CLT Generates $40 Billion in Economic Impact in North and South Carolina

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) contributed $40 billion to the economies of North and South Carolina in 2023, according to the study Charlotte Douglas International Airport’s Economic Contribution: Supporting the Economic Vibrancy of North and South Carolina Communities. The study was conducted by the Institute for Transportation Research and Education at North Carolina State University.

“CLT remains a critical economic force for the Carolinas, with the American Airlines hub playing a pivotal role generating jobs, boosting incomes and contributing to vital tax revenues,” said CLT CEO Haley Gentry. “We are committed to continuing to grow responsibly, support our local economies, while enhancing the airport experience for everyone who relies on us.”

The report showed CLT served 53.45 million passengers in 2023 while supporting 184,400 jobs and $39.7 billion in economic output — with over 90% of jobs and 92% of output occurring within North Carolina. The remainder came from the South Carolina counties within the Charlotte region. The Airport commissioned the study to clarify the distinct impacts of CLT on the economies of the states of North Carolina and South Carolina.

In January, the North Carolina Department of Transportation released its biannual report: The State of Aviation. It noted CLT’s economic output in North Carolina at $36.6 billion, generating $2.1 billion in tax revenue, $15.2 billion in personal income and 167,000 jobs. CLT represents approximately 5% of North Carolina’s gross domestic product.

CLT Airport serves as the second-largest hub for American Airlines, the world’s largest airline. In 2024, Charlotte Douglas set a record by welcoming 58.8 million passengers, a 10% increase from 2023.

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