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Is CLT airport big?

Published in Airport Operations 2 mins read

Yes, CLT Airport is notably big, both in terms of its physical footprint and its operational scale, serving a massive volume of passengers annually.

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is a major hub that consistently ranks among the largest and busiest airports in the United States, and it is also recognized as one of the busiest globally.

Dimensions and Capacity of CLT Airport

The sheer size and operational capacity of CLT Airport are evident in several key metrics:

Expansive Footprint and Infrastructure

CLT Airport covers an extensive area of approximately 5,558 acres. This vast space accommodates its comprehensive infrastructure, including multiple runways and a significant terminal complex.

  • Runways: The airport features three runways, crucial for managing the high volume of aircraft traffic.
  • Terminal Structure: It houses a single, expansive terminal building that connects to five distinct concourses. This design facilitates efficient passenger flow and access to flights.
  • Gates: Within its terminal and concourse system, CLT boasts 124 gates, enabling it to handle numerous simultaneous departures and arrivals.

High Passenger Traffic

A significant indicator of CLT's large scale is its passenger volume. The airport serves over 53 million annual passengers, a figure that places it firmly among the top airports in the country and globally for passenger throughput. This high volume necessitates its extensive infrastructure and operational efficiency.

To summarize CLT Airport's key statistics:

Feature Metric
Area ~5,558 acres
Annual Passengers Over 53 million
Runways 3
Terminal 1 (with 5 concourses)
Gates 124
National Rank Top ten largest & busiest
Global Rank One of the busiest

Why Its Size Matters

The substantial size and operational capacity of CLT Airport allow it to function as a critical transportation hub, facilitating connections for millions of travelers each year. Its extensive infrastructure supports a vast network of domestic and international flights, underlining its importance in the global aviation landscape.

For more information on Charlotte Douglas International Airport, you can visit the official CLT Airport website.