Ruth Haines
Asheville Regional Airport is located in Buncombe County, North Carolina. The airport is governed by the Greater Asheville Regional Airport Authority, which consists of seven members, two of whom are registered voters in Buncombe County. The airport is currently undergoing a major expansion, with a new structure that will house three arrival and departure gates.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Asheville Regional Airport |
| Governing Body | The Greater Asheville Regional Airport Authority (GARAA) |
| Location | Near Interstate 26 and the town of Fletcher, North Carolina |
| Distance from Asheville | 9 miles (14 km) south of downtown Asheville |
| Year of Opening | 1961 |
| Area | 900 acres (360 ha) |
| Runway Length | 8,002 ft × 150 ft (2,439 m × 46 m) |
| Annual Passengers | 2,246,411 (as of 2023) |
| Renovations | Major renovations and expansion underway since 2023, scheduled for completion in 2026 |
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What You'll Learn
The airport is owned by the Greater Asheville Regional Airport Authority
The Asheville Regional Airport is owned by the Greater Asheville Regional Airport Authority (GARAA). The airport is located near Interstate 26 and the town of Fletcher, North Carolina, approximately 9 miles (14 km) south of downtown Asheville.
The GARAA is the governing body for the airport and is comprised of seven members. Two of these members are registered voters of the City of Asheville, appointed by the Asheville City Council. Another two are registered voters in the County of Buncombe, appointed by the Board of Commissioners of Buncombe County. Two more members are registered voters in the County of Henderson, appointed by the Board of Commissioners of Henderson County. The seventh member is appointed by the majority of the other six members.
The Asheville Regional Airport Authority is responsible for overseeing the management and operation of the airport. The airport has a long history, initially opening in January 1961 with a 6,500-foot runway. The terminal building opened later that year, in June. Over the years, the airport has undergone various renovations and expansions to accommodate increasing passenger numbers and improve facilities. In 1987, a $20 million expansion and renovation project was commenced, which resulted in a larger ticket lobby, baggage claim area, and administrative office space. In 2023, the airport is undergoing further expansion and reconstruction, with a projected completion date of 2026. This includes an increase in the number of gates from 7 to 12, the addition of a second story, and the construction of a new air-traffic control tower.
The airport has also played host to several notable visitors, including President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, who landed in Asheville in 2010 and again in 2013. President Obama returned to Asheville in 2011 to kick off his North Carolina and Virginia bus tour, giving a speech at the airport highlighting potential enhancements as part of his jobs push.
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It is 9 miles south of Asheville
The Asheville Regional Airport is located 9 miles (or 14 km) south of downtown Asheville. The airport is owned by the Greater Asheville Regional Airport Authority, which consists of seven members, two of whom are registered voters of the City of Asheville and appointed by the Asheville City Council. The airport is currently undergoing a major expansion and reconstruction project, which includes the addition of jet bridges and an increase in the number of gates from 7 to 12. Once the construction is complete, the terminal will be 150% larger than its current size. The project is expected to cost around 400 million dollars.
Asheville Regional Airport is a small-hub primary commercial service facility, serving an all-time record of 2,246,411 passengers in 2023, an increase of 22.2% from 2022. The airport covers 900 acres of land and has one asphalt runway measuring 8,002 ft by 150 ft. It is a focus city for Allegiant Air, which bases its Airbus A320 aircraft and crew there. The airport initially opened in 1961 with a 6500-foot runway, replacing the former airport.
The Greater Asheville Regional Airport Authority is the governing body for the airport and plays a crucial role in its management and operation. The Authority consists of a diverse group of individuals appointed by different entities. In addition to the two members representing the City of Asheville, two registered voters from Buncombe County are appointed by the Board of Commissioners of Buncombe County. Similarly, two registered voters from Henderson County are appointed by the Board of Commissioners of Henderson County. The final member is appointed by the majority of the other six members.
The Asheville Regional Airport has played host to several notable visitors over the years. In April 2010, President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama landed at the airport aboard a Boeing C-32 for a weekend getaway. President Obama returned to Asheville twice, once in 2011 to kick off his North Carolina and Virginia bus tour and again in 2013 for a speech at a nearby manufacturing facility. Additionally, the airport has accommodated chartered flights, including visits from a Concorde supersonic transport in 1987 and a Boeing 747 carrying Charles, Prince of Wales, in 1996.
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It is near Interstate 26 and the town of Fletcher, North Carolina
The Asheville Regional Airport is located near Interstate 26 and the town of Fletcher, North Carolina. The airport is about 9 miles or 14 kilometres south of downtown Asheville. The airport is owned by the Greater Asheville Regional Airport Authority (GARAA), which consists of seven members, two of whom are registered voters of the City of Asheville and appointed by the Asheville City Council. Two other members are registered voters in the County of Buncombe, appointed by the Board of Commissioners of Buncombe County. The remaining members are selected from the County of Henderson and by a majority vote of the other six members, respectively.
