top of page

Since its inception 1937, the Airport Advisory Committee, previously the Charlotte Airport Authority, has managed Charlotte Douglas Airport. In 2013, that paradigm was challenged when Senate Bill 380 was introduced in the North Carolina Assembly. The bill was proposed in March and ratified in July. It created the Charlotte Douglas International Airport Commission, which had the same powers as the old airport advisory board. However, this newly formed committee incorporated seats from outside of Charlotte. While the old board was appointed by the Charlotte City Council, this newly formed committee included three members appointed by Charlotte's Mayor, four members appointed by the Charlotte City Council, and one each by the commissioners of Mecklenburg, Gaston, Cabarrus, Iredell, Lincoln and Union Counties. The bill also created a Charlotte Douglas International Airport Oversight Committee (the “Oversight Committee”) with five members, one each appointed by the Governor, the Senate President Pro Tempore, the Speaker of the House, the Mayor of Charlotte and the Charlotte City Council. The Oversight Committee is charged with monitoring the Commission’s activities to ensure that the airport continues to be “a best performing and lowest cost major hub airport.”

​

Ultimately, SB 380 was disputed by the City of Charlotte and was arbitrated by the FAA. It was determined that despite SB 380 to change the management at the airport FAA approval was needed. After nearly 3 years of legal deadlock in which the newly formed Charlotte Douglas International Airport Commission was in limbo the FAA ruled that a change in management could occur, but only if there was a legal resolution between the city and the state. This unlikely scenario effectively left Charlotte Douglas under the control of the city and the status quo was maintained. However, there is still a contentious relationship between the city and the N.C Assembly which has only been exacerbated by other legislative concerns.

bottom of page