A window to the skies: Charlotte airport invites you to bask in aviation at new overlook
Charlotte Douglas International Airport is opening a new $8 million overlook Friday for aviation enthusiasts.
And there’s a lot more to do at the site for people of all ages who want a great view of planes coming and going at one of the world’s busiest airports.
The 600,000-square-foot area includes many aviation-themed amenities for the public. It was designed to inspire young people to become aviators or have related jobs in the field, according to the airport.
“We’re almost a city within a city,” said CLT Chief Infrastructure Officer Jack Christine. “Every job that you can think of we have it out here.”
CLT officials unveiled the Airport Overlook on Thursday to media outlets. It marks the fifth dedication at CLT Airport since 1937 with views of the airfield, skyline and terminal.
The most recent permanent overlook location served the community since 1989 and closed Oct. 3, 2022 for construction of the north end-around taxiway and future fourth parallel runway.
A temporary area was created during construction of the permanent overlook.
Construction began two years ago for the new outlook after the design phase, according to Stuart Hair, commercial and community engagement director. The area was previously a storage site with rocks and soil before it was cleared for the overlook.
“We really see the new overlook as an opportunity for our community to engage with the airport,” Hair told The Charlotte Observer. “We see this as an open-door opportunity for us.”
What’s new at the CLT overlook?
A retired U.S. military fighter jet, an F-4 Phantom II, is on display along with other exhibits regarding aviation history from the Carolinas. The jet flew during the Vietnam War and the Cold War.
Two playgrounds are available for children to make them feel like they’re at the airport.
Some of the features include a plane-shaped climbing structure, air traffic control tower with a slide, mini fuel truck, baggage cart and a runway near turf for children to run on.
Other amenities include covered picnic tables, shaded areas with benches and trees, restrooms with baby changing stations, pet relief areas and bicycle racks.
The site also has LED lighting, paved parking and an expanded food truck staging area.
How to visit the CLT airport overlook
The new airport overlook is at 5130 Airport Overlook Drive, Charlotte.
Visitors will be greeted at the entrance by a bright blue tail sign on Old Dowd Road. The sign was formerly at Josh Birmingham Parkway and was installed in 1992. It was removed in 2014 and restored for the overlook to help visitors find their way.
It’s open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily Admission is free.
This story was originally published June 6, 2024 at 2:01 PM with the headline "A window to the skies: Charlotte airport invites you to bask in aviation at new overlook."
