Asheville Regional Airport Opens New Partial Baggage Claim

Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) will open its new partial baggage claim on Friday, April 17, 2027, as part of its ongoing AVL Forward renovation project.

The opening marks the first phase of the airport’s expanded baggage claim facility, with all passengers needing baggage claim services directed to the new facility beginning with the first arriving flight on that date.

Passengers will deplane at the North Concourse, proceed down into the ticket lobby, and follow a clearly marked outdoor passenger pathway to reach the new baggage claim area.

The airport’s Guest Services Center will also relocate to the new baggage claim facility and begin serving passengers there on the same day.

The legacy baggage claim area will close following the final arriving flight on April 16, 2027, concluding its service after decades of operation.

This initial opening represents a partial delivery of the full baggage claim project, with the remaining portion of the expanded facility expected to open in summer 2027.

Upon completion, the new baggage claim facility will ultimately include three baggage carousels, increasing AVL’s capacity to handle baggage and allowing for more efficient processing during periods of multiple, larger aircraft arrivals.

The new baggage claim is a component of the broader AVL Forward project, a comprehensive effort to modernize and expand the airport’s terminal and supporting infrastructure.

Lew Bleiweis, President & CEO of Asheville Regional Airport, stated that the first phase of the new baggage claim is a major step forward in delivering a modern, efficient airport experience for passengers.

He added that as passenger volumes continue to grow, these improvements ensure AVL is prepared to meet demand while maintaining the high level of service expected by the community and visitors.