Tag: Charlotte to Louisville flights

American Airlines is adding more direct flights from Charlotte to Louisville in the spring — turning a 90-minute trip into a chance for horse racing fans to see “the most exciting two minutes in sports.”

The airline is increasing nonstop flights from Charlotte Douglas International Airport to Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport for the Kentucky Derby, scheduled for May 2, the company announced Friday.

There will be six flights from CLT to SDF on April 30 and May 1. For fans returning to Charlotte, there are six flights from Louisville to Charlotte on May 3.

Normally, American operates about five daily flights to SDF from Charlotte.

CLT was one of the major hubs selected for extra flights to Kentucky. Other airports include Dallas-Fort Worth, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., American Airlines said.

Charlotte Douglas is the second-largest hub for American, accounting for about 90% of all flights out of the airport. The airline provides flights to more than 170 destinations in 27 countries worldwide from CLT through its global network.

In North Carolina, nonstop routes are also being offered between Raleigh-Durham International Airport and Louisville. Two flights will be offered for the race: one from RDU to SDF on April 30, and the second from Louisville back to Raleigh-Durham on May 3.

More about the Kentucky Derby

Now in its 152nd year, the Kentucky Derby is the longest-running sporting event in the U.S. It’s held every year at Churchill Downs in Louisville.

Derby Week Racing begins Saturday, April 25, and wraps up with the race on Saturday, May 2.

Some of the events include Dawn at the Downs, where racing fans watch contenders during morning workouts; Thurby, a celebration of Kentucky’s heritage featuring live entertainment; and the Kentucky Oaks, a race for 3-year-old fillies (female horses).

Additional information about the events is available at kentuckyderby.com.