CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte Douglas International Airport generates nearly half of the estimated $72 billion contributed annually to the North Carolina economy from all public airports in the state, a new state report estimates.
"These numbers are a reflection of our thriving region and the millions of passengers who choose to fly out of CLT every year," Haley Gentry, the airport's CEO, said in a released statement. "The Airport values its role as a top economic driver in North Carolina and plans to continue making future investments which positively impact the quality of life for our customers and employees."
Overall Charlotte Douglas International Airport contributed $32 billion to the state's economy in 2021, according to the North Carolina Department of Transportation. That's a 30% increase over the airport's $24.6 billion contribution in 2019. Overall, the airport amounted to 5% of the state's gross domestic product in 2021.
“We have bounced back from the COVID-19 pandemic quicker than many airports nationwide thanks to the strength of the hub,” Gentry said. “Air service levels and, subsequently, passenger numbers continue to rise. The benefits of strong air service positively impact our entire community through job creation, attracting new companies to the region and providing more than 180 nonstop destinations for business and leisure travel.”
CLT airport creates an estimated 151,575 jobs and $9.9 billion in personal income, according to the state report.
As the second largest hub for American Airlines, Charlotte Douglas International Airport supported more than 43 million passengers in 2021. The Airports Council International ranked the airport the fifth worldwide in operations and sixth busiest in passenger traffic.
In February, new numbers will be released that will estimate the projected passenger travel for 2022. The numbers are expected to rival the airports' record-breaking year of 50 million passengers in 2019.
North Carolina has 72 public airports including Raleigh-Durham International Airport, Concord-Padgett Regional Airport, Charlotte-Monroe Executive Airport, and others. The state's full report can be read on its website.