Charlotte Airport's Runway System: How Many Are There?

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is currently constructing a fourth runway, which is expected to be completed in 2027. The airport currently has three runways in use: 18L / 36C, 18C / 36C, and 18R / 36L. The new runway will be 10,000 feet long and 150 feet wide, accommodating the airport's increasing traffic and demand. With this expansion, CLT aims to enhance operational efficiency and capacity, solidifying its position as one of the world's busiest airports.

Charlotte Douglas International Airport's fourth runway

Charlotte Douglas International Airport is currently constructing a fourth runway, which is expected to be completed in 2027. The new runway is part of the airport's Destination CLT portfolio, a $3.1 billion capital investment in capacity enhancements. The project includes the expansion of concourses, terminals, and a new 10,000-foot-long and 150-foot-wide runway. Charlotte Douglas recently broke ground on the fourth runway, which is located west of Runway 18C/36C and will serve departing traffic.

The addition of the fourth runway will increase the airport's operational productivity, enabling 20 additional arrivals and departures during peak hours in 2028 and 32 in 2033. This will result in a 20% to 25% increase in capacity for arrivals and departures, accommodating the airport's growing traffic. The runway will also include north and south end-around taxiways, allowing arriving aircraft to move around the new runway and the existing center runway efficiently.

The construction of the fourth runway is a significant development for the Charlotte region, promoting continued growth and enhancing its reputation as a premier hub on the eastern seaboard. The project is also aligned with the airport's Master Plan, which aims to ensure the airport can keep up with projected growth until 2035.

Charlotte Douglas International Airport is already one of the busiest airports in the world, ranking seventh for arrivals and departures and tenth in North America for passengers. The airport serves nearly 175 destinations globally and is a major hub for American Airlines, which is responsible for 90% of its traffic. The addition of the fourth runway will further enhance the airport's capacity and efficiency, solidifying its position as a key economic driver for the region.

The \$3.1 billion Destination CLT project

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is one of the busiest airports in the US and the world, serving over 50 million passengers annually. To accommodate its increasing traffic, the airport began the $3.1 billion Destination CLT project in 2015, with a focus on constant growth and future-proofing the airport. The project is entirely funded by the airport itself, with no general tax dollars used.

Destination CLT is a 10-year capital investment plan, encompassing the first phase of the airport's Master Plan Update. The goal is to enhance capacity and efficiency, addressing the strain on the terminal due to rapid growth. The project includes a range of expansion and renovation works, such as concourse and terminal lobby expansions, roadway improvements, and the addition of new gates.

One of the key components of Destination CLT is the construction of a fourth parallel runway, which broke ground in 2023 and is scheduled for completion in 2027. This 10,000-foot runway will increase capacity for arrivals and departures, reducing wait times and enhancing operational efficiency. The runway will be located west of Runway 18C/36C and will include north and south end-around taxiways, improving aircraft movement and reducing operating times.

Other notable projects under Destination CLT include the Terminal Lobby Expansion, which will provide additional space for security lanes, ticketing, baggage claim, and circulation. The Concourse A Expansion will add 10 new gates, while the Concourse E Expansion will add 34,000 square feet of space, enhancing passenger experience and accommodating larger aircraft. The North End Around Taxiway project involves relocating the airport's overlook and reconfiguring roadways to accommodate the new runway.

The Destination CLT project is a significant undertaking, ensuring that Charlotte Douglas International Airport can meet future demand and maintain its position as a premier aviation hub.

The airport's busiest runways

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is one of the world's busiest airports, with a ranking of seventh busiest in the world for arrivals and departures. It is also one of the most connected airports, with direct flights to over 180 destinations. To accommodate this high volume of traffic, CLT currently has four runways in operation.

The busiest runways at CLT are likely the three parallel runways, which are in contrast to the one crosswind runway. The three parallel runways are:

• 18L/36C: This is the easternmost runway and is typically used for arrivals and departures to and from the east, including cities like Boston, New York, Washington, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale.
• 18C/36C: This is the center runway and is mostly used for departures to the west. Only a few flights arrive at this runway.
• 18R/36L: Being the westernmost runway, it is only used for arrivals from the west.

The fourth runway, 23/5, is not in regular use and only opens occasionally. It serves mainly as a taxiway to relieve cramped apron areas.

