majority of the airport's flights. The airport has 3 operating runways, 1 non-operating runway, and one passenger terminal with 124 gates across five concourses.

The airport covers 5,558 acres (2,249 hectares) of land and is located roughly 6 miles (9.7 km) west of Charlotte's central business district. It is certified as a 3-star airport by Skytrax for facilities, comfort, cleanliness, shopping, food and beverages, staff service, and security/immigration.

The airport offers nonstop air service to more than 186 destinations worldwide and is home to eight major carriers, 15 regional carriers, and three foreign flag carriers.

With a $3 billion commitment from the city and its partners in 2015 to upgrade the airport, Charlotte Douglas International Airport continues to expand and improve its facilities, aiming to maintain its competitiveness and enhance the travel experience for its growing number of passengers.

Passenger and aircraft traffic

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is one of the busiest airports in the world. In 2023, it was ranked the seventh busiest airport worldwide for arrivals and departures, and ninth in North America for passengers. In 2021, it was the sixth busiest airport in the US, and in 2019, it was the eleventh busiest in the US in terms of passenger traffic, processing over 50 million passengers.

In 2023, passenger counts reached a record-breaking 53.4 million, while aircraft arrivals and departures rose to 539,066. This was a significant increase from the 2019 record of 50.2 million passengers. The airport is home to eight major carriers, 15 regional carriers, and three foreign flag carriers. It also supports military operations and is the operating base for the Charlotte Air National Guard base and the North Carolina Air National Guard's 145th Airlift Wing.

The airport covers 5,558 acres of land and has three runways. It houses a single terminal with five concourses and 124 gates. The terminal has undergone significant renovations and expansions over the years, including the recent "Destination CLT" plan, a $2.5 billion investment in infrastructure improvements such as terminal expansions, new concourses, and a new air traffic control tower.

The airport is a major hub for American Airlines, which operates the majority of the airport's flights. However, almost all major US carriers also serve the airport. Charlotte was not initially built to be the mega hub it is today, and the large volume of flights has resulted in crowded conditions. The airport lacks moving walkways in concourses B and C, and there is no tram system to connect the longer distances. It can take at least 20 minutes to walk briskly from one end of the terminal to the other.

The customs and immigration area can also be crowded in the afternoons when transatlantic and Caribbean flights land, resulting in lengthy waits. To accommodate the increasing passenger volume and maintain its status as a major hub, the airport is undergoing a $4 billion overhaul to improve efficiency.

Terminal, runway, and concourse details

The Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is one of the busiest airports in the world. It is located about 6-9.7 miles from downtown Charlotte, North Carolina. The airport covers 5,558 acres of land and has four runways, with a fourth parallel runway currently under construction.

CLT has one terminal with 124 gates across five concourses (A, B, C, D, and E). All five concourses are connected to the central terminal building, which houses ticketing, security, and baggage claim. Concourse A has 32 gates, with the main pier serving American Airlines and the two Concourse A North extension piers serving United, Southwest, JetBlue, Spirit, Delta, Frontier, Sun Country, and Air Canada. Concourse B has 16 gates and serves exclusively American mainline domestic flights. Concourse C has 18 gates and also serves exclusively American mainline domestic flights. Concourse D has 13 gates and serves American, Lufthansa, and Volaris. All international flights without customs clearance are processed at Concourse D. Concourse E, the home of American Eagle's CLT operation, has 45 gates.

The airport has undergone significant expansions and renovations throughout its history, including the recent "Destination CLT" plan, a $2.5 billion investment in infrastructure improvements such as terminal expansions and renovations, new concourses, and a new air traffic control tower.

Military operations

Charlotte Douglas International Airport is a commercial-civil-military facility, serving as the primary airport for military use in the Charlotte metropolitan area. 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.

The airport has a long history of military use, dating back to the early 1940s when the United States Army Air Forces took control of the airport and established Charlotte Air Base. During this time, the airfield was used by the Third Air Force for antisubmarine patrols and training. The US military invested over $5 million in airfield improvements, which were returned to the City of Charlotte in 1946.

In addition to its military functions, the airport also serves as a major hub for American Airlines, with the airline operating around 90% of flights to and from the airport. The airport has a single terminal with 5 concourses (A-E) and handles a large volume of passenger and aircraft traffic, making it one of the busiest airports in the United States and the world.

The airport covers a significant area of land, spanning 5,558 acres, and has undergone numerous expansion and enhancement projects to accommodate its growing demand and maintain its status as a leading aviation hub.

Airport amenities

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is one of the world's busiest airports, serving over 50 million passengers annually. The airport offers a wide range of amenities to cater to the needs of its diverse clientele. Here is an overview of the airport's amenities:

Art and Culture

The airport boasts an extensive collection of art and sculptures that reflect the vibrant culture and history of the region. From soaring bronze sculptures by local artists to intricate mosaics adorning the walls, passengers can enjoy a unique and captivating visual experience while awaiting their flights.

Dining Options

CLT offers a variety of dining options to suit different tastes and preferences. Restaurants such as Bad Daddy's Burger Bar, Captain Jack's Tavern, Einstein Bros. Bagels, NoDa Brewing Company, Original Rum Bar and Grill, and Potbelly Sandwich Shop are available throughout the terminal and concourses, providing travellers with a range of culinary choices.

Lounges and Relaxation

For those seeking a quiet and comfortable space, CLT houses several lounges, including the American Airlines Admirals Club, located in Concourses B and C, and the American Express Centurion Lounge, situated between Concourses D and E. Additionally, the Be Relax Spa, located between Concourses A and B, offers a tranquil environment for passengers to unwind and rejuvenate.

Entertainment and Convenience

The airport features a children's play zone with a TV and movie lounge, video game consoles, and a library, ensuring that young travellers remain engaged and entertained during their wait. For gaming enthusiasts, Gameway, located opposite Gate E36, provides a dedicated entertainment area.

Accessibility and Special Assistance

CLT is committed to providing accessible facilities for all travellers. Wheelchair assistance and other special services can be requested from the respective airlines at the time of booking. The airport also participates in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, offering discreet assistance to passengers with hidden disabilities such as anxiety, PTSD, autism, or hearing loss.

Transportation and Parking

The airport offers a range of transportation options, including public buses, app-based rides like Uber and Lyft, taxis, and rental car services. For those driving to the airport, CLT provides both onsite and offsite parking options, with the latter offering more affordable rates.

Wi-Fi and Charging Stations

Recognizing the importance of staying connected, CLT provides free Wi-Fi for all passengers. Additionally, charging stations are conveniently located throughout the concourses and near the gates, ensuring that travellers can keep their devices charged while on the move.

Frequently asked questions