Congressman wants FAA to stop playing 'hot potato' with airport

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — North Carolina Rep. Robert Pittenger wants the Federal Aviation Administration to stop playing "hot potato" with Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

Pittenger asked the federal agency for an operating certificate for the airport.

The FAA said that it is waiting for the courts to make a decision about who should have control over the airport.

There is currently an airport commission; however, a court order has been keeping the control in the city's hands.
 
"Uncertainty over who runs the airport is bad for the economy and threatens the thousands of jobs which could be created by the new international intermodal transport facility," Pittenger said.
 
The dispute has been ongoing since last year.
 
Charlotte Douglas has been listed as the eighth busiest airport in the nation in terms of passenger traffic.
 
A new report said it is also one of the most expensive for customers as well.
 
According to the Wall Street Journal, it costs travelers more than 20 cents per-mile traveled. This comes to an average of $186 for a one-way trip.
 
The Wall Street Journal also stated that Charlotte Douglas was the most expensive airport in the nation, but it also said that airports serving business travelers tend to be more expensive.

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