Charlotte Douglas International Airport’s popular Overlook area closed in October, 2022, to allow for construction of the North End-Around Taxiway and future fourth parallel runway.
There’s a temporary overlook available now (keep reading for info on that), but the airport just released some information and renderings of the new, permanent Airport Overlook, which is scheduled to open in spring or summer of 2024. Construction is tentatively scheduled to begin late summer or early fall of 2023.
Why the CLT Airport Overlook Is So Popular
The CLT Airport Overlook has, for years, been a peaceful and picturesque destination. It offered a close-up, unobstructed look at planes as they took off or landed, with the Charlotte skyline in the background.
It was an ideal place for aspiring artists or photographers to practice their craft. Of course, kids loved it. And aviation enthusiasts could spend an afternoon identifying the different planes that take off or land. Families brought picnics, or bought snacks from the regularly scheduled food trucks.
Future Airport Overlook
Construction is scheduled to begin on the new permanent Airport Overlook in late summer or early fall of 2023. It will be on Airport property, just west of the previous location.
It’s a significant expansion of the old Overlook, with many much-need features — yes, including restrooms!
According to this article from Charlotte Douglas International Airport, the Overlook will include:
- Views of Runway 18C/36C and future fourth parallel runway
- Picnic tables and benches
- Paved parking for 145 vehicles
- LED lighting in parking lot and pedestrian areas
- Shaded areas featuring trees and sails
- Restrooms with baby changing stations
- Pet relief areas
- Bicycle rack
- Two age-specific playgrounds
- Expanded food truck staging area with 10 covered picnic tables
- Bus staging area
- Static aircraft display
- Exhibits featuring Carolinas aviation history
- A dedicated memorial for USAir Flight 1016
Temporary Airport Overlook
While we wait for the new, improved Airport Overlook, the temporary Overlook location remains available. It opened October, 2022. It’s near the old Overlook, almost at the corner of Old Dowd Road and Airport Overlook Drive. Drivers will need to use Wilkinson Boulevard to Marshall Drive. Signage will direct drivers to the Overlook.
It remains free to visit.
Airport Overlook Food Truck Schedule
During the warmer months of the year, food trucks and food carts were at the Overlook on the weekends. Most often, you could find Italian Ice, but sometimes more substantial fare.
Check back soon to learn about the food truck program at the new Overlook.
Photos from Old Airport Overlook
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Double-Check Before You Head Out!
We make every effort to make sure that everything on Charlotte on the Cheap is 100% accurate.
However, sometimes things change without notice, and we are not always notified. It's also possible that we can make a mistake.
Please verify all deals and events with the venue or organizer before you go.
You might also be interested in:
- Subscribing to Charlotte on the Cheap's email list
- 18 best day trips from Charlotte
- Best skyline views in Charlotte for photos
- Best food and drink deals in Charlotte
- 50+ walks and hikes in and near Charlotte
- Free and cheap things to do this week
- Charlotte art museums, galleries and events
- Charlotte on the Cheap events calendar
- Charlotte area farmers markets