The Biden-Harris Administration, through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), has committed $290 million in Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funding to support the construction of a fourth runway at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT). The project, which began in June 2023, aims to expand flight capacity and reduce delays, with completion expected by fall 2027.
“The FAA and the Biden-Harris Administration are committed to ensuring the safest and most stress-free experience for travelers,” said Shannetta R. Griffin, P.E., FAA Associate Administrator for Airports. “This fourth runway delivers on both – not only for travelers in and out of Charlotte but for those flying from the nearly 200 cities connected to CLT.”
In addition to the runway, the grant will fund the construction of north and south end-around taxiways and other airfield upgrades to enhance safety and capacity.
CLT Chief Executive Officer Haley Gentry welcomed the investment, saying, “The funding will enable the airport to continue progress on this crucial and nationally significant infrastructure project, boosting capacity and operational efficiency.”
The new runway at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is projected to significantly reduce future delays. Without this addition, the average aircraft delays at the airport are expected to increase by 58%, or roughly 12 minutes, over the next 15 years, according to a benefit-cost analysis conducted by the city. This expanded capacity will help mitigate such delays and improve overall efficiency.
As one of the nation’s major connecting hubs, CLT boasts the highest share of connecting passengers in the U.S. The construction of the fourth runway will not only enhance flight capacity but also decrease the likelihood of delays, which could have ripple effects across the entire air travel system. This improvement is crucial to maintaining smooth operations for the nearly 200 cities linked to CLT.
Additionally, the project will address a documented “hot spot” on the taxiway, an area identified as posing an increased risk of collisions or runway incursions. By standardizing the airfield’s layout, the new runway will improve safety for aircraft maneuvering on the ground, contributing to a safer and more efficient travel experience for passengers.
The FAA is funding the project under a Letter of Intent (LOI), which allows for multi-year AIP grants for large-scale capacity projects. This funding mechanism will enhance capacity not only at CLT but systemwide, providing long-term improvements to air travel efficiency across the network.
