CHARLOTTE, NC – Concourse A Expansion – Phase II at Charlotte Douglas International Airport opens Sept. 17. The 200,000-square-foot expansion north of Concourse A – Phase I introduces 10 new gates, including seven for Delta Air Lines, two for Frontier Airlines, and one common-use gate, bringing the Airport's total count to 124.
“The opening of Concourse A Expansion – Phase II marks a significant milestone for CLT and the Destination CLT program,” said CLT Chief Executive Officer Haley Gentry. “This addition not only represents growth, but a dedication to enhancing the overall travel experience. The 10 new gates, unique dining options, artistic touches and cutting-edge innovation reflect a significant investment in our infrastructure and serves as a testament to our vision for building an airport for the future.”
Like Phase I, which debuted July 18, 2018, Phase II features auto-tinting window glass to regulate temperature and sunlight and gate seating and tables offering integrated and wireless charging capabilities. Restrooms are equipped with water-saving fixtures and a private Mother’s Room is located inside the women’s restroom for nursing moms.
Travelers can choose from four dining options featuring local and familiar cuisine: Dunkin’ has its third CLT location here. Crown Diner offers all-day breakfast, burgers, sandwiches, salads and cocktails. Great Wagon Road Distilling Co. produces spirits from the Queen City’s oldest distillery, and Market Place provides snacks, beverages, and other essentials. Delta Air Lines is expected to debut a 15,000-square-foot Sky Club® by year’s end.
Another highlight of Phase II is the focus on enhancing the passenger experience. The space features a diverse array of art, educational displays and interactive installations that honor North Carolina's aviation heritage and history.
Travelers can experience the Wright Brothers' "First in Flight" story en route to the gate area. A light wall and the sound of the Wright Flyer play in concert powered by passenger movement. Four terrazzo lines, each marked by a bronze plaque created by artist Greg Stump of Cornelius, indicate the distances of the Wrights’ first powered flights.
A standout feature near Gate A31 is a life-sized, 14x40-foot DC-9-82 T-Tail embedded in the terrazzo flooring. Weighing 5,000 pounds, the "Mad Dog" was salvaged from Roswell, New Mexico, reimagined by MotoArt Studio in Los Angeles, and assembled in Charlotte as a unique centerpiece.
Hanging from the mezzanine level is Val Britton's 950-square-foot installation, "Where Earth Meets Sky." The Portland, Oregon based artist created a piece featuring digital prints, paint, and collage on birchwood panels. It is a combining of aerial views, mapping, topography, and research into the history and landscape of Charlotte. Red clay from the area was used in the paint for an additional touch of local flair.
Concourse A - Phase II, with an estimated cost of approximately $241 million, was made possible through funding from a North Carolina Airport Improvement Program state grant, Passenger Facility Charge bonds, and non-Passenger Facility Charge bonds. Construction was carried out by JE Dunn and McFarland, a joint venture, while C Design and Perkins+Will produced the architectural design. Construction began May 10, 2022.
With the completion of Concourse A – Phase II and the Terminal Lobby Expansion in phase five of six, the Airport’s total square footage increases from 1.8 million to 2.2 million.
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