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Asheville Regional Airport

Meet The New Terminal

Click the descriptions to see the future — take a virtual tour of the area. 

The airport design is modern, spacious, bright with thoughtful design touches reflective of our area’s natural beauty.  The design includes elements like river-inspired flooring patterns and waterfall-influenced ceilings, and a “living wall” in the new baggage claim.

New Terminal

Windows and Natural Light

Throughout the terminal, walls of windows – often floor-to-ceiling – will make the airport bright and welcoming.

1

Concessions Plaza

A beautiful concessions plaza and inviting spaces to relax before a flight will greet you as you exit the escalator on the second floor.

2

Baggage Claim

A spacious baggage claim area with stellar living wall.

3

Two Concourses

Five gates to the south, and seven to the north, each with dedicated boarding bridges.

4
2019-2023
Shooting for the Stars

Shooting for the Stars

3+ year design project resulted in a plan for a new, modern airport for western North Carolina. Read More

The Greater Asheville Regional Airport Authority began a complex and exciting design process in 2019.  In partnership with Gresham Smith, the architectural firm chosen to create the new design, airport stakeholders and thousands of community members were engaged to hone a guiding aesthetic for our region’s airport of the future.  This “north star” was followed throughout the years of design:  to create a modern gateway, humbly rooted in timeless natural beauty.

May 2023
Plane Icon

Numbers are in – 1Q23 was the busiest January - March in history!

Spring 2023

Mission Control

New central energy plant underway

May 2023

Prepping for Launch

Temporary gate areas opened

August 2023
Terminal groundbreaking

Time to launch!

A historic groundbreaking event was hosted at the airport on August 11, 2023, marking the beginning of the biggest infrastructure project in AVL’s history. Read More

This ceremony kicked off the three-phase construction project that will result in a new airport terminal that will be the vital next step in better serving the western North Carolina community’s travel needs. “The groundbreaking ceremony included airport stakeholders, community leaders, and local, regional, and national elected officials, who witnessed the end of an era and the beginning of the future when a corner of the 62-year old airport terminal was torn down. This historic occasion celebrated the visionary efforts and collaboration that have paved the way for the transformative AVL Forward project, highlighting the vision of past and current leaders. The expansive project is a result of a $400 million investment, supported by a combination of funding sources including federal and state grants, airport revenue bonds, and airport operating revenue.”

November 2023
demolition

North concourse demolition is complete!

Demolition of the north concourse is complete, and Hensel Phelps, AVL’s construction management company, is hard at work building a new north concourse from the ground-up.  Read More

This portion of the AVL Forward project will take about 18 months to complete. Placement of structural steel is anticipated to begin in early 2024. 

November 2023

More parking!

The new 600 space shuttle lot, located south of the airport (across the street from the WNC Ag Center) opened in time for holiday travel. Airport shuttles continuously service the lot.

November 2023

Contractor Reaches 100,000 Man Hours

Hensel Phelps, our construction firm, documented 100,000 man-hours worked.

January 2024
vertical steel

First piece of vertical steel for the new airport terminal was set

The first piece of vertical steel was set at the site for the new North Concourse.

January 2024
Plane

For the first time in history, more than 2 million passengers utilized AVL in 2023!

January 2024
Demolition

Demolition began on the old north ticketing and admin area

Demolition began the week of January 19 on the old north ticketing and admin area. The two-story structure is being demolished to make way for the new north concourse! Vertical steel is being erected adjacent to the demolition area. 

February 2024
Construction

The first section of curbside canopy on the north end of the terminal was demolished.

February 2024

A milestone moment for the air traffic control tower

A massive concrete pour for the base of the tower was completed.

March 2024
North Concourse decking

Vertical steel and concrete decking complete

The vertical steel installation and concrete decking for the new North Concourse was completed. 

May 2024

New operating changes implemented

The rental car check-in counters moved to temporary modular buildings. Also, a new outside queuing space for the ticket lobby was created.

June 2024

The north end of Shuttle Lot South is complete!

A connecting road to Terminal Drive was added and the ground transportation pickup area was relocated from the Parking Garage to the north end of Shuttle Lot South.

September 2024
North Concourse

Work continues on the North Concourse

The building is quickly progressing and interior finish work is set to begin in November! Read More

Framing for the large glass windows is taking place and glass installation will begin mid-September. Northern stairwell installations are expected to be completed in September, and progress is taking place on the plumbing, mechanical and electrical work that needs to be ready for the building dry-in by November.

