CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A new spot to watch planes fly in and out of a major airport in North Carolina is a step closer to taking off.
Charlotte Douglas International Airport recently revealed designs of how it plans to revamp its overlook, which is scheduled to re-open in 2024.
The renderings show a big expansion with added playgrounds, picnic tables, a bigger space for food trucks, among other features.
Matthew Hilla is a regular visitor to the airport overlook. He usually spends his time at the temporary location snapping dozens of photos of planes taking off and landing at the airport.
He says he’s most excited about expanded parking options at the new overlook.
“There’s supposed to be plenty of parking spaces, and I’m like, this is great. Parking will be very plentiful and easy to find,” Hilla said.
The plans also include a memorial for Flight 1016, which crashed while trying to land in Charlotte during a thunderstorm in 1994. Thirty-seven people onboard were killed.
“The shock, the grief, it’s a lot to process,” Hilla said. “I feel like it’s only right to include the memorial in the overlook.”
One feature Hilla was hoping to see with the new design was an elevated stand similar to Raleigh Durham International Airport’s Observation Park.
“So, getting fences in the photo or other [objects] would not be an issue,” Hilla said.
Overall, Hilla’s excited about what’s coming for aviation enthusiasts like himself and the community.
“I believe [the new overlook] will be packed the first couple of days,” Hilla said. “And I think it’ll remain busy in general, even as it ages.”
Construction on the new overlook still needs approval by Charlotte City Council. Once that happens, it’s scheduled to begin later this summer or early fall, with it opening by Summer of 2024.