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Asheville Regional Airport Unveils New North Concourse

New North Concourse at Asheville Regional Airport

News Summary

Asheville Regional Airport has officially opened its new North Concourse and TSA security checkpoint, enhancing the travel experience for passengers. This expansion is part of the ‘AVL Forward’ project aimed at accommodating rising passenger numbers. The modernized concourse includes local concessions and improved amenities, marking a significant milestone for both the airport and the Asheville community.

Asheville – Asheville Regional Airport celebrated the grand opening of its new North Concourse and TSA security checkpoint on Wednesday, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing expansion project dubbed “AVL Forward.” The completion of this phase marks an important development for the airport, which serves as a crucial hub for travelers in Western North Carolina.

The new North Concourse, which includes a revamped TSA security screening area, is now accessible to passengers. This facility is designed to enhance the travel experience, featuring various seating options and concessions that contribute to a lounge-like atmosphere. The opening of the North Concourse is accompanied by the operational status of three out of five new concessions, with the remaining two projected to commence service within a week.

In addition to the North Concourse, the airport’s new ticket lobby opened on June 11, 2023. This ticket lobby is part of the first phase of a larger expansion project meant to accommodate the airport’s growing passenger numbers. The lobby will eventually be twice as large as its current configuration. The North Concourse will currently cover only half of the planned final area, as further expansions are still underway.

On the first day of operations, passengers flying from Gates 1-6 will navigate a special construction corridor that leads back to the legacy terminal while those using Gates 7-12 will board their flights from the new concourse. Signage and staff will be placed throughout the facility to assist travelers in adjusting to the new layout.

Full operational capabilities of the North Concourse are anticipated by the end of July. After this period, the airport will decommission the legacy terminal and transition all services to the new concourse in the weeks to follow. This gradual shift aims to improve the overall efficiency and user experience at the airport.

Asheville Regional Airport services over 2.25 million passengers annually, making it the third-largest airport in North Carolina. The expansion project has great significance not only for the airport but also for the larger Asheville community, which is anticipating an influx of travelers. For instance, it is projected that 2.3 million North Carolina residents will be traveling for the Fourth of July holiday, reflecting a surge in travel demand.

The next phase of the airport’s expansion will involve significant construction efforts, including demolition of the remaining areas of the old facilities, and is expected to take over two years to complete. This long-term expansion plan aims to accommodate the increased capacity and ensure modern amenities for travelers.

Passengers utilizing the North Concourse will enjoy big windows that offer mountain views and an array of charging ports next to the seating areas. The new concessions have been designed to feature local food and beverage options, enhancing the travel experience for all passengers. Currently, temporary concessions such as Costa Coffee and Aletitude are available, offering grab-and-go items and local fare until the full lineup of concessions is operational.

This expansion and modernization of Asheville Regional Airport underline the importance of continuous improvement in airport services and infrastructure, thereby enhancing travel experiences in a rapidly growing regional hub. As the airport begins this new chapter, there is optimism for the continued growth and prosperity of both the airport and the surrounding community.