Charlotte's Airport: Clt's Meaning And History

Charlotte Douglas International Airport, or CLT, is an international airport serving Charlotte, North Carolina, United States. It is located roughly 6 miles west of the city's central business district. The airport's IATA code, CLT, is derived from its name Charlotte/Douglas International Airport.

Charlotte Douglas International Airport's IATA airport code

The airport code CLT is derived from the airport's location, Charlotte, North Carolina, and its name, Charlotte Douglas International Airport. The airport was established in 1935 as Charlotte Municipal Airport and has undergone several name changes since then. In 1954, it was renamed Douglas Municipal Airport after former Charlotte mayor Ben Elbert Douglas, Sr. In 1982, it was renamed Charlotte Douglas International Airport, which it is still known as today.

Charlotte Douglas International Airport is a significant hub for American Airlines and plays a crucial role in both commercial and military aviation. The airport covers 5,558 acres of land and features three operating runways and one non-operating runway. It has a single passenger terminal with 124 gates across five concourses.

The airport has a rich history, including its involvement with the United States military during World War II. It has consistently ranked among the busiest airports in the nation and the world. In 2019, it was the 11th busiest airport in the United States in terms of passenger traffic and has since grown to the sixth busiest. Charlotte Douglas International Airport is currently the second-largest hub for American Airlines and offers service to numerous domestic and international destinations.

Charlotte, North Carolina, USA location

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (IATA: CLT, ICAO: KCLT, FAA LID: CLT) is located in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA. The airport is situated about 6 miles from the city's central business district and can be found at 5501 Josh Birmingham Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28208.

Charlotte Douglas International Airport is a significant hub for both commercial and military aviation in the Charlotte metropolitan area. Established in 1935 as Charlotte Municipal Airport, it has undergone several name changes and expansions over the years. The airport was renamed Douglas Municipal Airport in 1954 to honour former Charlotte mayor Ben Elbert Douglas, Sr. and then to its current name, Charlotte Douglas International Airport, in 1982.

The airport covers a vast area of 5,558 acres and features three runways, a single terminal with five concourses, and 124 gates. Charlotte is the primary hub for American Airlines, but other airlines serving the airport include Air Canada, Delta, Lufthansa, United Airlines, and more.

With over 50 million passengers in 2019, Charlotte Douglas International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the United States and the world. The airport has a rich history, including its involvement with the United States military during World War II, and continues to grow and expand to accommodate increasing air traffic.

The airport offers a range of amenities, including lounges, restaurants, and an extensive art and sculpture collection showcasing the region's culture and history. Charlotte Douglas International Airport is easily accessible via public transportation, car, taxi, and ridesharing services, making it a convenient gateway to the city of Charlotte and the surrounding region.

The airport's history and previous names

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) has a rich history that dates back to the early 20th century. Here is a detailed overview of the airport's history and previous names:

The Early Years: Charlotte Municipal Airport

The airport was established in 1935 as Charlotte Municipal Airport. The city of Charlotte received funding from the Works Progress Administration (WPA) to construct its first municipal airport. At the time, this was the largest single WPA project in the United States, including a terminal, hangar, beacon tower, and three runways.

World War II and Military Use: Charlotte Air Base/Morris Field

In early 1941, the United States Army Air Forces took control of the airport and established the Charlotte Air Base. Soon after the attack on Pearl Harbor, it was renamed Morris Field, in honor of World War I aviator William Colb Morris from Concord, North Carolina. The facility was primarily used for pilot training and aircraft maintenance during the war.

Post-War Years: Douglas Municipal Airport

In 1954, the airport was renamed Douglas Municipal Airport, honoring former Charlotte Mayor Ben Elbert Douglas, Sr. Mayor Douglas was a key figure in the airport's establishment, and it was through his lobbying efforts that the city council voted to apply for federal funds for its construction. The new terminal at Douglas Municipal Airport opened in 1954, with two floors and separate areas for ticketing and baggage claim.

The Jet Age and Expansion: Charlotte Douglas International Airport

As aviation entered the jet age, the airport underwent significant expansion. In the late 1960s, a major renovation project added new concourses and improved facilities. In 1979, a new parallel runway and control tower were constructed.

In 1982, the airport was renamed Charlotte Douglas International Airport, reflecting its growing importance as a transportation hub. This change coincided with the opening of a new, larger passenger terminal designed by Odell Associates.

Recent Years: A Major Transportation Hub

Charlotte Douglas International Airport has continued to expand and modernize. In 1990, a new international and commuter concourse (Concourse D) opened, followed by further expansions in the 1990s and early 2000s.

In 2005, the airport became the primary domestic hub for US Airways after its acquisition by America West Airlines. Following the merger of US Airways and American Airlines in 2013, Charlotte became the second-largest hub for the merged airline.

Today, Charlotte Douglas International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the United States and the world, serving over 50 million passengers annually. It remains a vital hub for American Airlines and plays a significant role in both commercial and military aviation.

Airlines that use the airport

CLT stands for Charlotte, North Carolina, USA - Charlotte/Douglas International Airport. Charlotte Douglas International Airport is located roughly 6 miles west of the city's central business district. It is the primary airport for commercial and military use in the Charlotte metropolitan area.

American Airlines operates the majority of the airport's flights, and Charlotte is a fortress hub for the airline. The airline has two Admirals Club locations in Concourses B and C, and a new Delta Skyclub is set to open in December 2024 in the new A Concourse.

Delta Air Lines has a strong presence at the airport, with a dedicated Delta Skyclub lounge and a recent incident involving a Delta plane landing without its nose gear deployed.

Other airlines that use the airport include:

• Lufthansa
• Volaris
• Air Canada
• United Airlines
• Southwest Airlines
• Frontier Airlines
• Spirit Airlines
• Sun Country Airlines
• Vacation Express
• Viva Aerobus
• JetBlue
• British Airways
• Eastern Air Lines
• Piedmont Airlines
• US Airways
• Capital Airlines
• Southern Airlines
• United
• Contour Airlines
• Swift Air

The airport's facilities and amenities

CLT stands for Charlotte Douglas International Airport, serving Charlotte, North Carolina, USA. The airport is a major hub for American Airlines, with the airline operating around 90% of flights to and from the airport.

Charlotte Douglas International Airport features a single terminal with 5 concourses (A-E), providing a wide range of dining, shopping, and lounge options. The airport has 5 lounges, including 2 American Airlines Admirals Clubs, a Centurion Lounge, a Minute Suites, and a USO lounge for active military. Day passes can be purchased for the American Airlines lounges, and hourly passes for Minute Suites.

The airport has over 60 restaurants, bars, cafes, and grab-and-go food outlets, most of which are located within the secure area. There is also a range of shops located within the terminal, including duty-free shopping in the international concourse.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and there are numerous charging stations located in all concourses and some gate areas. Seating with charging stations can be found at gates A21 to A29 and throughout Concourse B.

The airport offers currency exchange and ATM services, Meet & Greet services, and a Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program.

There are 3 nursing rooms located on the upper level of the atrium near the chapel, in the Concourse A connector, and near the D/E connector. Pet relief areas are located both inside and outside of the secure area, and there is a smoking area outside of the terminal.

Charlotte Douglas International Airport has 6 on-site parking options for passengers, including an hourly parking deck located just across from the main terminal, 3 daily parking lots, and 2 long-term lots. A curbside valet service is also available.

The airport is served by bus, taxi, shuttle, limousine, and ride-share services.

Frequently asked questions