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AVL sets all-time record in 2017, eyes terminal makeover

Asheville Regional Airport continued its rapid growth in passenger use in 2017, logging its fourth straight year of record numbers with almost 1 million flyers.

An all-time high of 956,634 passengers used the airport in 2017, a 15.7 percent increase over 2016 and 50 percent more than five years ago.

"The airport has been growing during the past few years, and 2017 was especially significant," said Lew Bleiweis, A.A.E., Executive Director. "The airlines expanded their services with larger planes and more seats and frequencies to existing destinations, and a new airline and route was also added. Equally important, our region's travelers continued to use their local airport."
Western North Carolina's recognition and significant success as a prime tourist destination has been key to the airport's utilization and air service growth.

The airport is working to manage growth. On the horizon are plans to expand the Transportation Security Administration screening area from two lanes to three. The airport is also in discussion with the TSA regarding implementation of TSA Pre-check.
A new five-story parking garage is now open, providing convenient covered parking for travelers.
Last, the airport is beginning an extensive terminal assessment study to determine infrastructure and spatial needs to serve growing numbers of people now and into the future. Once the study is complete, next steps will be identified.