CLT Concourse A expansion has become part of Charlotte Douglas International Airport’s wider capacity strategy, as new construction plans emerged in October 2026. The airport is advancing a proposed $2.1 billion capital development program under its CLT Beyond initiative.
The proposal follows the completion of Concourse A Phase II in September 2024, which delivered 10 gates for growing airline operations. Meanwhile, ongoing runway construction and terminal renovations are shaping the airport’s next phase of infrastructure investment.
CLT Concourse A Expansion Sets Foundation for Further Development
The $241 million Concourse A Phase II project added approximately 200,000 square feet and 10 gates. The facility opened on September 17, 2024, increasing Charlotte Douglas International Airport’s total gate count to 124.
The expansion delivered seven gates for Delta Air Lines, two for Frontier Airlines and one common-use gate. JE Dunn and McFarland delivered the construction through a joint venture, while C Design and Perkins+Will provided architectural design services.
However, Charlotte Douglas is now preparing additional capacity investments beyond the completed concourse project. In October 2026, airport officials presented a proposed Airline Use and Lease Agreement to Charlotte City Council. The agreement would establish the financial framework for CLT Beyond, subject to council approval.
The proposed program includes a new Concourse C expansion, additional gates and a passenger tunnel connecting the main terminal with the expanded concourse. It also covers international arrivals renovations, electrical infrastructure upgrades and planning for future international gate facilities.
Fourth Parallel Runway Construction Advances in 2026
Charlotte Douglas is also progressing with its $1 billion Fourth Parallel Runway project, which broke ground in 2023. The airport reported in September 2026 that approximately 53% of the new runway had been paved.
The 10,000-foot runway will increase arrival and departure capacity and support airline network growth. Airport officials expect commissioning in September 2027, following pavement completion, markings, lighting installation and Federal Aviation Administration checks.
Construction teams are also advancing the South End Around Taxiway and Fire Station 47. These facilities will support aircraft movement and emergency response when the new runway enters service.
Meanwhile, terminal renovations remain active across the airport. Concourse E renovations include new terrazzo flooring, gate renumbering, improved flight information displays and moving walkways. The airport targets completion in March 2027.
Concourse D renovations include restroom improvements, electrical upgrades, ticket-level work and new carpeting. The airport expects these works to finish in late 2026.
CLT Beyond Links Gate Expansion With Future Airport Capacity
The proposed CLT Beyond program would extend Charlotte Douglas’ infrastructure investment beyond individual concourse projects. However, the airport’s October 2026 announcement remains subject to approval of the new airline agreement.
The proposed $2.1 billion program represents a substantial increase over the previous agreement’s approximately $460 million capital program. Its delivery framework includes terminal expansion, airfield improvements and critical infrastructure renewal.
The airport’s development strategy reflects a broader trend among major US aviation hubs. Raleigh-Durham International Airport is pursuing a similar infrastructure-led approach through its $2.5 billion RDU airport expansion program.
RDU is expanding Terminal 2, replacing its primary runway and upgrading parking and roadway facilities. These projects will prepare the airport for future gate additions, although that expansion still requires separate funding.
For Charlotte Douglas, the completed Concourse A expansion provides existing gate capacity, while the proposed CLT Beyond program outlines the next investment phase. Runway construction and ongoing terminal renovations are also progressing toward their respective completion targets.
Project Fact Sheet
Name: Concourse A Expansion Phase II and subsequent CLT Beyond development program.
Location: Charlotte Douglas International Airport, Charlotte, North Carolina, United States.
Concourse A Phase II cost: $241 million.
Concourse A Phase II status: Completed September 2024.
Phase II scope: Approximately 200,000 square feet and 10 additional gates.
Total gate count following Phase II: 124 gates.
Proposed CLT Beyond investment: $2.1 billion, subject to approval.
Proposed CLT Beyond scope: Concourse C expansion, passenger tunnel, international arrivals renovations and critical infrastructure upgrades.
Fourth Parallel Runway cost: Approximately $1 billion.
Runway dimensions: 10,000 feet long and 150 feet wide.
Runway construction status: Approximately 53% paved as reported in September 2026.
Completion target: September 2027.
Concourse E renovation target: March 2027.
Concourse D renovation target: Late 2026.
Project Team
Owner: Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
Airport operating authority: City of Charlotte Aviation Department.
Concourse A Phase II construction contractor: JE Dunn–McFarland joint venture.
Concourse A Phase II architectural design: C Design and Perkins+Will.
Proposed CLT Beyond delivery stakeholders: Charlotte Douglas International Airport and participating signatory airlines.
Airline agreement stakeholders: American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines.
Runway development authority: Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
Runway regulatory oversight: Federal Aviation Administration.
Terminal renovation delivery: Airport-appointed construction contractors; individual contractor names were not confirmed in the cited updates.
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