If you’ve traveled through Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) over the past five years, you’re no stranger to construction. Creating an airport “fit for a Queen,” welcoming over 58 million travelers annually, is no easy feat. Since 2019, crews have been busy at work on the Terminal Lobby Expansion Project (TLE) — which will be finished this fall.
The $608 million Terminal Lobby Expansion is the largest renovation project in airport history — part of the $4 billion Destination CLT capital investment program. Before reaching that finish line, let’s take a look at the upgrades sure to catch your eye.
Pedestrian walkways
Two pedestrian bridges opened in July 2024, connecting a new mezzanine of the airport terminal to the hourly parking deck + a new 146,000-sqft canopy.
In addition to the walkways, three bus lanes were added to carry travelers to and from parking lots.
Security checkpoints
CLT consolidated five security checkpoints from A-E, renaming them to 1-3. Checkpoint 2, formerly C, officially opened to travelers on March 26. This checkpoint in the center of the terminal will primarily be for TSA PreCheck and flight crew screening.
The consolidation doesn’t mean fewer security lanes. Once complete, there will be 21 lanes, up from 17, and 11 will be automated.
Baggage claim
CLT is installing two more baggage carousels in Baggage Claim + expanding and renovating the basement area.
Automated lanes
On March 6, the airport opened its first automated lanes, allowing one-way travel to the ticketing and baggage claim areas, with three more coming soon.
Watch: This video shows how they work.
Terminal renovations
CLT is also planning to replace several boarding bridges throughout the terminal this fall.
Projects worth noting
While not part of the TLE, there are a few upgrades travelers will already spot in the airport, including the newly-constructed Concourse A, and renovations underway for Concourses D and E — expected to wrap fall 2026 and spring 2027.
Additional gates for Concourses C and B are planned, with design work and construction timelines for the $463-million projects still TBA.
Outside the airport, work is underway for the Fourth Parallel Runway, a $1-billion project to accommodate the airport’s increasing flight traffic. It’s expected to be finished by early 2027.
We’ve not forgotten about the 90-acre Destination District by Crosland Southeast. Proposals call for hotels, a brewery, retail space, a LYNX Silver Line station, and pedestrian bridge, with a groundbreaking as early as 2026.
