Key Takeaways
• Asheville Airport’s new North Concourse opens June 25, 2025, adding seven modern gates and 100,000 square feet.
• AVL Forward expansion includes a $400 million investment, aiming for a 12-gate terminal and 150% more space by 2027.
• New features: smart glass, local-inspired design, extra amenities, and improved parking enhance passenger comfort and experience.
Travelers and residents in Western North Carolina are about to see big changes at Asheville Regional Airport. On June 25, 2025, the airport will welcome passengers into its brand new north concourse, bringing fresh energy and modern features to the region’s main air gateway. This opening is not just another renovation—it’s an important part of the airport’s AVL Forward expansion plan, which is set to make Asheville Regional Airport a top modern travel hub. Let’s take a deep dive into what this means for travelers, the local community, and the broader picture for air travel in the area.
A Long-Awaited Landmark: The North Concourse Opens
After months of planning and building, the north concourse will officially open its doors in June 2025. This new space covers about 100,000 square feet, almost as large as the original terminal (which is over 60 years old). Travelers will notice the difference as soon as they arrive—wide open areas, huge windows with lots of natural light, and sweeping views of the nearby mountains. The design uses lots of glass, so passengers can enjoy sunshine and mountain scenery while they wait for their flights.
When it opens, the north concourse will offer:
- Seven brand new gates, each ready to handle modern planes and more passengers
– New spots to grab food and drinks, including favorites like Jimmy John’s and Tropical Smoothie Café - Retail options for travelers, such as The Goods@AVL, with Aletitude and Costa Coffee available as temporary shops
- Family-friendly extras, including special nursing rooms for parents traveling with babies, and a pet relief area for furry companions
- High-tech windows that automatically adjust their tint to keep things cool and comfortable, while also saving energy
- Special floors and ceiling decorations inspired by local rivers and waterfalls, celebrating the beauty of the region
For a few weeks after the opening, the airport will split its operations between the old and new concourses. This means passengers might use both areas while all the seven new gates come into service—this transition is expected to take up to four weeks.
AVL Forward: More Than Just One Building
The north concourse is just the first major piece of the AVL Forward expansion. Asheville Regional Airport is experiencing some of the fastest growth anywhere in the United States 🇺🇸. In 2023, the airport welcomed more than 2 million passengers—double the number from just five years ago. That’s a clear sign that the old terminal did not have the space or comfort to match the busy crowds and modern needs.
– AVL Forward represents an investment of about $400 million for the complete airport overhaul
– Phase One: The north concourse with seven gates—the first of a planned 12-gate terminal
– Final goal: A larger, 12-gate airport with 150% more space, scheduled to be finished by 2027
– Later phases will add a south-end terminal with five more gates, a grand concessions area, and a new permanent security checkpoint
– A new air traffic control tower, a vital piece of airport safety and operations, is already under way, with its main steel frame placed in December 2024
– Parking improvements have arrived, too, with a new south parking lot adding 600 much-needed spaces
This big expansion is not only about handling more visitors from all across the country. It’s also about making every journey smoother, safer, and more comfortable for families, business travelers, and airport workers.
The Details Make a Difference
The new north concourse is designed around what real travelers need today. Seven modern gates mean more space, less crowding, and smoother boarding for flights. The selection of food choices and coffee stops addresses the simple joys of travel—finding a familiar sandwich or a fresh smoothie before a flight.
The comfort details stand out as well:
- Nursing rooms: Privacy and quiet for parents with babies
- Pet relief area: A helpful spot for those traveling with animals to care for their pets before boarding
- Electrochromic glazing: These smart windows change their tint with the sun’s position, keeping the terminal cool on hot days and bright on cloudy ones. This feature helps lower energy use, making the building greener.
- River-inspired floors and waterfall-style ceilings: Not just decorations, but local touches that connect travelers to the landscape of Western North Carolina
These improvements are meant to offer lasting comfort and a positive first (and last) impression for anyone coming to or leaving the area.
Easing Growing Pains: Why the Expansion Matters
The numbers show clearly why AVL Forward is a must. By 2023, Asheville Regional Airport had crossed the 2 million passenger mark, doubling its size in just five years. The original terminal, built over six decades ago, could no longer meet the needs of travelers or airlines.
This surge in visitors has happened even as the region recovered from tough times, such as Hurricane Helene. Confidence in Western North Carolina’s future shines through this project, as airport officials point out that the expansion is a bet on continued growth.
Some key reasons for the expansion include:
- Providing enough space to avoid long wait times and heavy crowds
- Creating more flight options as airlines bring in larger planes and more routes
- Supporting the local economy by encouraging tourism, business travel, and hospitality jobs
- Making a welcoming, modern impression on first-time visitors and those coming home
AVL Forward is not only about numbers, though. It’s about improving the travel experience for everyone, from the moment they park their car in the new lot to the time they board their plane at one of the new gates.
The Path Ahead: What’s Coming Next in the Expansion
The north concourse is just the beginning. With Phase One finishing up in June 2025, travelers and locals can look forward to more upgrades in the next two years:
- By 2027, the airport will have completed all expansion phases, giving travelers access to the new south-end terminal (with five more gates) and improved amenities
- The full expansion will mean a 150% increase in size compared to the current airport, helping make delays, congestion, and cramped spaces things of the past
- The new air traffic control tower will improve airport safety and allow for more flights, which means better schedules and fewer disruptions
- More concessions and new restaurants in future phases will provide extra options for meals, snacks, and souvenirs
As reported by VisaVerge.com, these changes are expected to boost both travel and the local economy. Travelers may see better prices, more destinations, and a smoother trip through Asheville Regional Airport as more gates open and new services arrive.
