When it comes to major airports in the Southeastern United States, Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) are two of the most prominent. Both serve as crucial hubs for domestic and international travel. But when you ask, Is Charlotte Airport bigger than Atlanta? the answer depends on how you define “bigger.” In this post, we’ll compare the two airports across several dimensions: physical size, passenger volume, number of flights, and amenities, to see how they stack up.
1. Physical Size Comparison: Land Area and Terminals
The physical size of an airport can be measured by the total land area it occupies as well as the number of terminals and gates it operates.
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL): Atlanta is known as the world’s busiest airport by passenger traffic, but in terms of land area, it covers approximately 4,700 acres. The airport has two terminals (Domestic and International) and seven concourses (A through F and T) that are connected by an automated train system.
- Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT): Charlotte Airport occupies 5,558 acres, making it slightly larger in terms of total land area. However, Charlotte operates with just one terminal building, though it has five concourses (A through E), which are dedicated to both domestic and international flights.
Conclusion on Physical Size: While Charlotte Douglas is larger in land area, Atlanta is more spread out in terms of terminal and concourse facilities. ATL’s multi-terminal system handles a significantly higher volume of flights and passengers, giving it an edge in terms of operational scale.
2. Passenger Volume: Who Handles More Traffic?
Passenger volume is a major indicator of an airport’s capacity and operational scale. Hartsfield-Jackson has consistently held the title of the world’s busiest airport, and this provides key insight into why Atlanta often overshadows other airports.
- Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL): In 2019 (pre-pandemic levels), ATL handled a staggering 110 million passengers. Even during 2020, when travel was significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, ATL remained the busiest airport in the world, with 42.9 million passengers. The airport has long maintained its title due to its role as the primary hub for Delta Air Lines, connecting domestic and international travelers.
- Charlotte Douglas (CLT): While smaller in comparison, CLT is still one of the busiest airports in the U.S. In 2019, CLT handled 50 million passengers, less than half of ATL’s volume. Despite the pandemic, CLT experienced a significant number of passengers in 2020—around 27 million. CLT serves as a major hub for American Airlines, which contributes to its large passenger volume, but it still falls behind Atlanta in terms of total travelers.
Conclusion on Passenger Volume: When it comes to passenger traffic, Atlanta is undeniably the largest airport, handling more than double the volume of Charlotte.
3. Flight Volume: Which Airport Handles More Flights?
Another key metric in determining an airport’s size and capacity is the number of flights it handles annually.
- Atlanta (ATL): In 2019, Hartsfield-Jackson managed 904,301 total aircraft movements (takeoffs and landings), making it the busiest airport in the world for flights as well as passengers. It serves as a key hub for Delta Air Lines and Southwest Airlines, which both operate a large volume of domestic and international routes.
- Charlotte (CLT): CLT handled around 578,263 aircraft movements in 2019, putting it behind Atlanta but still among the top 10 busiest airports in the world in terms of flight volume. The airport is a significant hub for American Airlines, which uses CLT as a connection point for many of its domestic flights.
Conclusion on Flight Volume: Atlanta once again comes out on top, managing significantly more flights than Charlotte. The difference can be attributed to ATL’s larger number of gates, terminal facilities, and connections to major airlines.
4. International Reach: Comparing Global Connectivity
International flights are another critical factor in determining an airport’s size and global influence.
- Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL): Atlanta offers an extensive network of international routes, with flights to over 75 international destinations. It serves as a critical gateway between North America and Europe, South America, and Asia, with Delta Air Lines offering direct flights to key international hubs.
- Charlotte Douglas (CLT): While smaller, Charlotte still has a substantial international reach for a U.S. airport. CLT offers flights to over 35 international destinations, with American Airlines flying to Europe, the Caribbean, and Latin America. While it doesn’t match ATL’s breadth of international destinations, Charlotte still plays an essential role in connecting passengers to international locations, particularly in the Caribbean and Europe.
Conclusion on International Reach: In terms of global connectivity, Atlanta offers more international destinations than Charlotte, reinforcing its role as a major international hub.
5. Amenities and Services: A Look at Passenger Experience
The size of an airport is not just about flights and passengers; it’s also about the experience it offers.
- Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL): Atlanta’s airport offers an extensive range of passenger services and amenities, including numerous restaurants, lounges, and shopping options. The airport is home to several Delta Sky Clubs and offers luxury lounges for international travelers. The automated people mover system helps passengers move efficiently between terminals.
- Charlotte Douglas (CLT): Charlotte also has a range of amenities, though on a smaller scale compared to Atlanta. The airport is known for its iconic rocking chairs, which provide a unique, Southern-style experience for passengers waiting in the terminal. CLT offers a selection of dining and retail options and has several lounges, including the American Airlines Admirals Club. However, it doesn’t have the same breadth of amenities as ATL.
Conclusion on Amenities and Services: Atlanta provides a wider array of passenger services, luxury lounges, and dining options, making it more accommodating for long layovers and international travel.
6. Expansion Plans: The Future of Both Airports
Both Charlotte and Atlanta have ongoing expansion plans aimed at increasing their capacities.
- Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL): Atlanta is currently undergoing a multibillion-dollar expansion plan, which includes the addition of a new terminal and runway, as well as significant updates to existing facilities. These expansions are intended to maintain ATL’s status as the busiest airport in the world and ensure that it can handle even more passengers in the future.
- Charlotte Douglas (CLT): Charlotte is also investing heavily in expansions. CLT’s Destination CLT project, a $3 billion capital improvement plan, includes the expansion of terminals, the addition of gates, and the construction of new parking facilities. These efforts will significantly increase the airport’s capacity and enhance the passenger experience.
Conclusion on Expansion Plans: Both airports have ambitious plans to grow, but Atlanta’s long-established position as a global hub ensures it will remain ahead of Charlotte in terms of size and capacity for the foreseeable future.
Final Verdict: Is Charlotte Airport Bigger Than Atlanta?
When it comes to the question Is Charlotte Airport bigger than Atlanta? the answer is no, at least in terms of passenger and flight volume, international reach, and amenities. While Charlotte Douglas International Airport is physically larger in land area and serves as a critical hub for American Airlines, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport surpasses it in nearly every other category, including the number of flights, passengers, and global connections. Atlanta remains the dominant airport in the Southeastern U.S. and the world, though Charlotte’s ongoing expansion ensures that it will continue to grow as a significant player in domestic and international air travel.
Call to Action: Have you traveled through Charlotte or Atlanta recently? Share your experiences with us in the comments and let us know which airport you prefer for your journeys!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is Charlotte Douglas International Airport larger than Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in terms of land area?
A. Yes, Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is larger in land area, covering approximately 5,558 acres, compared to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), which covers about 4,700 acres.
Q. Which airport handles more passengers: Charlotte or Atlanta?
A. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) handles significantly more passengers than Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT). ATL served over 110 million passengers in 2019, making it the busiest airport in the world, while CLT handled around 50 million passengers in the same year.
Q. Does Charlotte or Atlanta have more international flights?
A. Atlanta has more international flights, with connections to over 75 international destinations. Charlotte, while still serving many global routes, has flights to over 35 international destinations, focusing primarily on Europe and the Caribbean.