December 2024

Air Traffic Control Tower Cab Raised

The tower cab (the area where the air traffic controllers work) was raised into place on top of the tower!

Spring 2025
Cone

Interior finishes are taking place in the north concourse as the opening approaches.

June 2025
New ticket lobby

New ticket counter lobby open

The new ticket counter lobby opened on June 11. 

June 2025
New North Concourse

The new North Concourse open

The new North Concourse and the temporary TSA check point will opened on June 25, 2025.  Read More

Read more about the new North Concourse opening. 

Latest News

7-2-2025 // 8:43am

Asheville Regional Airport Celebrates Tina Kinsey’s National Recognition for Air Service Excellence

Read More

The Greater Asheville Regional Airport Authority proudly announces that Tina Kinsey, Chief Administrative Officer at Asheville Regional Airport (AVL), has been named the recipient of the 2025 Air Service Achievement Award by Airports Council International – North America.

This prestigious national award recognizes outstanding work and exceptional contributions in air service development. Tina’s leadership and commitment over the last 15 years has played a crucial role in expanding and enhancing air service at AVL in a sustainable way, directly benefiting the people and businesses of Western North Carolina.

“Air service development is much more than adding flights. It is a key driver of our region’s economy, connecting Western North Carolina to the world, creating jobs, supporting tourism, and providing critical access for our business community,” said Lew Bleiweis, A.A.E., President & CEO of Asheville Regional Airport. “Tina’s innovative and strategic approach to air service development has ensured that AVL continues to grow in alignment with the needs of our community.”

Under Tina’s leadership, AVL has improved travel options for the region leading to record-breaking passenger numbers, over 20 new nonstop destinations and increased seat capacity by more than 230 percent. Her work has strengthened AVL’s position as a vital regional asset that supports economic development, quality of life, and resilience in Western North Carolina.

“We are proud to see Tina’s impact recognized on a national stage,” Bleiweis added. “This award is a testament to her dedication and to the importance of air service development as we continue to support the economic vitality of the communities we serve.”

To learn more about AVL’s air service and community impacts, visit www.flyavl.com.

Serving more than 2.2 million passengers in 2024 and 2.25 million passengers in 2023, Asheville Regional Airport is continuing its growth trajectory. Now the third largest airport in North Carolina, the Airport is served by six airlines that provide nonstop service to 27 unique airport destinations. For more information, visit flyavl.com.

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6-24-2025 // 9:46am

Asheville Regional Airport to Open New North Concourse and New TSA Security Check Point June 25

Read More

Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) is proud to announce a significant milestone in its transformative AVL Forward project: the opening of the new North Concourse and TSA security check point on June 25, 2025. 
 

“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.”
 

On June 11, 2025, the new Ticket Lobby opened giving passengers a glimpse into what the new AVL looks like and where their new journey through the Airport will begin. Starting on June 25, all passengers will proceed from the new Ticket Lobby into the new TSA security check point. From there, passengers will go up to the second level new North Concourse via escalators, stairs or an elevator.
 

Although the new North Concourse opens on June 25, all new gates will not yet be operational and some passengers will proceed from the new North Concourse to the Legacy Terminal for boarding. For the next few weeks the Legacy Terminal gates will be phased out as the remaining new North Concourse gates are brought on-line. All new gates in the North Concourse are expected to be open by the end of July. Signs and additional AVL staff will be supporting passengers on their journey through the Airport during this transitional time.
 

Passengers can experience a variety of new food and beverage options in the North Concourse. 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.” 
 

The AVL Forward project, launched in 2019, reflects years of careful planning and community collaboration. Construction on the new concourse officially broke ground on August 11, 2023, and despite unexpected disruptions, the project has remained on time and on budget.
 

AVL welcomed more than 2.2 million passengers in 2024, marking the second consecutive year over 2 million passengers traveled through the Airport. In the last decade, AVL has seen record-breaking passenger traffic in most of the years, and from 2013 to 2023, nearly tripled its nonstop destinations from 10 to 27.
 

The AVL Forward project is funded through a combination of federal and state grants, public bonds, Airport user fees, and non-aeronautical revenue. AVL is a cornerstone of the region’s economy, generating $3.9 billion in economic impact, supporting over 22,745 jobs, and contributing more than $1 billion in personal income.
 

