Mid-Year Passenger Traffic Outpaces 2019

CLT is on track to break its 50.2 million passenger record set in 2019.

Mid-year numbers show from January through June 2023 the Airport served 25.5 million passengers, which is up 4% from the 24.6 million who flew to from and through Charlotte Douglas during that same period in 2019.

Passengers traveling abroad from January to June 2023 also jumped 13% from 2019 and rose 36% over 2022.

CLT expects a full recovery from the pandemic in 2023, one year earlier than previously forecasted.

When COVID-19 first hit in 2020, passenger traffic fell 46% from the previous year. During that time, American Airlines chose to focus its hub operations in Charlotte and Dallas to help build back its customer base. As a result, passenger numbers have steadily risen, climbing from 27.2 million in 2020 to nearly 48 million in 2022.

American, which operates its second largest hub at CLT, provides access to more than 170 destinations around the world from Charlotte. This summer the airline will have almost 600 daily departures from CLT during peak times.

Over the last few months, passengers have returned to CLT in historic numbers. June recorded eight of the top 10 busiest days in Airport history for customers screened at TSA security checkpoints.

The remainder of this summer will be just as busy. If you’re planning a getaway trip, Don’t Fly by the Seat of Your Pants:

• Plan ahead.
• Book your parking when you book your flight. Visit parkCLT.com or the CLT Airport App.
• Be inside the Airport at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight.
• Check security wait times on CLT’s website or app.
• Sign up for TSA PreCheck® to help expedite your checkpoint screening time.
• Follow signage inside the terminal.