CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte Douglas International Airport said it’s expecting record numbers this holiday travel season, according to a release.
Airport officials expect 2.75 million arriving and departing passengers during the 17-day holiday travel period, which begins Friday. That would be a 6% jump in foot traffic over last year.
The number of flights in and out of the airport is expected to hit 25,000, an 8% increase from 2023. American Airlines, which uses Charlotte as one of its hubs, said demand from the Queen City continues to be strong.
“As Charlotte’s hometown airline, American is proud to offer more than 13,000 departures during the holiday travel period,” it said. “That’s an average of about 700 peak daily departures from CLT to more than 170 destinations worldwide this holiday season.”
The airport expects these days to be their busiest:
- Friday, Dec. 20
- Thursday, Dec. 26
- Friday, Dec. 27
The projected increase in numbers will happen in the middle of the airport's ongoing multi-billion-dollar, multi-phase expansion and renovation project. It includes a concourse expansion and runway addition with a targeted completion date of 2027.
“Of all the improvements put into play for this year, the opening of the three inner roadway lanes at the departures level and the two pedestrian bridges significantly reduced roadway congestion during high peak times,” Charlotte Douglas International Airport Chief Operating Officer Jerome Woodard said.
Airport officials added they’re ready to adjust traffic lanes with the flow of traffic as needed. They suggest booking parking in advance and allotting plenty of time before your flight for baggage check and security.
The airport's holiday travel season concludes Sunday, Jan. 5.