Top 10 Biggest Airports in North Carolina 2024

Hey there! Ready for a quick tour of North Carolina’s biggest airports in 2024? If you’re planning to check out the Tar Heel State, with its cool mountains and awesome beaches, figuring out where you’re gonna land is step one. But hey, North Carolina’s airports are way more than just places to land your plane; they’re your ticket to a bunch of cool experiences, a dive into history, and that sweet southern vibe.

This year, we’re spotlighting the big players in North Carolina’s airport scene, where every flight in and out is the start of something exciting. So, buckle up and get your stuff ready, because we’re about to jump into what makes these airports the go-to spots for this lively state in 2024. Let’s get this adventure started!

The Top 10 Biggest Airports in North Carolina

Explore the ten most active airports in North Carolina. This is the perfect read for travelers heading to North Carolina or aviation enthusiasts interested in the state’s air travel dynamics.

Charlotte Douglas International Airport

• Size of Charlotte Douglas International Airport: 5,558 acres
• Address: 5501 Josh Birmingham Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28208, United States
• Code: CLT
• Elevation: 228 m

Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT) stands out as North Carolina’s aviation giant, sprawling over 1.8 million square feet with a central terminal that beats as the heart of the airport. This terminal links travelers to a seamless experience across five concourses (A through E), eliminating the need for trams or shuttles thanks to all gates being under one expansive roof. With 114 gates, CLT effortlessly serves both domestic and international flights, making global connectivity a breeze.

Ranked as the seventh busiest in North America by total aircraft movements, with a staggering 505,589 takeoffs and landings, CLT showcases its capacity and efficiency. 

The airport boasts nonstop service to over 180 destinations, including more than 35 international ones and five European cities, catering to a diverse array of travel needs. In 2022 alone, it welcomed 47,758,605 passengers, underlining its critical role in the region’s travel network.

CLT is a major hub for American Airlines, the second largest in their network, highlighting its strategic importance. Besides, the airport is served by 8 domestic airlines, 3 foreign flag carriers, and 15 regional airlines, ensuring extensive connectivity. When it comes to amenities, travelers have 74 dining options and coffee shops spread across Concourse A-E, offering a wide variety of choices to satisfy any craving.

Charlotte Douglas Airport, with its impressive size, bustling activity, and comprehensive services, is not just the biggest airport in North Carolina but also a pivotal gateway that connects the state with the world. There are lots of things to do near Charlotte Airport that you should not miss.

Raleigh-Durham International Airport, Morrisville

• Size of Raleigh-Durham International Airport: 5,000 acres (20 km2)
• Address: 2400 John Brantley Blvd, Morrisville, NC 27560, United States
• Code: RDU
• Elevation: 133 m

Raleigh-Durham International Airport, or RDU for short, is the go-to airport for anyone heading to Raleigh, Durham, or anywhere in North Carolina’s Research Triangle area. It’s in the middle of Wake County, with Raleigh on one side and the towns of Cary and Morrisville on the other. This airport is pretty big, spreading out over 5,000 acres, and it has three runways to handle all the planes coming in and going out.

At RDU, there’s a cool place called the Shops of RDU where you can grab a bite before your flight. They’ve got all sorts of food, from sit-down meals to quick snacks, featuring both local spots and big-name chains. The best part? They try to use local produce whenever they can, so the food is fresh and tasty. Plus, if you’re looking for something healthy, they’ve got you covered there too.

And if you’re in a rush or just prefer eating closer to your gate, you can easily take any meal from the restaurants to go. Whether you’re flying in, flying out, or just picking someone up, RDU makes sure you won’t go hungry.

Piedmont Triad International Airport, Greensboro

Size of Piedmont Triad International Airport:3,770 acre

Address: 1000 Ted Johnson Pkwy, Greensboro, NC 27409, United States

Code: GSO

Elevation: 282 m

Piedmont Triad International Airport (PTI), located in Greensboro, North Carolina, serves as a vital hub for air travel in the Piedmont Triad region, encompassing Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and High Point.

PTI is one of the international airports in North Carolina. making it accessible from various parts of the state.

The airport’s infrastructure includes multiple runways that can accommodate a wide range of aircraft, from private planes to large commercial airliners. 