The project’s future phases are already underway. Looking ahead, the next milestone will come at the end of August when the rental car check-in counters move out of temporary trailers and into the Legacy Terminal’s ticket lobby. This move will clear the way for the continued expansion of baggage claim and the construction of a new rental car lobby adjacent to baggage claim. Many other milestones will follow, all leading to the completion of the AVL Forward project, slated to finish in approximately 2.5 years. 

 

DOWNLOAD HIGH RESOLUTION PHOTOS 
 

6-9-2025 // 4:35pm

New Ticket Counters to Open June 11 at Asheville Regional Airport

Read More

Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) is proud to announce the next major milestone in its historic AVLForward project: the opening of the new ticket counter lobby inside the new North Concourse on June 11, 2025.


Beginning that day, all passengers will check bags and obtain boarding passes at the new ticket counters in the newly opened ticket lobby. Passengers will then proceed to the Legacy Terminal for TSA security screening and boarding. New signage and AVL staff will assist passengers on their journey through this new space.


On June 25, AVL will open the full new North Concourse, which will include a new TSA Security Checkpoint, new concessions, new amenities and boarding gates. Several of the boarding gates will be operational starting June 25 and all will be operational by the end of July. More information about the full new North Concourse will be shared soon.


DOWNLOAD PHOTOS OF NEW TICKET COUNTERS
 

Photos

Check out our photo gallery!

The Expedition Team

Visionaries.  Imagineers.  Dreamers.  Designers.  Planners.  Builders.

Gresham Smith
Hensel Phelps
Parsons
Questions
Why build a new terminal?
What is the construction timeline?
Why are all flights ground boarding now? Will boarding bridges come back?
What are some of the coolest things to look forward to?
Will more airlines and routes come to AVL when the project is complete?
How is this major project funded?
Is more parking being added?
What is the passenger experience like right now in the airport?
Answers

One word:  growth. 

The airport has seen remarkable growth for the past seven years and has been one of the fastest-growing airports in the country for most of those years.  AVL is the gateway to and from western North Carolina, a place more and more people call home or want to visit.  We are literally bursting at the seams.  It’s time for more space, for now and for the future.

Blast off to a 4.5-year journey

We officially broke ground in August 2023, and we are projecting to complete the project within 4.5 years (with final touches still underway after we open).  This is a phased project, so you will enjoy much of the new terminal much sooner, like the new ticket counter lobby that opened on June 11, 2025 and the new north concourse that opened on June 25, 2025.  Check out our interactive timeline for more details.

Travel is about adventure, right?

We know that it feels like a blast from the past to walk outside on the tarmac, brave the elements, and make your way to a set of air stairs to board your plane.  Rest assured, outside "ground boarding" is only necessary during construction.  We don’t have room right now for all gates to utilize boarding bridges but by the end of the AVL Forward project, all gates will have new jet bridges.  Thanks for bearing with us and tapping into your adventurous spirit!

We're over-the-moon about what's coming.

Here are a few examples:

  • A lovely, airy food, beverage and retail plaza with room to orbit and lots of local options available (stay tuned – more to come about this!).
  • We can't wait to install our living wall!  It’s a way to bring our beautiful outdoors indoors.
  • The bathroom situation is stellar:  bright, comfortable restrooms with changing tables for babies as well as appropriate space for aging or differently-abled travel companions, inclusive options and ... yes ... even an indoor pet relief area for traveling animals.
  • Dedicated rooms where infants can be fed or nursing mothers can pump will be located near the gate areas. 
  • And ART!  We’ll have multiple mini-galleries in the airport where local art displays will rotate.  And for the first time in our history, we will commission large-scale art pieces for display in key locations.  We are WNC, after all.  Art is a huge part of our sense of place.
  • The view! Floor-to-ceiling windows will provide great views of the runway and the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains while you wait on your flight.
  • A variety of comfortable and stylish seating options with electronic charging capabilities will be available throughout the terminal.
  • There’s so much more – we’ll add to this list as more details become available.

Our mission:  ready for the future

This project is about meeting our space needs now and making sure we’ve planned for potential growth in the future.  While we can’t predict exactly what will happen, we do believe that growth will continue in our region and at AVL.  And we will be ready.

Mission Control - financing the biggest project in AVL's history

This major approximately $400 million project is being funded by government bonds, federal and state grants (entitlement and discretionary), and airport operating funds.  Our operating funds come from users of the airport:  airlines, rental car companies, other tenants of the airport, advertisers, and passengers (when they pay to utilize airport services, such as parking).

