Charlotte Douglas International Airport gives behind-the-scenes look at construction progress

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The main terminal still in use today at Charlotte Douglas International Airport opened in 1982.

At the time, annual local passenger traffic was 2.5 million people. By 2018, just before an ongoing, $600 million makeover and expansion of the terminal began, the number of local fliers had increased to 12.5 million.

[ALSO READ: Flying high again: CLT executive talks airport’s recovery, construction update and what’s ahead]

And, even after recent pandemic-caused declines in airline ticket sales, the airport terminal remains woefully undersized.

This week, airport officials took a contingent of reporters and photographers — including the CBJ — on a behind-the-scenes tour of the terminal overhaul. It is the centerpiece of Destination CLT, a 10-year airport renovation and expansion blueprint scheduled to wrap in 2025 at a cost of $3 billion to $3.5 billion. The projects encompass adding 175,000 square feet and upgrading 191,000 square feet of existing space.

Renovations of all the concourses, upgraded security and baggage systems, more room for passengers throughout, and relocated ticketing and check-in areas are among the changes included in the makeover.

Standing on the mezzanine level of the expanded terminal entry, Jack Christine, the airport’s chief operating officer, raised his voice to compete with the clanging, thumping and whirring of heavy machinery and equipment behind him.

Looking around, Christine said, “I can see that this looks a lot like the renderings, which makes me very happy because that means it’s going the way it’s supposed to.”

Read the full story and check out additional photos and renderings here.

Bill would transfer control of Charlotte airport to the state Bill would transfer control of Charlotte airport to the state

©2021 Cox Media Group