Asheville Opens New Airport Concourse

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.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Asheville Regional Airport Unveils New North Concourse
Tragic Turn in Custody: Daniel Park Found Dead
Extreme Heat Dome Blankets Eastern U.S.
Allegiant Air Launches Direct Flights from Asheville to D.C.
Columbia Grad and Pro-Palestinian Advocate Released
Powerful Derecho and Tornadoes Devastate North Dakota and Minnesota
Asheville Ranks No. 6 Among Underrated U.S. Travel Destinations
UNC Asheville Announces $250 Million Development Project
Tragic Vehicle Crashes in Asheville Result in Multiple Fatalities
Tragic Multi-Vehicle Crash in Asheville Claims Life

Additional Resources

Author: HERE Asheville

HERE Asheville

Recent Posts

Asheville’s Dark Legacy of Unsolved Murders and Disappearances

Asheville, NC, July 30, 2025 News Summary Western North Carolina, especially Asheville, is plagued by a…

9 hours ago

Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office Seeks Armed Suspect

Buncombe County, NC, July 30, 2025 News Summary Authorities in Buncombe County, NC, are searching for…

9 hours ago

UNC Asheville Women’s Golf Reveals 2025-26 Competition Schedule

Asheville, NC, July 30, 2025 News Summary The UNC Asheville women's golf team has announced its…

9 hours ago

Massive Earthquake Triggers Tsunami Alerts Across the Pacific

Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia, July 30, 2025 News Summary An 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck off the eastern…

12 hours ago

Construction ERP: Case Study Why Your Business May Need A ERP Software

Best ERP for Commercial Construction Firms in Asheville NC: Enhance Project Management with CMiC ERP…

22 hours ago

Asheville Remembers Captain Jeff Bowen

Asheville, July 29, 2025 News Summary The Asheville Fire Department held a touching remembrance ceremony for…

1 day ago