The airport has undergone several expansion and renovation projects over the years. A $20 million expansion project was completed in 1992, resulting in a larger ticket lobby, baggage claim area, and administrative office space. Another significant expansion and reconstruction project began in 2023, with a projected completion date of 2026. This project includes a larger terminal, an increased number of gates, and the addition of a second story. The total cost of this project is estimated to be $400 million, with $175 million in bonds approved by the state treasurer.
Asheville Regional Airport serves as a focus city for Allegiant Air, which bases its Airbus A320 family aircraft and crew there. The airport has also hosted several notable visits, including President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama in 2010 and 2011. In 1987, a Concorde supersonic transport (SST) visited the airport during a promotional tour and was snowed in overnight.
The airport covers 900 acres of land and has a single asphalt runway measuring 8,002 feet by 150 feet. In 2023, the airport served a record-breaking number of passengers, with 2,246,411 passengers representing a 22.2% increase from the previous year.
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It is undergoing expansion and reconstruction
The Asheville Regional Airport is located in Buncombe County, North Carolina. The airport is owned by the Greater Asheville Regional Airport Authority (GARAA), which consists of seven members, including registered voters from the City of Asheville, County of Buncombe, and County of Henderson.
Expansion and Reconstruction
As of 2023, the airport is undergoing significant expansion and reconstruction, with a total projected cost of $400 million. The project includes the expansion of the terminal, which will increase its size by 150% and add five additional gates, bringing the total to 12. The terminal will also be transformed from a single-story to a two-story structure. This expansion is expected to accommodate a larger number of passengers, as the airport served a record-breaking number of 2,246,411 passengers in 2023, a 22.2% increase from the previous year.
The first phase of the renovation began in May 2023, with the introduction of three new arrival and departure gates. These gates are expected to be in use for approximately two years. The new air traffic control tower is scheduled for completion in 2025, with the entire project set to be finished in 2026.
The expansion will also include the addition of jet bridges, which will replace the current manual ramps used to board and disembark planes. This enhancement will improve the overall experience and efficiency of aircraft operations at the airport. The project is funded through a combination of bond sales, with the state treasurer approving $175 million in bonds, and other sources contributing to the total $400 million cost.
Asheville Regional Airport has a long history, dating back to its opening in 1961, and has undergone various expansions and renovations over the years, including a $20 million expansion project completed in 1992. The current expansion and reconstruction project is a significant undertaking that will greatly enhance the airport's capacity and functionality, benefiting the region's aviation needs.
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It has a history of security threats and plane crashes
The Asheville Regional Airport, governed by the Greater Asheville Regional Airport Authority (GARAA), has experienced several security threats and close calls with plane crashes in recent years.
In October 2024, a passenger jet on its initial approach to the airport came dangerously close to colliding with a private plane. The incident was reported by the jet's captain, who stated that the private plane was "approaching almost directly perpendicular" and was “so close that I could see the occupant in the aircraft.” This situation was averted thanks to the captain's evasive action, and no identifying information was released to the public. However, this was not an isolated incident, as there have been four other reported near-misses around the Asheville airport since 2003, highlighting the potential risks to aviation safety in the area.
In addition to these close calls, the airport has also faced security threats. With the increase in passenger traffic, the airport expanded its security measures by adding a fourth security screening lane equipped with a Computed Tomography (CT) X-Ray machine. This enhancement allows for more efficient screening and a more thorough analysis of bag contents, helping to resolve potential security threats.
Furthermore, the Asheville Regional Airport has strict regulations regarding firearms. While firearms are generally prohibited on airport premises, they can be transported in checked luggage if properly packed and declared according to TSA and airline regulations. Any firearms discovered during security screening that do not adhere to these regulations will be seized, and the individual will face criminal charges.
In December 2023, a separate incident occurred near Asheville when a small plane was forced to make an emergency landing on Interstate 26, resulting in injuries to both the flight instructor and the student on board. While the details of this crash are unclear, it underscores the potential dangers associated with air travel in the region.
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Frequently asked questions
The Asheville Regional Airport is located in Buncombe County, North Carolina.
The Asheville Regional Airport is owned by the Greater Asheville Regional Airport Authority (GARAA).
The airport covers 900 acres and has one asphalt runway measuring 8,002 ft x 150 ft.
In 2023, the airport served a record-breaking number of passengers with a total of 2,246,411, which was a 22.2% increase from 2022.