To meet the growing demand and enhance operational efficiency, CLT broke ground on a fourth parallel runway in 2024 as part of the Destination CLT portfolio. This new 10,000-foot runway, scheduled for completion in 2027, will further boost the airport's capacity by allowing for additional arrivals and departures during peak hours.

The airport's ranking in North America

The Airports Ranking in North America

The ranking of airports in North America is determined by various factors, including passenger satisfaction, total passengers per year, and flight and passenger numbers. Here is a detailed overview of the rankings:

Mega Airports in North America

Mega airports are defined as those handling 33 million or more passengers annually. The top-ranking mega airport in North America is Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport (MSP), which scored 671 points out of 1,000. It is followed by Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) with 643 points and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) with 633 points. The bottom three mega airports in the ranking include O'Hare International Airport in Chicago, Toronto Pearson International Airport, and Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey.

Large Airports in North America

Large airports handle between 10 and 32.9 million passengers per year. The top-ranked large airport is John Wayne Airport in Orange County, California (SNA), with a score of 687. Tampa International Airport (TPA) and Kansas City International Airport (MCI) are close behind with scores of 685 and 683, respectively. The lowest-ranked large airports include St. Louis Lambert International Airport, Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, and Philadelphia International Airport.

Medium Airports in North America

Medium airports accommodate between 4.5 and 9.9 million passengers annually. Indianapolis International Airport (IND) takes the top spot with a score of 687, closely followed by Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) with 686 points. The bottom three medium airports are Hollywood Burbank Airport, Pittsburgh International Airport, and Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)

While not in the top three of any category, Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is a significant airport in North America. With a ranking of 14th busiest airport in North America for passengers, it served nearly 48 million passengers in 2022. It is a fortress hub for American Airlines and has been recognised for its operational efficiency.

In conclusion, the ranking of airports in North America is based on various factors, and the list of top airports varies depending on the specific category and assessment criteria. Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport stands out as the best mega airport, while Indianapolis International Airport excels as the best medium-sized airport. Charlotte Douglas International Airport, while not in the top positions, holds a notable position in terms of passenger traffic.

The airport's economic impact

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is a major driver of the Charlotte Region's economy, contributing a significant amount to the state's economic output. Here is a detailed look at the airport's economic impact:

Economic Impact of Charlotte Airport:

Direct Economic Contributions:

• Economic Output: In 2021, CLT contributed a staggering $32 billion to the state's economy, according to the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT). This amount is nearly half of the total economic impact of all public airports in North Carolina, which is estimated at $72 billion annually.
• Tax Revenue: The airport generated $1.82 billion in tax revenue for the state, which accounts for 49% of the total tax revenue generated by the state's 72 airports.
• Employment: CLT supported approximately 151,575 jobs, which is almost half (46%) of the jobs supported by the state's aviation industry.
• Personal Income: The airport generated $9.9 billion in personal income for its employees and those working in related industries. This accounts for 43% of the total personal income generated by the state's aviation sector.

Aviation Industry and Beyond:

Charlotte Douglas International Airport is a critical hub for American Airlines, the world's largest airline, serving as their second-largest hub in the US. This makes CLT a significant contributor to the aviation industry's overall economic impact in North Carolina. In 2022, the airport welcomed over 48 million passengers, with a record-breaking 50 million passengers in 2019.

Infrastructure and Development:

The airport's expansion and development projects, such as the $3.1 billion Destination CLT capital improvement plan, have a significant economic impact on the region. This includes construction jobs, increased capacity for airlines and passengers, and enhanced operational efficiency. The addition of a fourth parallel runway, scheduled for 2027, will further boost the airport's capacity and economic contribution.

Community Benefits:

The economic impact of CLT extends to the local community, as highlighted by airport CEO Haley Gentry: "The benefits of strong air service positively impact our entire community through job creation, attracting new companies to the region, and providing more than 180 nonstop destinations for business and leisure travel." The airport's growth has a direct effect on the quality of life for its customers and employees, contributing to the region's overall economic development and prosperity.

In summary, Charlotte Douglas International Airport is a vital economic engine for the Charlotte Region and the state of North Carolina. Its direct and indirect contributions, including exceptional air service, job creation, tax revenue, and personal income, have positioned it as a major driver of economic growth and development in the region. The airport's continued expansion and investments will further enhance its economic impact in the coming years.

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