*Note:  no tax dollars are used to fund airport capital projects or operations.

A separate mission:  Project Parking

AVL Forward is solely about building a new terminal.  However, we have our eye on parking, as well.  Simultaneously in the first year of this project, we will be building an additional remote shuttle lot south of the airport (across from the WNC Ag Center).  And our master plan calls for a focus on a second parking garage, when the time is right.  Stay tuned.

It's a space adventure!

Good news!  More space is here! Our new ticket lobby opened on June 11, 2025 and the new North Concourse and new TSA security check point opened on June 25, 2025!

And for a while, you may still be walking outside to get on and off aircraft.  Just part of the adventure, right?

More good news! Even more space is coming!

We’ll pamper you from time to time, surprising you with pop-up events with goodies and smiles.  We promise to keep you informed and give you ways to communicate with us if you have ideas about how we can make this process more comfortable for you.

Thanks for your patience and keep cheering for AVL.  We’re your airport, and in just a few short years, it’ll be an out-of-this-world passenger experience every day.

 

Back to Questions

#AVLForward

Let’s get social!  Check out recent pics, events, and more.

It’s official — the future is here! MORE SPACE has arrived at AVL! ✨⭐️🌟💫🤩 We had fun capturing moments of passengers enjoying the new space plus lots of “firsts” this morning. From first departure to first arrival and everything in between. Here’s to an astronomical milestone for AVL and our region. #AVLForward #flyAVL

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More space is on the way at AVL ✨ The countdown is on. T-minus ONE DAY for the new north concourse launch, so we want to give you a galactically-fun AVL Forward t-shirt to celebrate! 👕 LIKE and COMMENT on this post (by 6/26 at 4PM) for a chance to snag an out-of-this-world shirt. Learn about AVL Forward at flyavl.com/avlforward. #AVLForward #FlyAVL

⭐Please note: we will only notify winners through our official page and do not require you to click any links or provide credit card information.

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WHEELS UP, SUMMER STYLE! ☀️✈️ We want to know — where are you flying this summer? Beach getaway? Coastal cruises? Big city adventure? Tell us your travel plans in the comments! Bonus points if you share a photo from your last AVL departure or your dream destination.

Wherever you're headed, we're proud to be your launch pad. #FlyAVL #AVLForward #SummerTravel #WhereToNext

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YOUR TICKETING EXPERIENCE JUST GOT AN UPGRADE! 🤩 Passengers departing AVL will use the ticket counters in the new terminal for check-in and baggage drop. After you check your luggage, you will proceed to the legacy terminal for TSA screening and your gate. The new north concourse will open on June 25! #AVLForward #FlyAVL #CountdownToLiftoff

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Welcome! The new ticket lobby is ready for you. #flyAVL #AVLForward

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The new ticket lobby is open and it's gorgeous, efficient and ready for you! 🤩 Thank you to our amazing community for your patience as we continue to build the future AVL!

We are so proud to upgrade your check-in process with a beautiful new ticketing lobby. Starting today, you may enter the new terminal for airline check-in and baggage drop.

For the next 2 weeks passengers will still be flying out of our legacy terminal. The new north concourse opens on June 25th! #FlyAVL #AVLForward #WNCGateway

View on Instagram

What Our Passengers Are Saying

"I’m looking forward to our new airport terminal and love flying my hometown Asheville Regional Airport." -Eliana O. 

"We love AVL and are excited for the much needed renovations and upgrades! Can't wait to see the 'new' AVL!!" -Eric M. 

"I absolutely love flying in and out of the Asheville Airport and do so multiple times a year! I can't wait to see the new terminal when finished! AVL Forward!" -Dawn L. 

"Fly AVL every other week and enjoy the growth and progress." -Ricardo C. 

"Great job, looking forward to the the bigger and better service AVL will provide while still keeping that small personal feeling." -Maureen W. 

"Love flying through this airport. So easy and can’t wait for the new terminal!" -Ryan W. 

"My wife and I love flying out of AVL. We can’t wait to see all this great work finished!" -Michael G.

"Looking forward to seeing all the new changes at my home airport!" -Bonnie G. 

 "Love this airport. I fly in and out at least once a month." -John D. 

Send Us a Signal

We want to hear from you.  Let us know your compliments, ideas for improvements, questions or concerns.  And thank you for flying from AVL!

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