The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced an investment of $290 million in Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funding to support the construction of a new fourth runway at Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
The project, which already broke ground in June 2023, aims to increase flight capacity and reduce delays at the world’s seventh-busiest airport. The airport anticipates construction of the $1 billion project to be completed by the fall of 2027.
“The FAA and the Biden-Harris Administration are pleased to assist CLT in ensuring the safest and most stress-free experience for travelers possible,” said FAA Associate Administrator for Airports Shannetta R. Griffin, in a news release. “The fourth runway project delivers on both goals – not only for travelers in and out of Charlotte, but for those visiting one of the nearly 200 cities with routes from CLT.”
In addition to the new runway, the grant will fund the completion of north and south end-around taxiways and other airfield improvements to enhance safety and increase capacity, the agency said.
Positioned west of Runway 18C/36C, the new runway will be roughly 10,000 feet long and is expected to significantly improve capacity at the airport.
“We are thrilled to receive this notable investment from the FAA,” said airport CEO Haley Gentry in the release. “The funding will enable the airport to continue progress on this crucial and nationally significant infrastructure project, boosting capacity and operational efficiency.”
Charlotte is American’s second-largest hub with approximately 700 flights per day. In 2023, the airline said it was eyeing plans for up to 800 daily flights with the new runway.
