58.8 million. That’s how many passengers traveled through Charlotte Douglas International Airport in 2024, breaking the record of 53.4 million set in 2023.
Over the last year, CLT saw record-breaking holiday/seasonal travel + remains the center of major growth and development. Here’s a break down of what we’ve seen and what’s to come:
2024 travel, by the numbers
- 23 of the 25 busiest days on record occurred in 2024
- The top three busiest travel days were May 24, Oct. 20, and Dec. 1, 2024
- TSA recorded the highest single-day local passenger count on May 16 — screening 45,304 people.
- There was an increase in aircraft operations — 596,583 arrivals and departures, up from 539,066 in 2023
- International travel increased 13%, growing from 2.1 million passengers in 2023 to 2.4 million in 2024
Editor’s note: The airport offers 42 international destinations.
“Our record growth in 2024 reflects the dedication of our team, support of our partners and the trust of the passengers who continually choose CLT,” said CLT Chief Executive Officer Haley Gentry.
Speaking of growth... let’s take a look at the construction you’ve most likely noticed while passing through the airport.
Projects underway
Since 2019, crews have been busy at work on the Terminal Expansion Project — a $608 million project part of Destination CLT. It’s expected to reach completion this fall. Stay tuned for a full article on the entire project.
Concourse A opened in September and renovations are underway on Concourse D, the airport hub for most international flights. It’s scheduled for completion in fall 2026 + Concourse E renovations are set to be done by spring 2027.
TSA Checkpoint 2 is also set to open this spring, coinciding with spring break travel.
Work is also underway for the fourth parallel runway, accommodating the airport’s increasing flight traffic. Additional gates for concourses B and C are planned but construction timelines have not been scheduled.
Charlotte Douglas aims to be “an airport fit for a queen.” As the work continues, don’t miss your flight — subscribe to our free, daily newsletter for ongoing updates.
