Charlotte Douglas International Airport is set to receive a major boost from federal funding. U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis announced Wednesday that the airport will get $45 million in grants from the U.S. Department of Transportation to support ongoing expansion efforts.
The money comes from the Airport Improvement Program, which is partially funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Tillis, who helped negotiate and pass the legislation, said the funding reflects the federal government’s commitment to strengthening air travel infrastructure in North Carolina.
“These upgrades will ensure compliance with safety standards while helping both airports remain efficient and equipped to handle North Carolina’s growing travel demands,” said Senator Tillis in a press release. “It is vital that we invest in our public transportation and infrastructure, including our airports. I am proud to have worked alongside local leaders to secure this critical funding.”
At Charlotte Douglas, the grant will pay for the expansion of the airport’s south apron, the area where aircraft park and receive servicing. The project will add 414,000 square feet to the apron, improving the airport’s ability to handle high passenger and aircraft traffic.
This latest award is part of a much larger investment in Charlotte’s airport. CLT is already undergoing several major projects, including construction of a fourth parallel runway, which previously received $290 million in federal funding, as well as a significant terminal expansion designed to accommodate rising passenger demand.
The improvements come as Charlotte Douglas continues to rank among the busiest airports in the United States, serving millions of travelers annually.
