FAA Invests $290M in Long-Awaited New Runway in Charlotte

Project aims to increase flight capacity and reduce delays at the world’s seventh-busiest airport.

An American A321 in Charlotte. [Credit: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson]

The FAA announced an investment of $290 million in Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funding to support the construction of a new fourth runway at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (KCLT) in North Carolina.

The project, which already broke ground in June 2023, aims to increase flight capacity and reduce delays at the world’s seventh-busiest airport. The airport anticipates construction of the $1 billion project to be completed by fall 2027.

“The FAA and the Biden-Harris administration are pleased to assist CLT in ensuring the safest and most stress-free experience for travelers possible,” said FAA Associate Administrator for Airports Shannetta Griffin, in a news release. “The fourth runway project delivers on both goals—not only for travelers in and out of Charlotte, but for those visiting one of the nearly 200 cities with routes from CLT.”

In addition to the new runway, the grant will fund the completion of north and south end-around taxiways and other airfield improvements to enhance safety and increase capacity, the agency said.

Positioned west of Runway 18C/36C, the new runway will be roughly 10,000 feet long and is expected to significantly improve capacity at the airport.

“We are thrilled to receive this notable investment from the FAA,” said Charlotte airport CEO Haley Gentry in the release. “The funding will enable the airport to continue progress on this crucial and nationally significant infrastructure project, boosting capacity and operational efficiency.”

Charlotte is American Airlines’ second-largest hub with approximately 700 flights per day. In 2023, the airline said it was eyeing plans for up to 800 daily flights with the new runway.


Editor’s Note: This article first appeared on AirlineGeeks.com.

Ryan Ewing

Ryan is Sr. Director of Digital for Firecrown's Aviation Group. In 2013, he founded AirlineGeeks.com, a leading trade publication covering the airline industry. Since then, his work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the airline industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Previously, he worked for a Part 135 operator and later a major airline. Ryan is also an Adjunct Instructor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
Pilot in aircraft
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