UPDATED 5/19/20
Asheville Regional Airport’s mission of providing exceptional airport experiences includes the provision of a safe environment for our employees and guests. With the rapidly changing news reports about COVID-19 and its global impacts, we are committed to providing updated information here about our efforts to promote safety and health at the airport.
N.C. Governor Roy Cooper has updated the state-wide "Stay at Home" order — the updated order went in to effect at 5:00 P.M. on May 8, 2020 and remains in effect through May 22, 2020.
Find details about what this means here.
As part of the nation's critical infrastructure, the airport remains open.

A special message from our executive director
We’re all in this together — including the team of dedicated professionals at Asheville Regional Airport. I’d like to take a moment to help you understand what’s happening at AVL.
Airports are considered part of the nation’s critical infrastructure – important to the movement of not only people in general, but possibly swift and efficient movement of needed goods and services. We must remain open.
Therefore, the dedicated team at AVL is working diligently to keep the airport safe and operational during this uncertain time.
It is important to note that some of you are still flying commercially. There are people who need air travel for a number of reasons, and our airline partners are focused on safely transporting passengers and making changes to itineraries, if needed. If you have upcoming trips planned, be sure to visit your airline’s website for up-to-date information about managing your trip. Here is a link to the airlines’ contact information: CLICK HERE.
Our hope is universal: that our collective response to this pandemic will have swift and positive results, and we can all return to a more normal life very soon. As we’ve all experienced – a few weeks can change everything. Let’s hope for a new story a few weeks from today. Stay safe, and again, please know that your safety when traveling to and from AVL is – and will always be - our top priority.
Why are airports still open and operating?
Airports are considered critical infrastructure by the Department of Homeland Security. For more information about what it means to be a critical infrastructure, visit the links below:
I need to change or cancel my travel plans to or from AVL.
Please check with your airline regarding any changes to your travel plans. Every airline's process is different. Please be aware that wait times can be long but airlines are supporting passenger needs during this uncertain time. All airline contact information can be found at the link below:
How has AVL enhanced its cleaning procedures?
Enhanced disinfecting is occurring during all shifts at the airport. Top priorities in cleaning regimens include frequent disinfecting of often-touched hard surfaces in public areas, specifically:
- Handrails and door handles
- Counters
- Hard seating
- Water fountains
- Elevator buttons
- Restroom surfaces
- And other hard surfaces
Custodial staff is prioritizing cleaning surfaces after heaviest use during the day, and also intermittently in-between busier times — and when possible, finding times to perform the cleaning while also appropriately distancing themselves from others in the public workspace. The cleaning processes will remain elevated until the CDC releases different guidelines.
CDC guidelines state that, during this time of potential viral spread, operators of public spaces should do the following:
HERE’S WHAT WE’RE DOING NOW
AVL is committed to following best practices to protect the travelers of WNC.
Currently, we have the following in place:
- Hand-washing signage
- Enhanced cleaning of high-touch surfaces in public areas (including counters, hand rails, elevator buttons, seating, doors and other such surfaces)
- Grab-and-go food options (no dine-in options)
- Temporary barriers, such as stanchions, to promote social distancing
- Employees have been provided cloth face coverings for use when 6-feet of social distancing is not possible (per CDC guidelines)
Planned in coming weeks:
- Acrylic shields at all public counters (in areas such as ticket lobbies, gate areas, rental car counters, restaurant areas and Guest Services)
- Social distancing markers in passenger queuing areas
- Seating changes throughout the terminal to promote social distancing
- Educational signage, overhead announcements and other communication strategies
- Hand sanitizing stations in the terminal (when in stock and available again)
- Limited entry to the airport terminal - only enter if you are a passenger, need to assist a passenger, or are doing business at the airport
We ask you to do your part, as well. Here's how you can help.
- Wear face coverings while in the airport and be mindful of social distancing practices
- Allow ample time to arrive at the airport before a flight to avoid crowds
- Check your airline's travel requirements before coming to the airport, as many airlines are requiring use of masks by their passengers
- Reduce your touch-points whenever possible, by utilizing technology such as mobile boarding passes
- Wash your hands often during your journey - use soap and water, and scrub for at least 20 seconds each time
If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, do not travel. Stay home and consult your health care provider.
Remember — your precautions will not only protect you, but also those around you.
Stay informed when making travel plans
If you are traveling, and are concerned about the impact of the COVID-19 virus on your trip, please consult the CDC for a current list of travel advisories and useful information: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel
Please note that the U.S. Department of State has implemented some international travel bans. Learn more here: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html/
For more information on the COVID-19 virus, learn more here:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Local information: Buncombe Ready: COVID-19
Airlines are doing their part, too.
Our airline partners have all implemented significant operational changes to make your upcoming flights even safer. Contact your airline for more information.
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