FAA allocates $290 million for Charlotte Douglas International Airport’s fourth runway

Credit: Federal Aviation Administration

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced that it has committed $290 million in funding through the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) to support the construction of a fourth runway at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT). Ground-breaking for this project took place in June 2023, with an expected completion date in Autumn 2027.

“[We] are committed to ensuring the safest and most stress-free experience for travellers possible,” said FAA Associate Administrator for Airports, Shannetta R. Griffin, P.E. “This fourth runway delivers on both – not only for travellers in and out of Charlotte, but for those flying from the nearly 200 cities with routes to CLT.”

In addition to the new runway, the funding will contribute to the development of north and south end-around taxiways and other airfield improvements aimed at increasing safety and capacity at the airport. Haley Gentry, CEO of CLT, said: “The funding will enable the airport to continue progress on this crucial and nationally significant infrastructure project, boosting capacity and operational efficiency.”

Project benefits

The new runway is expected to have several key benefits:

• Reduced delays at CLT: A benefit-cost analysis by the city projects that without the fourth runway, average aircraft delays could rise by 58% over the next 15 years, equating to an additional 12 minutes of waiting time for flights
• Reduced system-wide delays: As a major connecting hub, CLT serves a significant number of passengers transferring between flights. The addition of the new runway is anticipated to minimise delays that could ripple through the broader air traffic system
• Improved safety: The project will also enhance safety by addressing a recognised taxiway “hot spot,” which is an area identified as having a higher risk of collisions or runway incursions. Standardising the geometry of the airfield will further mitigate these risks.

Funding structure

The FAA’s funding commitment is part of a Letter of Intent (LOI), designed to support large-scale capacity projects through a multi-year funding schedule. This approach offers airports greater predictability compared to the annual process of entitlement and discretionary grants. The disbursement of funds will begin in Fiscal Year 2025 and continue until Fiscal Year 2034.

As the construction progresses, the fourth runway is expected to play a crucial role in boosting CLT’s capacity and operational efficiency, ultimately contributing to a more effective air travel network for the region and beyond.