Asheville Regional Airport's (AVL) Project SOAR, a 14-year runway safety upgrade that began in 2012, is nearing its final phase. The project highlights the long-term commitment to infrastructure improvements essential for the airport's safety and operations.
Project History and Timeline
Project SOAR (Significant Opportunity for Aviation in our Region) was launched in 2012 to reconstruct the over-50-year-old runway. The original runway no longer met current FAA safety standards, including those required for modern instrument approaches.
A temporary runway opened in December 2015. The permanent new runway entered service in November 2020 and was renamed due to magnetic shifts. Terminal renovation and expansion began in 2023. Groundbreaking for the AVL Forward terminal project occurred in August 2023. A new air traffic control tower is targeted for completion in 2025. Phase 1 of terminal modernization was completed in June 2025.
The runway project is currently in its final phase, with completion scheduled for 2026. Phase II of airfield construction, including a new taxiway, is underway. Terminal expansion is progressing in phases to avoid disruptions.
Passenger Growth: AVL served a record 2,246,411 passengers in 2025, making it the third busiest airport in North Carolina.
West-Side Development: 40+ acres of land It opens up on the west side of the airport. This is being earmarked for new private hangars and aeronautical businesses, which will be a huge economic driver for WNC.
Funding and Costs
The total investment for AVL Forward is approximately $400 million. This covers the runway, terminal, jet bridges, and tower.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) provided the final "cash injection" needed to finish the work without using local tax dollars.the grants released across 2024 and 2025 were the critical turning point that funded the work being completed now in 2026.:
The final paving of Taxiway A.
The finishing touches on the Central Energy Plant.
New baggage systems and expanded TSA checkpoints.
Future Impacts and Ongoing Work
Terminal upgrades include increasing the number of gates, expanding concessions and baggage systems, and improving parking. Airfield additions include a new taxiway funded by federal dollars. Challenges include maintaining operations during construction. The full project is expected to be completed by 2027, enabling more flights and destinations.
Recent authority actions include approved budgets for tower subcontractor work, ground leases, apron construction, and parking/drainage designs. The upgrades aim to support the airport's growth and improve the travel experience for Western North Carolina.