The vision was ambitious: a 275,000-square-foot facility—up from the current 113,000—that will serve the anticipated 4 million annual passengers the Airport will host in the coming years. The 12-gate terminal will be more than 150 percent larger than the old one. 

The growth is needed. Between 2018 and 2019, AVL saw record-breaking traffic, and the momentum hasn’t slowed. “We’re already seeing numbers that are getting closer and closer to that [4 million], so I would suspect within…the next 10 years, we will already be looking at expanding the terminal building to meet the growing needs of the community.”

The expansion is more than just bricks and mortar—it’s a key economic engine. “Our airport already contributes roughly $3.5 billion of economic impact here in Western North Carolina,” said Bleiweis. “It opens up the community for air service. It opens up the community for attracting other businesses.”

AVL works closely with the Economic Development Coalition for Asheville-Buncombe County and Explore Asheville to align Airport growth with regional needs. The new terminal is expected to support a 10% increase in airline seats over last fall’s record levels (which were measured pre-Helene). 

A Terminal Rooted in Place

The design process included robust public engagement, including a survey of more than 4,000 local travelers. The result is a terminal that reflects the natural and cultural character of the region. “We are building a welcoming airport terminal humbly rooted in the area’s natural beauty,” said Tina Kinsey, chief administrative officer.

That commitment to place is tangible throughout the facility. The exterior columns are tree-inspired, and patterns in the flooring serve as a nod to our region’s rivers. “The colors are very inspired by the colors you see in our region,” said Kinsey.  

Floor-to-ceiling windows bring the outside in, and electrochromic glass—an energy-saving feature that tints automatically based on sunlight—reinforces that connection to the outdoors. “It’s kind of like wearing sunglasses,” Bleiweis explained. “It keeps it cooler, more energy efficient… and more pleasing for the passengers.”

Local Touches, Elevated Amenities

Inside the terminal, AVL is focused on elevating passenger experience while maintaining its uniquely local character. The food and retail offerings will include a mix of national chains like Jimmy John’s sandwiches and Tropical Smoothie Cafe, as well as regional brands through the Airport’s longtime concessionaire, Paradies Lagardère. “They’ve partnered up with us to bring in a lot of local products,” said Bleiweis. “A lot of local beer, merchandise—things that really say what Asheville and Western North Carolina is all about.” Travelers will be able to enjoy beloved local brands like PennyCup Coffee, Asheville Tea Company, Mini Batch Bakery, and Poppy Handcrafted Popcorn. 

Beyond food and shopping, AVL has invested in thoughtful amenities, such as lactation suites, a pet relief area, work stations with power outlets, more comfortable seating, and adult changing tables to support people who travel with adults who need special assistance.

Art also plays a starring role. “We’re going to have a lot more opportunities for Western North Carolina artists in the new terminal building,” said Bleiweis. This includes a planned exhibition of work by artists from the River Arts District who were impacted by Hurricane Helene. 

Building While Operating

Executing this vision while maintaining a functional airport has been a feat of logistical coordination. “We are operating out of what we have,” said Bleiweis “We literally have to build on top of the existing terminal.” 

By mid-July, all travelers will be routed through the newly completed north concourse. “By the middle of July, everything will be in the new concourse, and you’ll see nothing of the old,” said Bleiweis. “Then we’ll start tearing down the old south half and building that back.”

As of print, the new ticketing area and TSA checkpoint are open, and gates will be open soon. 

What’s Next

Airport staff understand that transitions can be daunting for travelers. “We have engaged all of our staff and some volunteers with [identifying] vests and buttons so they will be assisting the passengers to make that transition seamless,” said Bleiweis. “Once we are in the new terminal completely, it’ll be pretty self-explanatory.”

The second half of the new terminal is slated to be complete in 2027, but the planning never stops. “We’re already making plans to move [our public safety building] across the field, giving us space and capacity to move the terminal north as we expand and have to grow,” said Bleiweis. 

At the heart of the project are not faceless executives, but real people who live and work—and travel—alongside all of us. 

“These are our friends and neighbors,” Kinsey said of the airport team. “We live here. This is our home, and we’re making the airport what this region needs.”

Learn more at FlyAVL.com.