News Summary
Asheville Regional Airport has officially debuted its new North Concourse and TSA checkpoint as part of its extensive expansion project, ‘AVL Forward.’ Enhancements aim to improve the passenger experience for the 2.25 million travelers the airport accommodates annually. While some amenities are already available, the full operational capacity is expected by the end of July, marking significant progress toward enhancing facilities and services for visitors.
Asheville Celebrates Opening of New Airport Concourse
The Asheville Regional Airport officially opened its new North Concourse and TSA checkpoint at 4 a.m. on Wednesday, June 25, as the first phase of its ambitious expansion project, known as “AVL Forward.” The expansion aims to enhance passenger experience and accommodate the growing number of travelers using the airport, which currently serves over 2.25 million passengers annually.
Construction for the North Concourse began in late summer 2023, following the approval of expansion plans in 2018. Before the concourse’s opening, a new ticket lobby was operational as of early June, directing passengers through TSA security checkpoints to reach the North Concourse situated on the second level. However, not all gates in the North Concourse will be available to travelers immediately; some will still need to board from the Legacy Terminal during the initial weeks.
Passenger Amenities and Services
The North Concourse has been designed to reflect the natural beauty of Western North Carolina. It features a range of seating options with charging ports located next to all seats to accommodate passengers’ electronic devices. In addition, the concourse has introduced three new food and beverage options: Aletitude, focused on local brews; Costa Coffee, offering a caffeine fix; and The Goods @ AVL, a spot for grab-and-go snacks and local products. Expect two more dining options, Jimmy John’s and Tropical Smoothie Cafe, to open their doors within a week of the concourse’s launch.
Enhancing the aesthetic appeal, a new art installation featuring works by local artists from the River Arts District (RAD) and a grand piano for local musicians have also been added to the concourse.
Future Developments
In late August, rental car check-in services will move from temporary trailers to the legacy ticket lobby. This transition is part of a broader initiative to enhance baggage claim space. The full operational capability of the North Concourse is expected to be reached by the end of July, allowing for a smoother travel experience.
The ongoing AVL Forward expansion project is expected to be completed in approximately 2.5 years, which includes Phase 2 that involves the demolition of the remaining portions of the existing terminal. This phase is slated to commence in the coming months. Once completed, the expansion will lead to increased capacity and improved facilities for the passengers using the airport.
Airport Significance
As the third largest airport in North Carolina, Asheville Regional Airport provides nonstop service to 27 destinations through six airlines. The expansion of the airport underscores its role in supporting the region’s economy and accommodating the growing number of visitors flocking to Asheville and its surrounding areas.
The completion of the new North Concourse represents a significant milestone in enhancing the travel experience for passengers, ensuring that Asheville Regional Airport continues to be a vital hub for air travel in western North Carolina.
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Additional Resources
- WLOS: Asheville Regional Airport Opens New North Concourse
- AVL Today: Inside the New North Concourse at Asheville Regional Airport
- Blue Ridge Now: Asheville Airport Announces New Retail Stores and Restaurants
- AVL Today: Asheville Regional Airport’s Expansion Progresses with New Ticketing Lobby
- Google Search: Asheville Regional Airport
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
