New Concourse Opens at Asheville Regional Airport
On June 25th, Asheville Regional Airport announced the completion of its new North Concourse and TSA security checkpoint. This is part of the AVL Forward project and will expand the airport's capacity. By the end of July, the airport will transition most flights from the legacy concourse over to the recently completed section.
“This is a major achievement not just for the Airport, but for the entire region,” said Lew Bleiweis, President and CEO of Asheville Regional Airport. “Our community, Airport staff, and project partners have shown dedication, creativity, and resilience throughout the AVL Forward journey. We are proud to welcome passengers into this beautiful new space.”
In 2024, AVL welcomed over 2.2 million passengers, marking the second consecutive years with over 2 million passengers. Over the past decade, AVL airport has seen record breaking passenger traffic, and the number of destinates nearly tripled from 10 to 27. The new concourse is supported by the AVL Forward initiative which is funded through a combination of federal and state grands, public bonds, Airport user fees, and non-aeronautical funding. AVL is an essential component of the region’s economy, supporting over 22,745 jobs, and contributes over $1 billion in personal income.
The new concourse will feature modern amenities and a variety of new food and beverage options for travelers. Additionally, new amenities include a wide variety of seating options with electronic charging capabilities, enhanced bathrooms, lactation suites, local music programing, and rotating art galleries showcasing local artists. The first public art installation is in partnership with the River Arts District featuring artists from Western North Carolina.
“The design of the new terminal expansion reflects the spirit of western North Carolina, guided by our overall design essence: a modern gateway humbly rooted in timeless natural beauty. Unveiling stunning design elements that span breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this new terminal creates an authentic and welcoming atmosphere for travelers,” said Brad Sucher, Principal Architect with Gresham Smith. “Intuitive wayfinding elements integrated into the ceiling and floors seamlessly guide passengers through the space, ensuring a smooth journey from check-in to boarding.”
