Charlotte Douglas International Airport Completes Terminal Lobby Expansion

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) has completed its transformational Terminal Lobby Expansion, a major milestone within the airport’s long-term modernization and capacity improvement program. The project delivers a significantly improved passenger experience while maintaining full airport operations throughout years of phased construction.

A central challenge of the expansion was upgrading critical security, operational, and technology systems without disrupting daily airport performance. Arora Engineers supported the project by delivering integrated special systems design, including access control, passenger processing systems, security checkpoint design, and Electronic Video Information Display Systems. These systems were carefully planned and implemented through phased, temporary, and permanent solutions to align with ongoing construction activities.

Arora Engineers (Arora) is proud to be featured in the latest Airport Improvement Article entitled “Charlotte Douglas Int’l Finishes Transformational Terminal Lobby Expansion.”

“The firm orchestrated phased, temporary and permanent system solutions to help CLT achieve its modernization goals without compromising day-to-day airport performance,” said Heath Kolman, P.E., RCDD, Vice President and Special Systems Practice Lead at Arora.

Close coordination among the design team, including Gresham Smith and key stakeholders, supported detailed phasing strategies that balanced construction progress with passenger flow, safety, and comfort. The expanded and renovated lobby improves circulation, consolidates security checkpoints, and enhances flexibility to accommodate evolving passenger processing technologies.

In addition to operational improvements, the terminal lobby reflects Charlotte’s regional identity through architectural detailing, natural light, and integrated public art installations. Designed with future growth in mind, the space provides adaptability for continued advancements in aviation technology and passenger experience.

With the Terminal Lobby Expansion complete, CLT continues to advance additional concourse renovations and airfield improvements to support sustained growth and long-term capacity needs.