CHARLOTTE, N.C. — After six years of extensive work, Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) has officially completed its long-awaited $608 million Terminal Lobby Expansion Project, marking one of the largest infrastructure undertakings in the airport’s history.
The Holder-Edison Foard-Leeper joint venture, which led the massive project, added approximately 175,000 square feet of new space and renovated 191,000 square feet of the original terminal, which first opened in 1982. The result is a brighter, more efficient and passenger-friendly hub designed to serve the rapidly growing Charlotte region.
According to airport officials, the Terminal Lobby Expansion—also known as TLE—brings expanded security checkpoints, enhanced circulation space, modern amenities, and improved access to parking and ground transportation. It represents the next major milestone in the airport’s long-term Destination CLT development program, aimed at transforming the airport into a premier travel gateway for the Southeast.
Construction on the project began in December 2019 and required a phased approach to ensure the airport remained operational throughout the process. Phased openings began in 2022, starting with the west side of the terminal, followed by the east side in 2023, and finally, full completion in September 2025.
At the heart of the new terminal is Queens Court, a grand, light-filled atrium designed as a gathering space for travelers. The centerpiece is the iconic statue of Queen Charlotte, honoring the city’s namesake and its 18th-century heritage.
The redesign also features a striking 63-truss glass canopy, composed of more than 2,400 panes of glass, creating a visually dynamic and weather-protected entryway for passengers. The new design integrates two overhead pedestrian walkways and underground connections to parking areas, improving flow and accessibility for millions of travelers who pass through the facility each year.
Beyond infrastructure, the project integrates 11 new public art installations, reflecting the city’s creative culture and its commitment to community-driven design. Airport officials emphasized that the expansion supports both aesthetic and functional goals, ensuring the terminal feels welcoming while efficiently processing high passenger volumes.
The renovation and expansion involved more than 200 companies and 5,000 construction workers, totaling over 5 million labor hours — a testament to the collaborative effort between public and private partners.
Funding for the project came through a combination of passenger facility charges, customer facility fees, general airport revenue bonds, and airport cash, ensuring that no local tax dollars were used.
Charlotte Douglas International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the U.S., serving more than 53 million passengers annually and operating as a key hub for American Airlines. Airport officials say the expansion not only improves passenger comfort but also increases the airport’s long-term capacity for continued regional growth.
The project reinforces Charlotte’s position as a leading transportation and business hub for the southeastern United States and strengthens CLT’s infrastructure to accommodate rising domestic and international travel demand in the coming decades.
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is owned and operated by the City of Charlotte and serves as a major hub connecting travelers worldwide. The airport is consistently ranked among the nation’s top airports for efficiency and passenger volume and continues to expand under its Destination CLT capital improvement plan, aimed at delivering world-class travel experiences for millions each year.
Originally reported by Sebastian Obando in Construction Dive.
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