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Charlotte Douglas gears up for predicted record-setting summer

By John Paul, wsoctv.com
By John Paul, wsoctv.com

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The summer travel season is almost here, and Charlotte Douglas International Airport will be busier than ever.

On Monday morning, Channel 9 got a behind-the-scenes look at what's being done to help ease congestion.

Local passenger traffic is expected to break records at some point this summer, and Channel 9 learned the most recent passenger record was set this past Easter.

On April 7, 34,607 passengers originated in Charlotte. And June 9, when school ends, airport officials expect to exceed 35,000 passengers and stay busy the rest of the summer.

To help with congestion and ease the growing pains, the airport is adding 850 new parking spots by the end of June. They also plan to have five new lanes open in front of the airport entrance by the Fourth of July.

“Parking will be at a premium, as it is every summer. Our long-term lots will fill up. I guarantee it," said Jack Christine, COO of Charlotte Douglas Airport.

In the long term, the $200 million Terminal
A expansion should be ready to go by this time next year and would help for Memorial Day travel.

"This is a nine-gate expansion that we started... last spring that will be used for, really our local passengers," Christine said.

It will be high tech, too. Each pane of glass on the new terminal will have its own IP address so it will tint automatically.

The technology will "make sure we're not getting people too hot in the concourse (and) help us regulate the inside conditions in the concourse throughout the day," Christine said.

By July 4, travelers can expect a big traffic shift as five lanes will open in front of the terminal.

Eventually, eight lanes will be open on the bottom and eight more will be added above.

The Charlotte City Council will vote Monday night on a $1.4 million contract to design a new joint operation center at the airport.

The goal is to help local and federal agents work together more efficiently to keep travelers safe.

City Council will also get a look at suggestions to develop the land around the airport. A consulting group has studied the area over the past year and supports the proposed River District to the west of the airport.

The group suggests making Wilkinson Boulevard an attractive main entrance to the airport with hotels, shops and even a beer garden.

Members of the group also suggest similar types of businesses clustered together on different sides of the airport.

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