Charlotte Airport Travel Coming Back Faster Than Expected

CHARLOTTE, NC — Charlotte Douglas International Airport is on its way back to pre-pandemic traffic, according to airport officials.

CLT served 43 million passengers in 2021, which is 86 percent of the 50.2 million passengers served in 2019.

Just 27 million passengers flew in 2020, a steep drop in traffic reflected in the entire airport industry nationwide.

“Our 2021 passenger numbers are pretty impressive considering the twists and turns we’ve experienced over the past two years,” said CLT’s CEO Haley Gentry. “While COVID-19 impacts continue, CLT has bounced back quicker than many other airports nationwide thanks to the strength of the American Airlines hub, strong partnerships we have with all our airlines and tenants and the unwavering support of our passengers.”

CLT logged 519,895 arrivals and departures combined in 2021 compared to 397,983 in 2020 and 578,263 in 2019. Airlines began rebuilding their flight schedules when demand for air travel increased and international travel returned. Daily departures averaged just 672 in 2021. Currently, CLT offers nonstop flights to 188 destinations, including 36 international locations and three U.S. territories.

Airport officials attribute the rise in traffic to business traffic coming back. They're also excited about renovations at the airport.

“This year alone the Airport is opening an expansion of Concourse E, the west end of the expanded terminal lobby, The Club CLT on Concourse A and new concessions throughout the terminal. Our plans also include installing several new art pieces and beginning construction on a 10-gate expansion of Concourse A. We’re looking forward to sharing these big moments with our passengers in 2022.”