Asheville Regional Airport Officially Opens New North Concourse

Key Takeaways

• Asheville Regional Airport opened its 136,000 sq. ft. North Concourse and TSA checkpoint on June 25, 2025.
• New terminal features floor-to-ceiling windows, expanded seating with outlets, five food shops, and an art gallery.
• All North Concourse gates open by July 2025; old terminal closes within five weeks.

The Asheville Regional Airport’s New North Concourse: A Major Step Forward for Travelers and the Region

On June 25, 2025, Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) officially opened its new North Concourse and a state-of-the-art TSA security checkpoint. This event marks a major milestone in the airport’s ongoing “AVL Forward” expansion project. The opening is not just about a new building—it represents a big change for travelers, airlines, airport staff, and the entire region. The new North Concourse brings more space, better amenities, and a smoother travel experience, showing AVL’s commitment to meeting the needs of a growing community.

What Happened, Where, and Why It Matters

The new North Concourse at Asheville Regional Airport is a 136,000-square-foot terminal with modern features designed to make travel easier and more comfortable. The expansion is part of the multi-phase AVL Forward project, which aims to handle record passenger growth and prepare the airport for the future. The new concourse includes:

• Floor-to-ceiling windows for natural light and mountain views
• Expanded seating with electrical outlets at every seat
• Electro-chromic windows that adjust to sunlight, saving energy
• Five new food and retail concessions (three opened on June 25, two more opening soon)
• A new art gallery featuring rotating exhibits, currently showcasing local artists affected by Hurricane Helene

The new TSA checkpoint is designed to move people through security faster and with less stress. All passengers now enter through a new ticket lobby (opened June 11, 2025), go through the new security area, and then reach the North Concourse by escalator, stairs, or elevator.

Lew Bleiweis, President and CEO of Asheville Regional Airport, called the opening “a major achievement not just for the Airport, but for the entire region.” He praised the hard work and dedication of the airport staff and partners who made this project possible.

Tina Kinsey, Chief Administrative Officer and airport spokesperson, highlighted the welcoming environment, saying, “We can’t wait to see how people are wowed by this new space.”

Immediate Changes for Passengers

If you’re flying from Asheville Regional Airport, here’s what you need to know about the new process:

1. Arrive at least two hours before your flight—especially during busy travel times.
2. Enter through the new ticket lobby, which opened on June 11, 2025.
3. Go through the new TSA security checkpoint, designed for faster screening.
4. Head up to the North Concourse using the escalator, stairs, or elevator.
5. Board your flight—for the next few weeks, some passengers may still use the older terminal (legacy terminal) as gates are phased in. Signs and staff will help guide you.

Not all new gates are open yet. The airport is opening them in phases to make sure everything runs smoothly. By the end of July 2025, all North Concourse gates should be ready, and the old terminal will be retired within three to five weeks.

Why the Expansion Was Needed

Asheville Regional Airport has seen record growth in recent years. More people are flying in and out of the region than ever before. The old terminal was often crowded, with long lines and limited places to sit, eat, or shop. The AVL Forward project was launched to solve these problems and prepare for even more travelers in the future.

The North Concourse is the first major terminal expansion in decades. It’s just one part of a bigger plan that also includes a new air traffic control tower and further enlargements to the terminal. The full AVL Forward project is expected to be finished in about two and a half years, around late 2027.

What’s New in the North Concourse

The new North Concourse is designed to make travel more comfortable and enjoyable. Here’s what travelers can expect:

• More Space: The new terminal is much bigger, which means less crowding and more room to relax.
• Modern Amenities: Every seat has an electrical outlet, so you can charge your phone or laptop while you wait.
• Natural Light: Large windows let in plenty of sunlight and offer views of the mountains.
• Energy Efficiency: Special windows adjust automatically to the sun, helping the airport save energy.
• Food and Shopping: Five new concessions offer a variety of food and retail options. Three are open now, with two more opening soon.
• Art Gallery: The terminal features a rotating art gallery, giving local artists a chance to display their work and travelers a chance to enjoy something unique.

Alexandra Ingle, the art gallery curator, said the current exhibit features works by local artists who were affected by Hurricane Helene, adding a personal and community-focused touch to the new space.

How the Expansion Affects Different Groups

Passengers:
Travelers are already noticing the difference. Many have praised the new concourse for its open feel, comfortable seating, and better food and shopping choices. The new TSA checkpoint moves people through security faster, reducing wait times and stress. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these improvements are expected to make AVL a more attractive choice for both local residents and visitors.

Airport Staff:
For the people who work at the airport, the expansion means better tools and more space to do their jobs. Staff have worked hard to keep things running smoothly during construction, and the phased opening of the new gates helps avoid confusion and delays.

Airlines:
The new concourse includes a ramp management program and more gates, which should reduce the time planes spend waiting to park or take off. This means more reliable schedules and fewer delays for travelers.

