Charlotte’s airport welcomed 53.6 million passengers last year, marking its second-busiest year on record.
While the total represents a decrease of 5.2 million passengers—roughly 9%—from the all-time high set in 2024, officials from Charlotte Douglas International Airport describe the shift as a “market correction.” This return to more typical travel patterns follows the unprecedented growth seen in 2023 and 2024.
According to CLT, the dip was driven by several factors, including airline network adjustments, broader economic conditions and evolving traveler behavior, rather than a weakening of the region’s market strength.
The 2024 record previously sent Charlotte to sixth place in global flight counts, surpassing Los Angeles International Airport, according to Airports Council International rankings. In 2025, the airport recorded 574,193 aircraft operations — a 4% decrease from 2024, but still a 7% increase over 2023 levels.
Local travel at Charlotte Douglas hits record highs
Despite the slight drop in total volume, the number of local passengers reached a new high, fueled by the region’s ongoing population boom.
Approximately 35% of passengers began their journeys in Charlotte, a 10% increase from a decade ago. The remaining 65% of travelers used the airport as a connecting hub.
“Even with this shift, the 10% growth over the last decade among local passengers points to a strong underlying demand for air travel in the region,” airport officials stated. “The airport remains focused on long-term, sustainable growth that prioritizes safety, efficiency, and the passenger experience.”
Other metrics showed similar stabilization.
The Transportation Security Administration screened approximately 12 million passengers last year, a 2% decrease from 2024 but 9% higher than 2023. International travel also saw a 2% decrease, with passenger counts moving from 4.8 million in 2024 to 4.7 million last year.
Amid these shifting numbers, the airport reached significant construction milestones.
Last fall, CLT debuted a $608 million terminal lobby expansion, creating 175,000 square feet of new space and renovating another 191,000 square feet. Enhancements include two pedestrian bridges linking the mezzanine to the hourly parking deck, expanded baggage claim areas and streamlined security checkpoints.
Development continues into the new year.
Work is underway on a fourth parallel runway and associated taxiways, while renovations to Concourses D and E are slated for completion between this year and next.
In less than a month, changes are also coming to airport parking lots.
Starting March 1, CLT is will increase parking rates by 9% to 40%, with daily increases ranging from $2 to $8 depending on the lot. Some travelers bemoaned the latest price hike, the third in a little under five years.
The money from the price increases will fund upgrades to parking safety, infrastructure and reliability to improve overall passenger experience, according to Charlotte Douglas.
Chase Jordan
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