Charlotte Douglas International Airport is seeing fewer passengers in 2025, with an 8.4% drop in total passenger numbers for the first five months compared to the same period last year. Airlines are adjusting flight schedules and capacity to meet changing demand, making this a key moment for travelers, airport workers, and the wider community.
For January through May 2025, Charlotte Douglas handled 22.2 million passengers. This is down from the record-setting 24.2 million in 2024. The summer travel season, which runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day, is expected to bring about 8.1 million departing passengers. That’s about 8% fewer than last year, but still 2.5% more than in 2023. For the busy Fourth of July holiday, the airport projected 925,000 passengers, a 2.5% decrease from the same period last year.
Airlines, especially American Airlines, which operates 87% of all flights at Charlotte Douglas, have changed their flight schedules. They now run more regional flights using smaller planes. This means there are more flights overall, but each flight carries fewer passengers. For example, during spring break 2025, the number of flights increased to 26,800, but the average number of passengers per flight was lower. Airlines are also adding new seasonal and regional routes, such as American Airlines’ new winter service to Eagle County Regional Airport starting December 18, 2025.
Despite the dip in passenger numbers, Charlotte Douglas remains the third busiest connecting hub in the United States 🇺🇸 and sixth in the world for aircraft operations. In 2024, the airport saw 596,583 aircraft movements, which is an 11% increase over 2023. Last year, Charlotte Douglas set an all-time record with 58.8 million travelers, up 10% from the year before.
Haley Gentry, CEO of Charlotte Douglas, highlighted the airport’s strong operations and the importance of the American Airlines hub. She said, “2024 was a record-breaking year, and we’re focused on future growth and infrastructure.” American Airlines also called Charlotte Douglas “critically important” as its second-largest global hub, with 671 peak-day departures to 176 destinations. The airline has promised to keep working closely with the airport and to expand in the future.
Jerome Woodard, the airport’s Chief Operating Officer, explained that the move to more regional flights is happening across the airline industry, not just in Charlotte. He said the airport is adapting to these changes and working to meet the needs of travelers and airlines.
Several major projects are underway at Charlotte Douglas to improve the passenger experience and prepare for future growth. The Terminal Lobby Expansion is almost finished, adding 175,000 square feet of new space and renovating another 191,000 square feet. In March 2025, TSA Checkpoint 2 opened, increasing the number of security lanes from 17 to 21 and allowing 600 more people to be screened per hour. The Concourse A Expansion – Phase II opened in September 2024, adding 10 new gates and a Delta Sky Club.
Construction continues on a new 10,000-foot parallel runway, which should be ready by fall 2027. Other projects, like new taxiways and a larger south ramp, aim to make airfield operations smoother and support future expansions. The airport is also negotiating a new airline lease agreement, which will help decide the next phase of construction, including possible new concourses and more gate areas. All of these expansions are based on demand and are paid for without using general tax dollars.
For travelers, these changes mean slightly smaller crowds in 2025 compared to last year’s record numbers, but the airport will still be busy compared to pre-pandemic years. Security wait times should be shorter thanks to the new screening lanes. Passengers will see more regional and seasonal flight options, but there may be fewer seats per flight and more connections needed for some trips. Parking and rideshare procedures have changed, so travelers should reserve parking ahead of time and use the updated drop-off and pick-up lanes.
Airlines are adjusting their capacity and flight schedules to match demand, focusing on regional connections and running their operations more efficiently. They are also in talks with the airport about future investments and lease terms, which will shape the next phase of growth.
Industry experts say the drop in passenger numbers at Charlotte Douglas matches a wider trend across U.S. airports. Airlines are using smaller planes on more frequent regional routes to better match the number of seats with the number of travelers. The dip in 2025 is seen as a correction after the big jump in travel following the pandemic in 2023 and 2024. Many expect passenger numbers to stabilize or start growing again as new airport projects are finished and travel patterns change.
Charlotte Douglas’s ongoing expansions and its role as a major American Airlines hub put it in a strong position for future growth. The airport’s master plan runs through 2035, making sure it has enough space and flexibility to meet future needs.
Here are some key facts for 2025:
- Total passengers (Jan–May): 22.2 million (down 8.4% from 2024)
- Summer departing passengers: 8.1 million (down 8% from 2024, up 2.5% from 2023)
- July 4th holiday passengers: 925,000 (down 2.5% from 2024)
- Aircraft operations (2024): 596,583 (up 11% from 2023)
- International passengers (2024): 2.4 million (up 13% from 2023)
Looking ahead, passenger numbers may stabilize or rise again as new routes and expanded facilities open later in 2025 and beyond. Major projects like the new runway and bigger concourses are expected to increase capacity and make operations smoother through 2027 and into the next decade. Ongoing talks between the airport and its airline partners, especially American Airlines, will help shape the next phase of growth and investment.
For the most up-to-date information, travelers and airport workers should check official Charlotte Douglas communications and visit the airport’s website for real-time updates on flight schedules, construction, and passenger advisories. The airport’s official site, cltairport.com, offers details on parking, security, and terminal changes.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, these trends at Charlotte Douglas reflect larger shifts in the airline industry, where airports and carriers must stay flexible to meet changing passenger needs. For those planning to travel through Charlotte Douglas, it’s wise to book flights and parking early, check for schedule changes, and allow extra time for new procedures.
For more information on airport operations and travel tips, travelers can also visit the Federal Aviation Administration’s airport information page. This official resource provides updates on airport status, construction, and safety guidelines.
In summary, while Charlotte Douglas faces a dip in passenger numbers in 2025, the airport’s ongoing improvements and strong airline partnerships set the stage for future growth. Travelers, airlines, and the local community can expect a busy but more efficient airport experience as new projects are completed and travel demand continues to evolve.
Learn Today
Passenger traffic → The total number of passengers traveling through an airport during a specific period.
Concourse → A large open area in airports where gates and services for passengers are located.
Aircraft movements → All takeoffs and landings recorded at an airport within a given timeframe.
Regional flights → Short-distance flights serving local or nearby airports, usually with smaller planes.
Terminal Lobby Expansion → An airport project increasing terminal space and renovating existing passenger areas.
This Article in a Nutshell
Charlotte Douglas Airport reports an 8.4% passenger decline in early 2025 amid airline schedule shifts. Despite this, expansions like new terminals and runways aim to boost growth and improve traveler experience through 2027. American Airlines remains a key hub, adapting with more regional flights and updated services.
— By VisaVerge.com