This makes PTI a key player in the supply chain, supporting industries throughout the region.

One of PTI’s defining features is its commitment to innovation and sustainability. The airport continuously seeks to implement eco-friendly practices and technologies, reducing its environmental footprint while enhancing service quality. 

This forward-thinking approach is evident in its infrastructure, operations, and community engagements.

Also Read : Top 5 Biggest Airports In Hawaii in 2024

Wilmington International Airport, Wilmington

Size of Wilmington International Airport: 1,800 acres

Address: 1740 Airport Blvd, Wilmington, NC 28405, United States

Code: ILM

Elevation: 10 m

Wilmington International Airport is a cozy and welcoming airport in North Carolina that helps nearly one million people travel each year. It’s not a very big airport, but it’s pretty busy, offering flights with three big airlines: American, Delta, and United. If you’re flying from here, you can catch direct flights to eight different places, but if you’re going somewhere else, you’ll probably have to stop along the way.

One of the cool things about this airport is its 24-hour U.S. Customs and Border Protection area. It’s not very common for a small airport to have this, which makes Wilmington International a great spot for international charter flights to land any time of the day or night. 

This feature is especially handy for travelers coming into the U.S., as it’s less crowded than bigger airports, making the customs process smoother and quicker.

Wilmington International has one terminal with 8 gates and two runways, handling just a few flights daily. This setup ensures that your travel experience is stress-free and straightforward, from checking in to boarding your flight.

Travelers flying in and out of Wilmington International will find it serves as a charming gateway to southeastern North Carolina, showcasing Southern hospitality. 

The airport greets visitors with beautiful public art, a putting green, and rocking chairs, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Plus, things like baggage claim, restaurants and parking are simple and hassle-free here.

Also Read : Top 5 Biggest Airports in California 2024 

Asheville Regional Airport (AVL)

Size Asheville Regional Airport: 900 acres 

Address: 61 Terminal Dr #1, Fletcher, NC 28732, United States

Code: AVL

Serves: Asheville

Elevation: 660 m

Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) is a quiet yet versatile airport not too far from Asheville, North Carolina—just about 5 miles south of the city. It’s like a mini-hub for different types of flying, welcoming regular airline flights, smaller air taxis, and even general and military aviation folks.

The airport has one main runway, RWY 17/35, which sounds a bit technical but just means it’s ready for takeoffs and landings in two directions. And there’s a bunch of taxiways that lead planes to various services and hangars on the east side, so everything’s pretty organized.

When it comes to flying in or out, you’ve got options. All three big U.S. airlines—think the usual big names—offer flights here, alongside budget-friendly choices like Spirit and Allegiant. So, whether you’re looking to zip over to major cities like Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, New York (well, Newark, to be exact), Philadelphia, or Washington, D.C., you’re covered. Plus, if you’re in the mood for some Florida sun, they’ve got seasonal flights heading down there too.

Getting to and from AVL is a breeze for most folks. While there is a public bus that links the airport with downtown Asheville, driving or catching a taxi is the go-to for many travelers. So, whether you’re jetting off on a big adventure or flying in for some Asheville charm, this airport’s got what you need without the fuss of the bigger airports.

Also Read : Top 5 Biggest Airports in South Carolina in 2024 

Other Major Airports In North Carolina

Fayetteville Regional/Grannis Field Airport

Albert J. Ellis Airport

Concord-Padgett Regional Airport

Coastal Carolina Regional Airport

Pitt-Greenville Airport

FAQs About The Biggest Airports In North Carolina 

Wrap It Up!

In conclusion, North Carolina’s aviation landscape in 2024 boasts a diverse array of 10 major airports, each serving as a crucial gateway for travelers and commerce alike. 

From the highly populated hub of Charlotte-Douglas International Airport, renowned for its extensive air traffic and passenger volume, to smaller yet strategically important airports like Asheville Regional and Wilmington International, North Carolina’s airports facilitate a wide range of travel needs. 

These airports not only connect the state to destinations across the globe but also significantly contribute to its economic growth and accessibility. With facilities catering to international flights, regional connections, and everything in between, North Carolina’s biggest airports in 2024 remain pivotal in supporting the state’s tourism, business, and transportation sectors, reinforcing its status as a vital player in the national and international aviation community.