What This Means for Different Groups
For everyday travelers:
– They’ll enjoy less waiting, more comfort, and a better overall airport experience. Bigger, brighter spaces and more food and shopping choices mean flying from Asheville Regional Airport will be more enjoyable than ever.
For families and people with special needs:
– The new terminal features, like nursing rooms and the pet relief area, make travel friendlier and easier for everyone, especially families and those with pets.
For local businesses and workers:
– More passengers mean more spending at restaurants, cafes, and shops—both inside and outside the airport—helping the local economy grow. The construction of AVL Forward also creates jobs now and brings long-term opportunities for many in the region.
For airlines:
– The extra gates and new modern facilities make it easier for airlines to add more flights and bigger planes, giving travelers more choices and better connections.
For the whole region:
– A modern airport is often the first thing new visitors see. The improved terminal helps Western North Carolina put its best foot forward, making both leisure and business travelers feel welcome.
Reducing Environmental Impact
One of the goals of the AVL Forward project is to build an airport that is better for the environment. Features like the smart-glass windows reduce the need for air conditioning, which lowers energy use and helps cut costs. Using sustainable materials and energy-saving designs means the airport’s new spaces are not just bigger but also built with the future in mind.
Travelers can expect:
- Brighter, more natural lighting that beats the need for harsh overhead bulbs
- Designs that keep the space cooler in summer and warmer in winter without wasting energy
- An airport that shows respect for the local natural setting through its mountain-inspired décor and green technology
Historical Background: From Small Terminal to Traveling Hub
More than 60 years ago, Asheville Regional Airport started as a small, simple terminal, serving only a handful of flights and passengers. Western North Carolina has changed tremendously since then, becoming a popular spot for art, music, nature, and business.
In the last five years alone, the airport’s passenger numbers have doubled, outgrowing what the original building could handle. This remarkable growth would have stressed even bigger airports, so it was clear to city planners and airport officials that a major upgrade was overdue.
The AVL Forward project is, in many ways, a reflection of Asheville’s growth and its reputation as a go-to spot for travelers nationwide. The investment in a larger, better Asheville Regional Airport means the airport can meet modern needs while keeping the welcoming charm the region is known for.
Addressing Concerns and Looking Ahead
Big construction projects like AVL Forward sometimes bring challenges or concerns. Some travelers may worry about how work will affect their trips. Airport officials have explained that the new north concourse will start operating while the old concourse is still in use, which should keep disruptions as small as possible.
Others might wonder about the spending—$400 million is a large sum. Officials point out that this investment is for the long term and will help the region handle future travel needs, avoid bottlenecks, and bring new economic benefits to the area.
Making such changes also means learning from what travelers want most. The inclusion of more concessions, green building practices, and comfort features are a direct answer to the feedback from those who use the airport most.
Where to Find More Information
Anyone interested in learning more about AVL Forward or the ongoing changes at Asheville Regional Airport can visit the airport’s official AVL Forward project website. There, travelers will find updates, timelines, and details about the next steps for the expansion.
Looking Forward: The Future of Travel in Western North Carolina
By June 2025, travelers will walk into the new north concourse and see for themselves how much has changed at Asheville Regional Airport. With roomy gates, bright windows, and places to eat, shop, and relax, the airport is ready to serve a growing community and a new generation of travelers.
AVL Forward is more than just concrete and glass. It reflects a belief in the future of Western North Carolina and a promise to make every visit—whether for business, vacation, or family—a bit better. As the final phases bring even more space, gates, and services by 2027, expectations are high for both local residents and visitors from across the country. For travelers passing through, the changes mean a smoother, more pleasant trip. For the region, it means a stronger place on the national air travel map, a steady flow of new visitors, and a continued boost to jobs and the local economy.
Learn Today
North Concourse → A newly constructed section of an airport terminal, providing additional gates and modern amenities for passengers.
AVL Forward → A multi-phase, $400 million expansion project to modernize Asheville Regional Airport, increasing capacity and improving passenger experience.
Electrochromic Glazing → Smart glass technology that changes tint automatically to control light and temperature, enhancing comfort and energy efficiency.
Air Traffic Control Tower → A structure where controllers manage aircraft departures, arrivals, and safety within the airport’s airspace and on the ground.
Concessions Area → Space within an airport offering food, beverages, and retail shops for travelers.
This Article in a Nutshell
On June 25, 2025, Asheville Regional Airport unveils its North Concourse, featuring seven gates, smart technology, and local-inspired design. This launch marks the first phase of the AVL Forward expansion, promising more space, comfort, and efficiency for travelers, businesses, and airlines through 2027. The future of regional travel brightens.
— By VisaVerge.com
Read more:
• Al Maktoum International Airport to transform passenger experience with new terminal
• Miami International Airport Rockets Into Global Spotlight
• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport Rocked by Health Inspection Failures
• Changi Airport Breaks Ground on Giant Terminal 5
• Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Unveils Massive Atrium Upgrade