Local Artists:
The new art gallery gives artists a place to show and sell their work, especially those who have faced challenges like Hurricane Helene. This helps support the local arts community and gives travelers something special to enjoy.

The Community:
The expansion is expected to boost the region’s profile and support economic growth. More travelers mean more business for hotels, restaurants, and shops in the area. The airport is also better prepared to handle big travel events, like the July 4th holiday, when AAA predicts 2.3 million North Carolinians will travel.

Step-by-Step: What to Expect When You Fly

To help travelers adjust to the new setup, here’s a simple step-by-step guide:

• Arrive Early: Get to the airport at least two hours before your flight, especially during busy times.
• Check In: Use the new ticket lobby, which is bigger and easier to move through.
• Go Through Security: The new TSA checkpoint is designed for faster screening, but lines can still be long during peak hours.
• Find Your Gate: Use the escalator, stairs, or elevator to reach the North Concourse. Staff and signs will help direct you.
• Boarding: Some flights may still use the old terminal for a few weeks. Pay attention to announcements and signs.

If you have questions or need help, airport staff are available throughout the terminal.

Operational Changes and What’s Next

The opening of the North Concourse is just the first phase of the AVL Forward project. Here’s what’s coming up:

• All North Concourse gates open by end of July 2025.
• Legacy terminal (old gates 1–6) will be closed within three to five weeks.
• More restaurants, shops, and art installations will open throughout the summer and beyond.
• A new air traffic control tower, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, is under construction and will help manage the airport’s growing traffic.

The full expansion, including further enlargements to the ticket lobby and concourse, is expected to be finished in about two and a half years.

Community and Economic Impact

The AVL Forward project is more than just a building upgrade. It’s an investment in the region’s future. The airport’s growth supports jobs, tourism, and business development. As more people choose to fly through Asheville, the area becomes more connected to the rest of the United States 🇺🇸 and beyond.

The expansion also helps the airport keep up with changing travel patterns. With more direct flights and better facilities, AVL is becoming a key gateway for the Southeast.

Official Support and Federal Investment

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and other federal agencies have supported the airport’s growth. The new air traffic control tower is funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, showing the importance of AVL in the national transportation network. These investments help make sure the airport can handle more flights safely and efficiently.

For more information about the AVL Forward project and updates on the expansion, travelers can visit the official AVL Forward project page.

Voices from the Airport

Travelers, staff, and community members have shared their thoughts on the new North Concourse:

• Passengers: Many say the new space feels “open and welcoming,” with better places to sit, eat, and relax. Some have called it a “game changer” for the region.
• Airport Staff: Employees are proud of the new facility and appreciate the patience of travelers during construction.
• Local Artists: The art gallery is seen as a valuable addition, giving artists a new way to connect with the public.

Tina Kinsey summed up the excitement: “We can’t wait to see how people are wowed by this new space.”

Looking Ahead: What Travelers Should Know

As the airport continues to grow, travelers should expect more changes and improvements. The phased approach means there may be some confusion during the transition, but staff are ready to help. Signs throughout the airport will guide passengers to the right places.

Here are some tips for a smooth experience:

• Check the airport website for the latest updates before you travel.
• Arrive early to allow time for check-in and security.
• Follow signs and staff instructions—some gates may still be in the old terminal for a few weeks.
• Enjoy the new amenities—try the new restaurants, browse the art gallery, and take advantage of the extra space.

For official travel information, including FAQs and updates, visit the Asheville Regional Airport website.

Conclusion: A New Era for Asheville Regional Airport

The opening of the North Concourse at Asheville Regional Airport is a big step forward for the region. With more space, better amenities, and a focus on comfort and efficiency, AVL is ready to serve more travelers than ever before. The AVL Forward project shows the airport’s commitment to growth, community, and a better travel experience for everyone.

As the expansion continues, passengers, airlines, and the community can look forward to even more improvements. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or visiting Asheville for the first time, the new North Concourse is designed to make your journey easier and more enjoyable.

For ongoing updates and detailed information about the AVL Forward project, travelers and community members can always check the official AVL Forward project page.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, the changes at Asheville Regional Airport are set to make a lasting impact, positioning AVL as a leading travel hub in the Southeast and a proud gateway to the region’s future.

Learn Today

North Concourse → A new 136,000-square-foot terminal area at AVL designed to improve passenger flow and comfort.
TSA Security Checkpoint → The area where travelers undergo security screening before boarding their flights.
AVL Forward → A multi-phase expansion project aimed at growing Asheville Regional Airport’s capacity and facilities.
Electro-chromic Windows → Windows that automatically tint to reduce sunlight and save energy inside the terminal.
Legacy Terminal → The existing older terminal at AVL, with gates 1 to 6, being phased out.

This Article in a Nutshell

Asheville Regional Airport’s new North Concourse, opened June 25, 2025, offers spacious seating, modern amenities, faster TSA screening, and showcases local art, improving travel experience and boosting regional connectivity and economy.
— By VisaVerge.com