Construction to begin on $600M Charlotte Douglas lobby expansion project

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Even though the holiday travel season has officially ended, starting Monday, passengers can expect some inconveniences at Charlotte Douglas Airport.

Closed doors, orange barricades, closed parking lots and lots of construction as crews start work on the $600 million lobby expansion project. It is the first makeover to the airport’s main terminal in 40 years.

Signs were posted last week warning travelers that cars will be towed if they’re not out of the Daily North lot by Jan. 15th, which closed on last Wednesday.

Earlier this month, airport officials broke ground on the $600 million project.

Phase one includes closing the Daily North Lot so crews can build a central energy plan large enough to supply power for the new lobby. Some drivers who spoke with Channel 9 said they worry about parking at the airport now that the lot is closed.

However, airport officials posted a video on Twitter saying they have a plan.

Jake Christine, COO at Charlotte Douglas Airport, said, “We start that construction on Jan. 6, that will require the closure of the daily north parking lot. Those spaces will be absorbed in our other parking products, and we’ll utilize our overflow lots too as necessary to accommodate the demand.”

On Monday, travelers will need to navigate closures at the terminal, as well.

“I think that’s going to be a big pain, a big pain," said passenger Brianna Colan.

Doors 1 and 2 on both levels will close starting Monday. These doors sit closest to Checkpoint A and serve some of the ticket counters. In addition, airport officials are getting rid of the escalator at Checkpoint E so they can add more security lines.

The goal is to double the area inside the terminal and add a canopy over the roadway in front of the building.

The airport said the space is needed to accommodate 12.5 million passengers a year, which is five times what it was built to handle in 1982.

Heads up, travelers: Traffic flow changes coming to Charlotte's airport Heads up, travelers: Traffic flow changes coming to Charlotte's airport

With these changes, travelers like Kimberly Zouzoua will have to arrive earlier to navigate it. Zouzoua said she was traveling to New Orleans to watch her son play for Baylor University in the Sugar Bowl.

“Things will be inconvenienced for a while, for a little bit, but just look at the future. It’s going to be bigger and better,” Zouzoua said.

Airport officials said the Daily North parking lot, and Doors 1 and 2 on both levels will be closed for two years. The entire project will last more than five and half years.

“Charlotte is booming, so, you know, it’s worth the sacrifice," said passenger Donna Jowers.

This project comes after the airport wrapped up several renovation projects over the last few years. The last project was completed in November.

They opened a new plaza with more restaurants and shopping. It is between Concourse D and E.

The airport also expanded Concourse A.

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