Efforts to build a fourth runway at North Carolina’s Charlotte Douglas International Airport (KCLT) received a big boost this week when the FAA announced it allocated $290 million in Airport Improvement Program funding to the development.
Ground was broken on the $1 billion-plus project in 2023 and, according to the airport, it was already fully funded by general airport revenue bonds and passenger facility charge revenue. An airport spokesperson noted that federal participation will enable KCLT to use less local funding and free up funds for other critical projects. In addition to the fourth runway, the grant will also help fund the completion of the north and south end areas around taxiways and other airfield improvements.
The new 10,000-foot Runway 1C/19C will allow KCLT to expand operations upon its completion in the second half of 2027. According to the FAA, the airport has the highest share of connecting airline passengers in the U.S. Construction of a fourth runway will decrease the chance of delays at the airport which could create system-wide impacts for passengers.
“The FAA and the Biden-Harris administration are committed to ensuring the safest and most stress-free experience for travelers possible,” said Shannetta Griffin, the agency’s 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 with routes to KCLT.”