Coronavirus fears could bring changes for travelers at Charlotte Douglas Airport

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The coronavirus is continuing to spread and now, it could force changes to flights out of Charlotte Douglas Airport.

More than 46 million people flew through Charlotte Douglas Airport last year, but with the coronavirus spreading across the United States, many are wondering what airport officials are doing to try and keep travelers healthy.

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The CDC has been performing health screenings in U.S. airports for passengers flying from China. In Charlotte, there are no direct flights between Charlotte and China.

But, there has been talk of expanding airport screenings, especially as travel alerts expand to other areas.

Brent Cagle, Aviation Director for the City’s Aviation Department, said the airport is preparing.

“We’re concerned. We’re working with county health and state health and the CDC. We participate in weekly briefings," Cagle said.

Cagle said they already have a communicable disease response plan in place that was updated in 2019. It’s been activated in the past for other diseases. At this point, they’re in preparation and planning mode.

“At this point, Charlotte is at a relatively low risk,” Cagle said." We are actively monitoring and working with our stakeholders to understand how this situation develops and to be prepared if and when the situation necessitates it here in Charlotte."