CLT Climbs to Sixth Busiest Airport in the World in ACI Preliminary Rankings

CHARLOTTE, NC – Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) rose to sixth place worldwide for aircraft operations, up one spot from last year, and ranks seventh in North America for total passenger volume, moving up two spots, according to Airports Council International’s (ACI) 2024 preliminary rankings. The Airport also holds the 23rd position globally for passenger traffic, with final rankings to be released later this year.

“This ranking reflects CLT’s operational strength, the power of the American Airlines hub, and the dedication of our employees, airlines and terminal partners,” said CLT Chief Executive Officer Haley Gentry. “Record-breaking traffic in 2024 made it an ‘all in’ year, and our team rose to the challenge. We’re proud to be among the world’s top airports and remain focused on building for the future.”

CLT’s sixth place position for takeoffs and landings reflects an 11% increase in aircraft operations, rising from 539,066 in 2023 to 596,583 in 2024. The total exceeded global hubs Los Angeles International (LAX), Shanghai Pudong (PVG), Istanbul (IST) and Guangzhou (CAN).

Maintaining its record-breaking momentum, CLT set a new all-time passenger record for the fifth time in eight years, welcoming 58.8 million travelers in 2024—a 10% uptick from the previous record of 53.4 million in 2023.

International travel experienced a 13% surge, rising from 2.1 million passengers in 2023 to 2.4 million in 2024. Charlotte currently serves 42 international destinations and is home to three foreign flag carriers.

In 2025, CLT will continue making significant strides in its Destination CLT terminal projects. Construction on the Terminal Lobby Expansion (TLE) is slated for completion later this year. The project added 175,000 square feet of new space and renovates 191,000 square feet of existing space. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Checkpoint 2 opened March 24, completing the Airport’s transition from five lettered checkpoints to three numbered ones. The addition increased the total number of security screening lanes from 17 to 21 with enhanced technology.

The 200,000-square-foot Concourse A Expansion – Phase II opened Sept. 17, 2024. The project added 10 new gates and introduced a Delta Sky Club®.

On the airfield, the North End-Around Taxiway commissioned on Jan. 20. Construction of the new runway is in the early stages, with grading underway through mid-2026 and ongoing drainage and utility work. The $1 billion runway project is on track to open in fall 2027.

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