CHARLOTTE – American Airlines plans an estimated investment of more than $50 million to relocate and expand its Admirals Club at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, creating the largest lounge in the airline’s network.
Charlotte Business Journal reported the $50 million-plus estimate for the project at American’s second-largest hub. The carrier’s official announcement did not disclose a project cost.
American said the completed lounge will span more than 40,000 square feet on the mezzanine level of the airport’s atrium. The central location will overlook the concourse below.
Construction is scheduled to begin in 2026. American said its current Charlotte lounges will remain open during construction, including Provisions by Admirals Club near Gate A1 and Admirals Club locations in Concourses B and C/D.
The planned space will include shower suites, bars, serveries and separate areas for dining, working and relaxing. American said the design will draw on Charlotte’s tree canopy, textile history and regional character.
The project adds a disclosed eight-figure private investment to the airport’s passenger facilities and expands premium capacity at a major connecting hub. American characterized it as part of its continued investment in Charlotte and its customer experience.
The two cited reports do not identify a construction contractor, permanent job count or local incentive package. The investment and space figures describe a planned project, not a completed facility.
Featured image: An American Airlines Boeing 737-800 departs Charlotte Douglas International Airport on Feb. 3, 2025. Photograph by formulanone via Wikimedia Commons, licensed CC BY-SA 2.0. The image was cropped and resized, then placed above the approved NC Business Desk footer; no generative editing was used.