CHARLOTTE, N.C. – More travelers flew the friendly skies at Charlotte Douglass International Airport, helping the facility break its all-time passenger record.

In 2017, the airport received 46 million travelers, which was a 3 percent jump from the previous year. The last record-breaking year was 2015 when CLT welcomed 44.9 million flyers. The airport averaged 700 daily departures, with nonstop flights to nearly 200 destinations including international stops in 2017.

"This is a great achievement," said Brent Cagle, CLT aviation director/CEO. "We remain focused on continued growth and accomplishing more milestones in 2018."  

The airport has been recognized as one of the fastest growing airports in the country, and is currently preparing for more passengers with its new $200 million concourse that is near completion.  

Officials say the increased numbers came from customer demand and growth to the Charlotte area. Charlotte Douglass International Airport contributes $16.2 billion annually to the region offering 224,410 jobs.